How to Have a Cozy Home When You Have Pets
- The Styled Cozy
- Feb 11
- 6 min read
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Creating a cozy home with pets isn’t about hiding their presence, it’s about thoughtfully designing around it. With a few intentional swaps and well chosen pieces, pet beds, toys, crates, and feeding stations can feel like a seamless extension of your decor instead of an afterthought.
Speaking from experience (3 dogs and a cat in this house), I know first hand how out of control and just how not put together your place can feel with fur babies. We've found unique and fun ways to still incorporate our pets while not losing the cozy feel and look of our home.
Sharing with you some aesthetic options that we've found work well for us - a busy home with two working parents, kids, and pets, that will give you some sanity back, and maybe hide a dog bowl or two. Check it out, and let me know what you've found helps you claim your space, while still being functional for you and your animals!
Kitty litter cabinets: I love being able to hide our litter out of plain sight for more than one reason. The first being it's obviously not a fun piece of decor, but also the smell! Amazon has unique options for places to put 'hidden' boxes, that actually blend in with your furniture. Here are some pieces that I love, but you can also DIY this with any thrift-store find by cutting a hole in the side!
Create a dog feeding station: This works only if you're dogs aren't grazers. Ours love their Farmers Dog food once a day, so this works well for us, as long as we are still ok with having our water bowl out in plain sight (which we are, of course), but this set-up allows us to go from having 3 bowls out, to just one.
Check out these already built ones that immediately upscale your room. Complete with slide out bowls, and the ability to store your dog food! Any time we can decant bags or counter items, you are instantly leveling up your space.
Decorative crates: There might not be ways to get out of having a dog crate for those that need it. But, did you know they make upscale versions that can double as furniture? Similar to the new hidden cat litters, you can now make your pup's space actually blend into your home decor! Here are few faves:
Aesthetic storage for cat / dog toys: I am positive you have a storage basket lying around that could either be re-purposed or used in general. We found ourselves with dog toys lying all around the house and it hit me - we have everything else in beautiful storage, why not this too? I purchased one that looks similar to what we have holding blankets near the couch, so now? Our furry bestie's toys are right next to it and it blends seamlessly in. If you are in need of a few, here's what I'd recommend. Don't forget to keep the height low so they can reach in and out to grab what they want to play with!
Dogs:
Cats:
Aesthetic stairs: If you've got a bigger pup, just disregard. However, for my 12 year old schnauzer-mix, these are a necessity to get in bed. I was so tired of them looking out of place in our room, especially after I've worked so hard to really make it our cozy corner in the world. So, I leveled up and there's no reason you can't too! Check out some of my favorite options below:
Imitation linen stairs with gorgeous wooden legs (higher price point, designer look)
Cat tree & scratching post that double as art: I have such a resistance to buying cat trees, but the one time we didn't have one in the house? Our chairs and couch took a beating. I've learned my lesson and leaned into the fact that it's a necessity, but I truly feel like I've found a workaround by splurging on cute ones that fit in, rather than become an eye sore. See what I mean!
Cozy couch covers: If you've got lots of pet hair rolling around in your house like me, then you know all about having to clean your couch. We thankfully have washable covers for ours, but honestly? Taking them on and off is still a huge pain. We've taken it a step further and purchased couch covers so lessen the amount of times we need to actually wash and clean the couch itself. There are some ways to keep your cozy and clean aesthetic - and even make it look comfier, without making your intent too obvious. Here are some options I like!
Washable non-slip ultra padded comfort topper - comes in multiple sizes and colors
Robot vacuum / mop: One thing my husband and I cannot live without? Our combo robot vacuum and mop. We probably run it 1-2 times a day, and it is a life saver. I know it's not necessarily 'aesthetic' but it absolutely helps keep my mental sanity, allowing for an obviously cozier and cleaner home thanks to not having dog-hair tumbleweeds lying around. Here's the one we have and the only one I'd say to get. (I feel THAT strongly about it):
Roborock Mop / Vacuum - she is pricey but she is worth EVERY penny!
Leash holder/organizer: Leashes, harnesses, and waste bags can get messy and tangled with a quickness. We have an organizer hung in our garage, but you can very easily find them in so many different forms and looks. If you don't have one, find some baskets you're not using and create one, or pick up one of the many available online. Think of it like a 'doggy command center' so you don't need to go to 7 different places to find what you need.
As you know, I'll never gatekeep my favorite ones.
Washable throw rugs: I have said it before and I'll say it again. I will never, ever buy another rug that I can't throw in the washing machine. I find myself washing mine once a month, unless someone has an accident. It also gives me piece of mind when my kids are playing on them, that they're as clean as they can be. I've put together some links for some really pretty ones below, but if there's one piece of advice you take from this article, invest in a cozy one! Rugs help to frame out your spaces and really bring together a room.
Rug that doubles as a pee pad - great for potty training or for aging seniors!
Washable area rug for living or dining rooms - multiple designs and sizes
Lean into warm textures and neutral tones that blend into your aesthetic, as this will ultimately keep your space calm, and welcoming, without sacrificing function for you or comfort for them.
A cozy home can absolutely include paw prints, it just takes a little creativity and the right pieces to make it all feel cohesive.
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