We have two dogs, two cats, and two kids. One of the quickest ways to transform a house into a home is to introduce pets and adopt them as full fully fledged members of your family and household like we did.

In the early years, we watched as the corners of wooden furniture were chewed and worn round. The term 'shag pile' took on a new meaning in relation to our carpets, and our rather expensive leather lounge suite developed interesting and unique characteristics all its own - Characteristics which included little holes which we concluded allow the leather to better 'breathe.' along with a number of leather panels which overnight, took on a decidedly 'brushed' and 'scratched' look.

.. ho hum.

My Houzz Apron. Just in time to make my New Years Day 2016 memorable! · More Info

I sometimes ask myself the question that if I had to furnish a home all over again would I do anything differently?

.. Probably not. We no longer have showpiece spaces, but we have a 'home', and lots of memories and plenty of character to go with the place. We wouldn't trade any of that for quids!

We started with an almost modern almost transitional style and have finished with our own version of 'rustic.' (Though from time to time we have often contemplated trading rustic for truly industrial!)

My Houzz Apron. Just in time to make my New Years Day 2016 memorable! · More Info

Houzz will never tour our home; we'll let the carpets go until they uplift themselves and walk out the door on of their own accord. - Our menagerie, particularly our dogs, 'our children' from 'Neverland,' will continue to entertain us and never ever grow up. - Filling our lives with love and laughter. For us, it was a tradeoff, - 'Pretty Spaces' for our 'Perfect Place'. That's not to say that we have given up on home improvement - Far from it!

As with any family, however, our decisions consider and are inclusive of all members of our household (Not just the adults). We look for quality materials in our furnishings that suit our circumstance and our home environment. We focus on 'durable' as a key purchasing criterion. .. And discovered along the way that quality and durability go very well together. - We have no regrets and we are very comfortable with how our spaces have evolved over time.

My Houzz Apron. Just in time to make my New Years Day 2016 memorable! · More Info

So, how about you?

How have pets shaped your home improvement style over the short and longer term?

Vote and comment. We would love to hear of the tradeoffs you have made (if any) and whether you have had any causes for regret?

(Anecdotal stories that have impacted your style decisions are especially welcomed!)