Pet hair is one of the less well loved aspects of owning a dog, but just by choosing fabrics carefully you can cut the hassle.

Fabrics and upholstery – including sofas – should be in fabrics that can withstand claw marks and that won’t cling on to dog hair. For example, velvet and chenille are out, but synthetic fabrics and leathers are in.

You want it to be tough enough to withstand a life with dogs, and easy to clean.

This is particularly important if you have a new puppy, young dog or just a beloved pet that loves to chew. If you choose a sofa with exposed wooden legs, you may find that they become the new favourite toy.

Your best bet is to avoid any furniture that includes rattan, wicker or sisal, as well as wood. Go for chrome or metal finishings instead and you could save yourself a lot of frustration.

Whether you’re still toilet training your pup or you’re used to muddy, rainy walks, the chances are your pooch comes with some associated mess.

We highly recommend ensuring floors are easy to clean, which means choosing ceramic tiles, stone or laminate flooring. An added bonus is that these will help to keep your pet cool on hot days.

If you really want the hardwood floor, remember that it will scratch and mark easily. Hardwood is also prone to staining, but if it has to be wood make it the hardest possible – something like oak or mahogany.

Dogs rely on us for everything – and that includes enrichment, play and interaction. Designing your living space with this in mind is one of the best gifts you can give your dog.

Of course, this does depend on the space you have available but it’s worth working out some different configurations to make sure you’re getting the most of the floorspace.

To keep your stress levels in check and provide the enrichment your pet needs, don’t make the whole house available for play. Instead, create a purposeful space where your pet can be free to run around and chase their toys. You will also need some storage for toys and enrichment apparatus too.

Keeping a clean, tidy, fresh house is especially important if you have pets. And a wall that’s highly textured will attract pet hair fast. Choose semi-gloss or satin finishes as these help to repel fur.

For each dog in your house, you need at least two beds. And, given they will be heavily used and, of necessity, on display, why not incorporate them into the look and feel of your décor?

Choose the best quality materials you can afford and set up a clearly designated spot for your best pal to relax after a hard day’s snoozing and walking.

Any good walk can be spoiled by the resulting mud your beloved pooch tramps into the house. And if they get near your beautiful new sofa, then that’s really ruined the mood!

If you don’t have a porch area, think about creating one with an entryway door installation. This will give you the crucial space to clean your dog off before they get comfy. You can stack it with all the essentials you need to keep them clean, dry and pristine.

To make your living space truly pet friendly, you need to think about all of the likely accidents that could happen thanks to your four legged friend.

Do you like burning candles, for example? If you do, replace them with less dangerous scenting ornaments. Carefully consider the space you have, how low your coffee table is, how many of your precious accoutrements are at tail wagging level and figure out how to decorate while making it dog friendly at the same time.

A harmonious, peaceful home is absolutely do-able, even if you have numerous pets. By taking some of these styling tips, you can make sure yours works well for the humans and the animals in your life.