How to pet-proof the living room without sacrificing on decor and style
Last Sunday my friends Meera and Rohan rang me up in a panic. They'd just paid for a pale‑grey sofa, but their indie dog Bruno thinks every new cushion is an extra chew toy. 'How do we keep the living room looking good?' they asked.
The answer isn't to ban the dog from the sofa. It's to choose materials that forgive the occasional paw print and keep your style intact.
1. Pick strong Indian hardwoods
Skip soft pine. Go for teak, acacia, or rosewood. These woods have tight grains that shrug off claw marks. Because they're solid, a quick sand and a wipe of clear, low‑VOC polish can erase most scratches. Always ask your carpenter to round off sharp corners so teeth and tails do less damage.
2. Safe finishes, happy lungs
Old varnishes can smell like a paint factory. Water‑based, low‑VOC sealers are tougher than they look and kinder to everyone in the house. Choose a satin or matte look—tiny scratches blend right in.
3. Fabrics that forgive muddy paws
Look for tightly woven microfibre, canvas, cotton twill or chenille. Most spills bead up before they soak in. A quick spray of fabric protector once every six months adds an extra shield. Give cushions, sofas and even rugs a light mist and wipe up messes with a damp cloth.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
What the Market May Be Getting Wrong About Nvidia
Seeking Alpha
Read Now
Undo
Small patterns are your secret friend: herringbone, tweed or speckled boucle hide fur far better than flat colours. And zip‑off covers make laundry day simple—just toss and wash.
4. Décor tweaks that make life easier
• Toy control: Keep rattan or canvas baskets near the seating area so toys disappear in seconds.
• Food and water zone: Sit bowls on a pretty tray or a slim stone slab; spills stay contained and it looks intentional.
• Scratching instinct: Swap one side table for a rope‑wrapped post topped with a wooden tray.
Your cat gets a scratch spot and you keep the surface for coffee mugs.
• Throws on rotation: Keep two washable throws. When one's in the wash, the other covers the dog's favourite armrest.
That same fabric protector spray works on floor runners too—perfect under the dining table where gravy meets wagging tails.
5. Hardware and accents that don't quit
• Powder‑coated steel legs on tables shrug off teeth marks.
• Non‑tipping ceramic planters survive excited tails.
• Tempered‑glass tops handle the odd flying toy.
6. Expect a few scratches—and keep a tiny repair kit
Even with smart choices, life happens. Store a matching wood touch‑up pen, a scrap of spare fabric and a gentle cleaner. Fix what you can, laugh off what you can't, and remember the house is full of love, not museum pieces.
7. A quick look ahead
Designers are testing mushroom‑based 'leather' for stools—plant‑made and surprisingly claw‑resistant.
Modular chair arms you can clip off and swap after a chewing spree are almost here. Furniture is learning to adapt as fast as our pets find new mischief.
In all, pet-proofing chic isn't about plastic covers or endless 'No!' commands. It's choosing hardy Indian woods, safe finishes, stain-resistant fabrics, and décor accents that double as practical helpers. Build in forgiveness, keep a repair kit handy, and let the occasional scratch remind you that your home is full of life—and that's exactly how it should be.
By: Archana Kumari, Lead, Brand Marketing, Pepperfry
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
10 no-bake, no-cook lunch ideas for summer
When the heat is high and stepping into the kitchen feels like a workout, cooking is the last thing on your mind. That's when no-cook lunches come to the rescue. These easy, breezy meals are quick to put together, taste fresh, and help you stay cool, full, and well-fed without turning on the gas. Here's some to try when you want lunch without the heat. Curd rice with a twist Just mix leftover rice with chilled curd, grated cucumber, and crushed mint. Top it with a spoon of pickle or some chopped grapes. It's cooling, hydrating, and kind to the stomach, making it perfect for sweaty afternoons when appetite is low but cravings are real. Hummus roti rolls Spread hummus over a soft roti or khakra, add sliced tomatoes, onions, olives, and roll it up tight. It's light but filling, full of protein from the chickpeas, and works well as a packed lunch too. A dash of lemon lifts the flavours and keeps things zesty. Stuffed lettuce cups Use big lettuce leaves as wraps and fill them with a mix of hung curd, chopped nuts, raisins, and grated carrot. Crunchy, slightly sweet, and packed with cooling ingredients, these cups are easy to prep and give you that satisfying bite without any heaviness. Sprouted moong salad Moong sprouts with chopped onions, tomatoes, raw mango, and coriander make a crunchy, tangy meal. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of chaat masala, and you get a protein-rich lunch that feels light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo It's good for digestion and helps keep your energy steady. Paneer mango bites Dice paneer and mix it with ripe mango chunks, a pinch of black salt, and crushed mint. It's a sweet-salty combo that feels indulgent but is packed with calcium and protein. Works well as a mini meal or side and helps curb hunger between meals. Cold poha bowl Rinse poha and let it soften slightly. Mix it with grated coconut, soaked raisins, curd, and chopped banana. It's like a light summer version of breakfast-for-lunch that cools you down and adds a gentle boost of iron, potassium, and good carbs. Chickpea chaat jar Soaked and boiled chickpeas mixed with raw onions, tomatoes, cucumber, curd, and lemon juice makes for a tangy, high-fibre lunch. Serve it in a jar or bowl and sprinkle with roasted cumin powder for extra flavour. It keeps you full and energised without making you feel heavy. Fruit chaat with seeds Watermelon, papaya, musk melon, apple, and pomegranate tossed with rock salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a handful of roasted seeds. It's refreshing, hydrating, and gives you the right mix of sweetness and crunch. The seeds also add healthy fats and protein. Hung curd sandwich Spread thick curd on bread or crackers, add sliced cucumber, grated beetroot, and a pinch of chaat masala. It's cool, fresh, and works as a light but balanced summer lunch that's easy to carry too. Raw veggie wrap Use cabbage or spinach leaves to wrap shredded carrot, sliced capsicum, peanuts, and lemon juice. It's crunchy, raw, and packed with natural enzymes and fibre that help you stay full without feeling heavy.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Rob Gronkowski's Girlfriend Camille Kostek channels '90s vibes in a bold swimwear
Rob Gronkowski's Girlfriend Camille Kostek channels '90s vibes in a bold swimwear (Image via Getty) What if your next beach day was a throwback to the carefree spirit of the '90s? Well, Rob Gronkowski's girlfriend, Camille Kostek, did something like that. She strutted herself in bold, high-cut swimwear straight out of a glossy 90s dream. That's the mood of La Porte Swim's latest campaign, launched mid-June 2025. Model and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star Kostek takes center stage in a dazzling celebration of retro beach chic. Kostek's unapologetic embrace of 90s nostalgia is the backbone of the La Porte Swim campaign. Camille Kostek's splash of '90s glamour In a series of Instagram snaps, on the 29th of June 2025, she shared the bts one of her shoots with the team. The first picture of the post showcases her in white and pale blue beachwear. With light breezy curls, she can be seen sitting on a chair. In the next one, she could be seen in a gingham piece, with a fitted top and bottom. For this one, she chose to tie braids and pose in the kitchen. The next one featured Gronkowski himself. He was in a pastel blue shirt, and Kostek posed write beside him in a red body suit, and her hair tied on top. She also showcased one of her black jersey tops and high-waisted bottoms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Serbia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House Search Now Undo The star model then posted a number of pictures where she showed different attire. In one of she was holding a bunch of flowers, wearing a scarf over her head. Camille Kostek champions the idea that everybody is a bikini body Previously in the collection kicks off with a standout star piece: the 'Parker One Piece'. It was a sleek red-and-black swimsuit inspired by Pamela Anderson's iconic Baywatch looks. One of the campaign's most delightful surprises? The cameo from her NFL boyfriend, legend Rob Gronkowski. In a series of behind-the-scenes clips and candid set visits, the former Patriots star is all smiles, celebrating Kostek's glow-up. This is the third major campaign they've done together with La Porte Swim, and each one goes deeper than glossy poses. Last year's SoHo pop-up shop, held from June 13–15, 2025, featured VIP treat tables and brand ambassadors, creating buzz that spilled over into mainstream press. It was proof that Kostek's star power reaches well beyond modeling circles. So, which La Porte look speaks to you, red-hot Parker one-piece or cheeky retro bikini? Also read: NFL icon Rob Gronkowski's girlfriend Camille Kostek sets the beach on fire in latest photoshoot, leaving fans in awe Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
US-based Indian woman slams workplace for ignoring vegetarian options in viral video
An Indian-origin woman based in the US has sparked conversation online after she shared her frustration over being left without food at a work event due to her vegetarian dietary Misra, known to her online followers as 'The Wicked Vegetarian', said she was initially excited when her workplace informed staff not to bring lunch, promising that food would be arranged for everyone. However, her excitement turned to disappointment when she realised there wasn't a single vegetarian option a now-viral video on Instagram, Runjhun recalled the experience and called out how vegetarians are routinely overlooked in catered events, even in supposedly inclusive setups. 'Raise your hand if you've ever gone hungry at a work event,' she began, before raising her own hand. Describing the moment, she said, 'So yesterday I was told 'Don't bring lunch because we are providing lunch for everyone'. And I was so excited.'When she arrived, she saw a generous spread of over 60 sandwiches, including halal, kosher, and gluten-free options. But when she asked for a vegetarian one, she was met with silence.'There was silence. There was complete silence,' she said. She added that while the caterers made space for several dietary restrictions, no one had considered someone told her she could make a vegetarian sandwich herself. 'What they meant is what they always mean: you can take a meat sandwich and carefully peel back all the layers of meat that have been juiced into that sandwich and make it vegetarian,' she doesn't make me want to eat a vegetarian sandwich. It makes me want to vomit,' she who is a physician and medical news correspondent, said this was not a one-off incident. In the caption of her video, she wrote: 'I walked out so disappointed that they felt bad and offered to go grab me something after an hour but by then I had already ordered myself lunch because I was so hangry.'Take a look at her post here: Watch the video here. Her post triggered a wave of responses from people who have faced similar situations. 'I feel like vegetarian should be the norm, and then you can add meat and cheese if you want. So much more inclusive that way,' a user said. Another user shared their frustration with corporate conferences: 'They order a few vegetarian sandwiches that are spread out with the rest, but the meat eaters take them, so the vegetarians are left with nothing.''At my old corporate job, they would always order a vegetarian sandwich for me, but I would never find it. I found out later that my coworker would take it and throw it away before I could get to it,' one of the users said. advertisementThe incident, while personal, touched on a broader issue: How vegetarianism, especially among Indian professionals abroad, is often ignored in spaces that claim to value inclusion.- Ends
