Leading quality homeware-for-less retailer, Homesense, has today released new research revealing that almost half (46 per cent) of pet owners have designed their home with their pet in mind. The poll of 2,000 cat and dog owners across the UK found 20 per cent wouldn’t buy an item for their pet if it didn’t match the style of their home interior.
The ‘Barkitecture’ trend of designing your home around your pet is increasingly popular, the research finds. From stylish beds and soft toys to litter trays and scratch posts, one in four (26 per cent) carefully consider the look of a product before purchasing, no matter how much their pet will like it.
The research shows that our pets often take centre stage when decorating our homes. In fact, 61 per cent of pet owners have given their pet its own room or dedicated space in the garden. Despite this, more than a third (38 per cent) of pet owners feel there isn’t enough inspiration to help them decorate their home with their pet in mind.
With an appetite among pet owners for more home styling advice with pets at the paw-front, Homesense – part of the TK Maxx family – has partnered with interiors fan and dog owner, Kelly Brook to launch a pet and interiors content series, ‘Barkitectural Digest’. Kelly and her beloved pup, Teddy, grace the Insta-glossy spread in the style of a high-end home interiors magazine, decked out with affordable quality homeware and pet products from Homesense.
Kelly Brook commented: “I’m so excited to partner with Homesense on the launch of ‘Barkitectural Digest’, combining two of my greatest loves – my dog, Teddy and home interiors. I adore Teddy; he’s family and a big part of my life, so it’s no surprise that there are elements of my home designed around him. It turns out I’m not the only one and I am thrilled to help inspire others to design their perfect home and pet haven.”
The research also revealed the true cost of owning a pet, as owners spend over £700 on average per year on their pets, and nearly 2 in 10 people spend more than £1,000. Pets can be a large expense for some, as the research showed 15 per cent spend more on their pets than things like home improvements or even keeping their car on the road.
41 per cent of pet owners say that owning a pet has been more expensive than they anticipated. As a result, 59 per cent have had to compromise on the products they buy and 31 per cent have sacrificed their own luxuries to treat their pet.
A Homesense spokesperson said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers and at Homesense we believe you should never have to compromise when it comes to your pets. Whether you’re looking for everyday pet essentials like brilliant bowls, amazing toys or treats, or you want to create your pet’s own wild or wonderful space, we’ve got all the quality products you need. And with fresh deliveries arriving throughout the week, you never know what you might find – but you know it’ll be incredible value.
To help savvy pet owners treat their pets for less, Homesense is running its biggest ever pet event in stores with everything for dogs, cats and small animals from treats and beds to hamster climbing frames and gerbil houses – available in stores until Sunday 28th April.
Follow Homesense on Instagram @homesense_uk to see the exclusive content series, ‘Barkitectural Digest’.
