Flooring — Interior Design Hound

Pet Friendly & Eco-Chic Rugs

Long before there was scientific research to back me up, I always subscribed to the theory that Dog people are more social & friendly than others.

It’s logical, right? Dogs are sociable pack animals that work in groups by nature.

Amy Kimmich’s Dog Pogo. Image: Mariachi

My new, yet unproven, theory is:

Dog people are more social conscious & eco-friendly than others.

I know, I know… that’s a big leap, but Amy Kimmich helps back up my theory.

Amy Kimmich is a Dog lover, designer, entrepreneur and a social animal with an admirable social conscience.

Her company, Mariachi, designs & creates beautiful Pet friendly rugs called Mad Mats.

Pet Friendly & Recycled Rug. Image: Mariachi

Created for the outdoors, Mad Mats are so stylish you’ll consider moving them inside. The Pet friendly rugs are available in 5 sizes and come in a variety of styles and colors to suit any home décor.

So what makes them so special? They’re made of recycled plastic bottles.

Mad indeed. You can clean the Mad Mats with a garden hose!

The Pet friendly Mad Mats are worry-free. They can get soaking wet and will not mildew, shrink or stretch.

Pet Friendly, Uberturk Rug by Mad Mats. Image: Mariachi

Mad Mats’ plastic cannot absorb mud, dirt or other unmentionable Dog messes so the rug will not hold stains…or odors.

How’s that for outdoor living?

Pet Friendly Rugs in Colorful Patterns. Image: Mariachi

It gets even better.

“We are passionate about two things “says Amy, “One, the environment, and two, fairness in the work place.

The Pet friendly rugs are made in Thailand under Fair Trade conditions.

Amy notes that, “The Thai people deeply respect life in every form. Dogs enjoy a particularly relaxed existence.”

Working Dog. Image: Mariachi

Every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day at the Mariachi workshop in Thailand!

Both employees’ Pets and stray Dogs are part of the Mariachi family.

Pet Friendly Mad Mats. Image: Mariachi

With its moist, tropical climate and a monsoon season that lasts from July to October, could there be a better place to test outdoor rugs than Thailand?

Mr. Mudpuppy below is head of quality control and the official King of mischief.

Muddpuppy. Image: Mariachi

Amy’s priorities have always been to run a business while being socially responsible and employing great work practices.

Amy Kimmich & her Management Team. Image: Mariachi

Do I really need any more reasons to be barking mad for Mariachi’s Pet friendly Mad Mats?

No, but here’s another: Amy has the most adorable Dog named Pogo.

He’s the Dog hanging out on the deck in the first picture. Looks like Pogo’s enjoying a particularly relaxed existence just like his pals in Thailand.

Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,

Want more? Check out what we dug up...

Pet Friendly Flooring: Wood?

What You Need to Know Select a Pet Friendly Hardwood Floor.

Pet Friendly Decorating: Fur Real

Questions every Dog owner should answer before trying to create a Pet Friendly Home.

Pet Friendly Interiors: Charles Faudreé

Pet friendly, French Country Interior Design with Cavalier King Charles Faudree.

Pet Friendly Flooring: Wood?

Pet Friendly Decorating: Fur Real

Pet Friendly Interiors: Charles Faudreé

Pet Friendly Flooring: Wood?

Pets are not perfect, so how can you find a floor that’s Pet friendly?

Dogs drool, slobber, shed, scratch and like to run around.

(Sounds like someone I used to know, actually.)

Chow Hound. Image: Interior Design Hound

There are plenty of Pet-friendly and stylish flooring options on the market, you just need to use a few Decorating Dog Tricks© to find the one that is right for you.

To make smart design decisions you need to take a close look at your Dog, lifestyle and wallet.

I suggest you begin by answering the Interior Design Hound’s Dog Design Questions here, because as I always say:

Pet friendly decorating advice is not one-size-fits-all.

If you’ve shopped for flooring lately, you know that there are a dizzying array of options.

Pet friendly floor shopping can be a challenge because the number of choices on the market can be confusing & overwhelming!

If you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to get lost.

The most important fact to remember about flooring is:

No flooring is 100% Pet proof.

If anyone claims that a floor is 100% Pet Proof:

They are misinformed
Trying to make a sale (at your expense)
Or, their pants are on fire.

Sparky the Chihuahua. Image: Costumes, Inc.

Let’s look at Hardwood Flooring… It is warm, beautiful and definitely can add value to your home. (Ask a realtor, if you don’t believe me.)

Today’s modern engineered woods are packed with technological advances that translate into providing more Pet friendly performance features.

Here are 8 points you should consider when selecting a Pet Friendly Hardwood Floor:

How it’s made
Type of wood
Edge Detail
Color
Finish
Wood Surface Texture
Care & Maintenance
Cost & Installation

Pet Friendly Hardwood. Image: Armstrong

How is it made?

Wood flooring is constructed in two ways: Solid Wood & Engineered Wood. Solid wood is 100% hardwood, while engineered wood is made with layers of wood.

Engineered wood actually has superior stability with its multi-layer construction. That is an important feature to note, because with changes in the temperature & humidity levels wood tends to expand and contract.

Solid Wood & Engineered Flooring Image: Armstrong

Only engineered wood can be installed in lower levels, basements, or on a concrete slab. (Called below the ground level or below the grade).

Both types of wood floors have a finish applied to the surface and you can’t tell the difference between them when they are installed.

Engineered Wood costs less and can be refinished or resurfaced about 3-4 times, while Solid Wood floors can be refinished any number of times.

Type of Wood

Species of wood have different density & hardness ratings which can impact a floors performance. For durability consider Oak, Hickory, Maple, Ash, or Pecan.

Dogs will make noticeable dents and major scratches in Bamboo & Laminate flooring…just ask around the Dog Park or check it out here.

Pet Friendly Hardwood Floor Dog Bulldog

It wasn’t me! Image: Interior Design Hound

Edge Detail

In design, details can make the difference, and it is true in flooring.

Any time that you have crevices where dirt, dust, and Dog hair can gather, I advise against it. Who wants to spend their time cleaning?

Take note of the edge detail on the Hard Wood flooring that you may be considering.

Edge Profiles. Image: IDH

Avoid beveled, eased, and microbeveled edges if you’re looking for Pet Friendly Hardwood flooring.

Look for a smooth, square end and edge that won’t trap crumbs, dirt & Dog hair.

Color

Sure, those dark wood floors look great in magazines, but if you want to spend more time enjoying your home than cleaning it, avoid dark colors with names like “Expresso.”

Pretty, but NOT Pet Friendly Practical. Image: Elle Décor

As a rule, dark colors (in any hard finish: floors, cabinets, countertops, furniture) will show every speck of dust, water spot, paw print, fingerprint, and scratch in a B I G way.

Remember, Dogs sweat with through their paws, so their prints do not have to be muddy to leave their mark!

If you have a full time, live-in staff that includes a maid, maybe. Otherwise, buyer beware!

Finish

High gloss is not a good finish for active households that include Pets & children. Lower gloss or luster levels like a matte finish will help minimize the appearance of minor scratches and wear.

Advances in technology have created some amazing advances in Pet friendly finishes, so do you homework.

Lustra-Lock Ultra was introduced at the flooring industry trade show Surfaces in 2010.

Lustra-Lock Ultra Scratch Test. Image: Armstrong & IDH

The performance flooring, made by Anderson, has a high durability factor with its patented finish. The flooring underwent scuff tests using a 3M scouring pad directly on the Lustra-Lock Ultra wood floor.

Can your floor hold up to a scouring pad?

Wood Surface Texture

For less S T R E S S, consider a distressed or hand-scraped Hardwood floor. The hand crafted look has character and will make any minor scratches from everyday living less noticeable.

There are beautiful textures available which can add visual interest and depth to any décor.

Pet Friendly, Hand-Scraped Hardwood Floor

Care & Maintenance

It should go without saying, that your floor will maintain its beauty if you use common sense, clean it properly, and are a responsible Pet owner.

Keep your Dog’s nails trimmed
Place a mat under your food & water bowls to catch spills
Place mats at all doors to wipe Paws & shoes
Place runners in high traffic areas
If you must leave your Dogs home alone for extended periods, keep them in a crate or laundry room

If you have really large Dogs, you may want to consider Soft Paws.

The vinyl nail caps were invented by a Vet, and they effectively blunt your Dog’s nails. Your Dog’s nails ability to scratch the floor is significantly reduced. They are available in clear or black and Dog’s don’t mind wearing them, unlike some of the shoes or socks I’ve seen on the market.

Always read your Hardwood floor’s warranty & recommended cleaning instructions before purchasing your new floor.

Many companies have created products to make cleaning up easier for Dog owners.

The Bissell Bronze PowerEdge™ Pet Vacuum makes picking up Dog hair on a hard floor a breeze.

Bissell Bronze PowerEdge™ Pet Vacuum

The lightweight Vacuum does not have bristles so it won’t scratch the floor. You’ll forget your broom and use it to clean up Dog hair & pet food crumbs. (Even around furniture legs.)

Even the best trained Dogs can have an occasional accident, especially as they age.

Simple Solution’s Hardfloor Stain & Odor Remover was specifically created for those occasions.