We all know our pets are our best friends. For many of us they are our constant companions. That's why as you plan your new kitchen remodel its the perfect time to factor in our furry friends. At Stone and Tile from Portugal in Fort Myers, FL we love our pets and know the importance of designing a kitchen to work for the whole family. Through our experience in designing kitchen remodels, we’ve found that if you have pets, you’ll be much more satisfied with the end result of your kitchen remodel if you think about how your pets are going to use the space as well. Well you might think well that is ridiculous — after all, my cat doesn’t cook and my dog certainly does not do the dishes. But for a moment consider these pet-friendly ideas as quite practical and that they can help not only declutter but simplify your kitchen space. 1: Create the Perfect Built-in Bed or Crate Now you could build a beautiful, streamlined kitchen and then just plop that big dog crate or bed down in the kitchen corner. Or, you could consider creating that dog crate or bed into the kitchen design so it becomes both accessible and aesthetically pleasing. 2: Consider Hidden Food and Water Dishes We all know that food and water dishes are a necessary kitchen accessory when you’re a pet owner — but that doesn't mean you want them crowding up your kitchen space. And who hasn't accidentally knocked over the dog’s water bowl a million times?! When we're designing your kitchen we can create a spot for your pet’s food and water dishes, so they become semi-hidden or tucked away when not in use saving you space and annoyance. 3: Choose Laminate Flooring Want to know the secret to keep your kitchen looking brand new — laminate flooring. Laminate is much easier to clean and it resists showing scratches. Note that darker wood shades show fur, so opt for lighter wood tones if your pet does shed. 4: Why Not Rugs or a Runner If you have a large kitchen space, choose a rug or runner to place in a location where you don’t mind your dog or cat curling up and relaxing on it. This helps keep your pet in sight, but not right under your feet. It can also help protect your floors and keep smaller pets from slipping on floor surfaces (while laminate is great, it can be slippery for paws). When you’re choosing a rug or runner for your space, keep in mind that you’ll want something that can be washed or spot cleaned easily, and darker colors show pet fur more than lighter ones. 5: Choose Pet-friendly Surfaces and Finishes While you might enjoy the feel of a waterfall countertop and those high-gloss cabinets, you may want to consider how they’ll look covered in paw or nose prints left by your pets. To avoid cleaning constantly, honed countertop surfaces and stained or painted cabinets are your best bet with your pet. 6: Keep It Clean With Pull-out Trash Bins Pets will get into garbage if allowed to access it. Keep your pets safe and reduce your chances of having to clean a huge mess up. Simply incorporate a pull-out trash and recycling bin under your cabinets to save you trouble down the road. 7: Picking Safe Kitchen Hardware When you’re starting to select kitchen hardware, we recommend you stay away from anything that has sharp edges or sharp corners. Instead, choose knobs over pulls, so that paws won't get caught, and stay away from polished finishes, so you’re not having to constantly clean them. 8: Safe Cleaning Products Once you've finished your kitchen remodel, you’ll want to keep it looking like new year round. Most cleaning products out there are not pet-friendly. Take a few minutes to change out your cleaning supplies and use pet-friendly cleaners. The best kitchen remodel features to be sure are in your kitchen design aren’t always just about specific styles or trends, they’re also about how you use your kitchen and how you live your daily life. That’s why if you need a pet friendly kitchen design Stone and Tile from Portugal is the way to go. Visit our Kitchen page online at https://stoneandtilefromportugal.com/kitchens/