Scent Defence
- May 2
- 2 min read
We love them like family, spoil them like royalty, and let them rule the roost — but our pets are not always the most fragrant housemates. Pet odour is that one guest who always shows up uninvited and never knows when to leave. But here’s the twist: your home doesn’t have to smell like a kennel to prove you’re an animal lover. With a touch of design savvy and a few tricks that go beyond the usual sprays and scented candles, you can outsmart the pong entirely.
Let’s start with the walls. Yes, the walls. Pet odours cling to painted surfaces, particularly in spaces with poor ventilation. Try switching to VOC-free, odour-resistant paint with a washable finish in areas your pet frequents. It repels lingering smells and allows for easy wipe-downs after muddy wall brushes or post-bath shake-offs.
Next, tackle textiles like a designer, not a cleaner. Upholstery in tightly-woven, synthetic blends is far less absorbent than natural fibres. Swap out that vintage velvet armchair for a lookalike in performance fabric — indistinguishably chic, but far less pong-prone. And when in doubt, go for leather. It wipes clean, doesn’t trap odours, and frankly makes you look like you’ve got your life together.
Now here’s a trick few consider: charcoal. Not the barbecue kind — activated charcoal filters hidden in your décor. Pop one into a decorative vase near the dog bed or behind the curtain hem by the litter tray. It’s odourless, unobtrusive, and naturally absorbs airborne nasties without releasing an artificial scent.
Speaking of hidden genius, invest in an air purifier with a HEPA and carbon filter. Tucked behind a potted fern or disguised inside a mid-century cabinet, it’ll quietly clear the air of pet dander and whiffs — all without disrupting your aesthetic.
Even pet furniture can get an upgrade. Choose pieces designed with removable, antimicrobial covers, or better still, look for brands that use copper-infused fabrics that neutralise odour-causing bacteria on contact. High-tech? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
And finally — this one’s niche but magical — use an aromatherapeutic diffuser loaded with pet-safe essential oils like chamomile or frankincense. It’s calming for them, and just luxurious enough for you to feel like your living room belongs in a boutique hotel.
Forget masking the smell. Outdesign it. Outsmart it. Let your interiors be a love letter to your pet — without the signature scent.
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