Demand has always driven the market, and the boutique accommodation sector has seen some challenging trends and requests.

Travelling with pets has become commonplace and many hotels and vacation rentals claim that they allow guests to bring along their furry companions. Some have restrictions in size, or in weight; but few really do an effort to actually extend their hospitality to the extra guest.

Here are some decorating tips by Decorating Your Small Space to add those accommodation features required when claiming “Pets are Allowed”

1. Choose durable and washable fabrics. You don’t want to be spending all your time brushing and fretting over who did what, where. Just toss slipcovers in the washer, or shake that rug out on the back porch. Expensive fabrics and pets DO NOT mix.

2. Match your fabrics to your pets fur color. I have a dark brown sofa, but a light orange/cream cat. I lay an ivory textured throw over that part of the sofa he has made his domain. You can’t see the fur, and I don’t get worked up on a daily basis over what he leaves behind. I just wash it once a week, and peel it off if I need to use that part of the sofa. Pretty, yet does the job!

3. Use gloss or semi gloss paint on walls where pets frequent. In other words, if you see a dark spot growing on the wall next to the door, where your Lab excitedly jumps up and down waiting for a walk, know you will have to clean that spot…a lot. Make it easy on yourself.

4. If you let your pet sleep on the bed, use sturdy cotton fabrics that are easily washable, and consider a duvet. Using a duvet will cut down on your laundry, and also will keep your comforter from wearing out as quickly with the repeated washings.

5. The groomer is your friend. If your pet is regularly groomed, your home will stay cleaner, nails will do less damage, and the whole family will be much happier when Spot insists on sleeping across two of your laps’ during American Idol…

6. Create pet spaces for your buddies within the design of the room. Which comes to the project part of the post! Try these pet friendly projects to create special beds and activity areas, while still working within the space, layout and look of your room.

Image Credits: Min N Mum, Ideahackers.net, DIY Network, DIY Network, Ikeahackers, DeJaVue Designs, Interiorholic