Our kitchens have always been the heart of our homes. It's where we cook, eat, entertain, and increasingly, where our pets love to linger. As the line between culinary spaces and living spaces blur, Kensington Scott brings you a definitive guide to creating kitchens that are not just stylish and functional but also pet-friendly.
Pets, for many of us, are part of the family. As such, they often find their way into our kitchens—either to snack, play, or just be in our company. But traditional kitchen designs might pose potential hazards to our furry friends. Recognising and addressing these can ensure that our kitchens become safe havens for all family members, on two legs or four.
A kitchen can be an olfactory paradise for our pets, especially for curious canines and felines. Store pet food and treats in dedicated airtight containers to keep them fresh and inaccessible. You could also consider integrating a pull-out feeding tray within your cabinets. It's a space-saver and can be hidden away once your pet has finished dining. While glossy tiles might look beautiful, they can be slippery under little paws. Consider materials like textured tiles, linoleum, or even cork, which provide better grip and are resistant to pet nail scratches.
Opt for bins with locking lids to prevent pets from rummaging through garbage, which can be harmful if ingested. You should also consider storing potentially toxic foods like chocolates, grapes, and certain plants out of pets' reach. Consider integrated charging docks or concealed outlets to keep cords hidden and away from playful paws and curious nibbles.
Pets adore being near us. Designating a specific area or zone for them can be beneficial. Allocate a corner for a plush pet bed or even a built-in lounge spot underneath a kitchen island. If your kitchen boasts a window, a little perch for your cat to sunbathe or a low window for dogs to gaze out can be a delightful addition.
Maintaining cleanliness in a kitchen that's pet-friendly might seem daunting, but with strategic measures, it can be seamlessly achieved. Opt for resilient surfaces like quartz, granite, or laminate for your worktops and ceramic or glass tiles for splashbacks These materials are not only stain-resistant but are also relatively scratch-resistant, making them easy to clean and ensuring no food residues attract your pets. Given that pet hair and dander can infiltrate every corner, investing in a high-quality handheld or robot vacuum equipped with robust suction and pet hair-specific attachments can drastically improve both cleanliness and air quality. Additionally, designating a specific area in your kitchen for your pet's meals, coupled with washable mats beneath their bowls, ensures quick clean-up of spilled water or stray kibbles.
A pet-friendly kitchen doesn't mean compromising on aesthetics or functionality. With thoughtful planning and design, it's entirely possible to create a kitchen space that's beautiful, efficient, and welcoming to every member of your family, fur babies included.
By following the Kensington Scott guide to pet-friendly kitchens, you're not just building a kitchen; you're crafting an inclusive space that resonates with warmth, love, and harmony.
We can talk to you at our Tonbridge showroom at any time of the day - whether it's during office hours, or a private viewing any evening of the week, we will fit around your schedule. Book an appointment now and take your first step towards your dream kitchen.
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