There are a lot of factors thatgo into the decision to move. Maybe you need an extra bedroom to accommodateyour growing family, or perhaps you want to be closer to work. But above all,the most important consideration when selecting a new home is how it enhancesthe lives of all family members, including your four-legged ones.
From floor plans andmaterials to landscaping and community amenities, here’s how to pick the besthome for your pet — both inside and out.
An open floor plan not only makes the home feel brighter and more spacious, but it also provides pets with easy movement and increased interaction with their owners.
“This especially helps with pets that have separation anxiety and like to keep their owner in sight,” says Krystle Nehls, director of marketing for Lennar. “The design of the home can also come into play with one-level living. Villas with one main floor are good for humans and pets alike that struggle with stairs.”
Pet-proofed features can make a home more comfortable for pets — and give homeowners peace of mind. This could include doorknobs instead of lever door handles that are easier for pets to open and pull-out garbage bins with a soft close to keep pets from getting into the trash.
“Some other helpful features include upper cabinets to store toxic materials out of reach of curious pets and carpeted stairs to prevent slipping for animals running up or down,” says Nehls. “Another way a home can be designed to add to a pet’s comfort and safety is with a walk-in shower that makes the bathing ordeal less stressful.”
When it comes to a home’s surfaces, it’s flooring that is tested most by pets. You want a material that will hold up to scratches and moisture, like laminate, tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and carpet.
“We offer quality LVP — that is durable, and scratch- and water-resistant — along with resilient laminates that have built-in antimicrobial properties and warranties that cover pet accidents,” says Andrea Jacobson, design center manager for David Weekley Homes. “There are carpets that have built-in stain protection and are free from harmful substances. I also recommend selecting neutral colors that match your pet’s fur to help camouflage shedding.”
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside — especially to your pets. “Create spaces where your pets can roam and play,” says Natalie Robare, design center manager for Pulte Homes of Minnesota. Think: shaded areas for taking a break from the sun, water features to sip from, fencing that is highenough to contain jumpers, and, if you have a digger, rocks instead of mulch.Also, “be mindful to include pet-safe plants in your landscape plan and avoid those known to make your pets sick if ingested,” Robare adds.
When it comes to pet-friendly features and eye-catching design, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. “Our homeowners invest significantly in their new homes and have a clear vision for every square foot,” says Robare. “The appearance of the home is critically important.Fortunately, advancements in pet-friendly products over the past several years means that having a home suitable for pets no longer requires compromising on aesthetics.”
Before buying a new home, make sure the neighborhood and community will enhance your family’s and your pet’s lives. Is there an emergency vet nearby? What about a pet store for late-night food runs, or restaurants with dog-friendly patio seating? If the neighborhood has an HOA, are your pets welcome?
It can also be helpful to think about your pet’s personality when evaluating community amenities. “For a more social dog, pet owners searching for a home should keep an eye out for communities that are near dog parks,” Nehls suggests. “A dog and owner that like walking alone together would likely do better in a community close to a large park or trail system.”
“We truly believe that so much of the living experience comes from the community you belong to,” adds Robare. “We recognize that pets are integral members of the family, and creating spaces for them is always a priority.”
----------------
This fall, the Parade of Homes partnered with The Bond Between, formerly Secondhand Hounds, to showcase not just beautiful new homes but incredible rescue dogs that make our families complete. These stars of this fall’s photoshoot were all once fosters at The Bond Between and have since found their forever homes.
The team at the Bond Between wakes up every morning saying YES to connecting people and animals, caring for them, and helping them fill each other’s hearts. This collaboration emphasized a powerful message: everybody deserves a place to call home – people and pets alike.
“We're so excited to partner with the Parade of Homes this year because both of our organizations believe that every personand animal deserves their forever home,” shared Rachel Mairose, founder and executive director of The Bond Between.
Each Saturday during the tour, tourgoers can stop by pop-up events at four neighborhoods across the metro to meet puppies being fostered through the Bond Between. Learn more about how they build, support, and reinforce the bond between people and pets.
To learn more about The Bond Between, visit thebondbetween.org.
Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
Older homes are desirable for their historic charm and established neighborhoods, but when it comes to amenities that promote health and overall wellbeing, your 1930s Tudor may be lacking. Through strategic remodeling, these older homes can be updated to meet contemporary wellness needs, whether it’s more windows to increase natural light, a reimagined kitchen that encourages cooking balanced meals, or smart features that make day-to-day life
a little easier.
Spring is the ideal time for a fresh start — especially when it comes to your home. Whether it’s through thoughtful decluttering or permanent design changes, transforming your home can be a powerful step toward creating a streamlined sanctuary that supports your overall health and wellbeing.
“Keeping your home clutter-free and organized creates a peaceful and functional space, reducing stress and making daily tasks easier,” says Kari Campbell, founder and principal designer at Kari Campbell Interiors. “Plus, it saves time when you know exactly where to find what you need. It’s all about creating a space that feels good to live in.”
Here, Twin Cities home professionals offer their tips to transform your space — and your mind.
