With about half of UK households owning a pet, according to latest RSPCA figures, how can you live in interior design harmony with your furry friends?

Stacey Sibley, creative director of Alexander James Interior Design, and herself the proud owner of two Westies, offers her top 10 tips for transforming your home into a 'purrfect' sanctuary for your four-legged friend:

1. Think carefully about the fabrics you choose to upholster and how likely they are to gather fur.

Avoid: Fabrics which are a magnet for pet hair like velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. Steer clear of any delicate materials which could be damaged by your little friend, like silk.

Opt for: Smooth tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibres. Invest in quality textiles that will withstand the test of those claws.

2. Beware of any exposed wood on your furniture - an excitable puppy may see it as their new favourite teething toy.

Avoid: Furniture with exposed wicker, rattan and sisal furniture.

Opt for: Metal and chrome will leave your would-be teether searching for another toy.

3. In light of the inevitable rainy, muddy days and those early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, we highly recommend flooring that is easy to clean.

Avoid: Hardwood floors which dent/scratch easily and require rapid cleaning should a puddle appear as they can stain very quickly. If you are absolutely set of those beautiful wooden floors, then opt for harder woods like mahogany or oak.

Opt for: Laminate flooring, stone or ceramic tiles. These also have the additional benefit of keeping your pets cooler during hotter weather.

4. An all-important part of every pets' day, they need space in the home to play.

Avoid: Letting your energetic little friend run riot around the whole house. They need to chase balls, roll excitedly around and play tug of war, but there are some areas of the house in which this is less desirable.

Opt for: Creating a designated 'play space' which your pet knows is suitable for play and where they can enjoy some quality 'me' time. Keep their toys stored neatly away and out of view but easily accessible.

5. Pet friendly interiors are all about keeping your space as tidy as possible, allowing your kitchen to glisten without unsightly doggy/kitty bowls smudging that perfect vision.

Avoid: Leaving food bowls out in plain sight.

Opt for: Sliding them underneath the toe kick of your kitchen cabinetry, bringing them out for food time, and slotting that water dish around a corner so your furry friends always have fresh water available.

6. Don't overlook walls - they could become a headache to clean if you don't consider their texture.

Avoid: A highly-textured wall will attract pet fur, even if the little rascal isn't rubbing against it.

Opt for: Satin or a semi-gloss paint, helping to repel fur and to keep those walls glistening clean.

7. An essential part of pet friendly interior design must surely be the addition of a comfy pet bed.

Avoid: Mismatching with the rest of the room's decor. Select a design which will enhance the rest of your interiors.

Opt for: A pet bed made of high quality materials, creating a sumptuous space for them to relax, unwind and recharge after their busy day of play.

8. Imagine the scene - you've just been out on a fabulous walk, returning with wellies caked in mud and a pup which is now an unattractive murky brown colour. The door opens - the gateway to your beautiful home. And before you know it, your hound is through that entrance, drying off on the sides of your magnificent new sofa.

Avoid: Allowing this nightmare to happen.

Opt for: Install an entry-way door to offer you an entrance space in which to dry off and wash down your doggy before they can enter the home. Store pet wipes, dog treats and other essentials in a cupboard at this entrance to keep the area harmoniously tidy.

9. Every pet loves to peer out of the window.

Avoid: Thick fabric curtains - don't deprive them of their joy.

Opt for: Lightweight, sheer fabric curtains that will allow them to enjoy their view. If you have blinds, make sure you pull them up so your pet doesn't bring them down accidentally.

10. A pet friendly home must make special considerations for just how many accidents can happen around bushy tails and clumsy paws.

Avoid: Tables which sit too low - the candles, glasses and other breakables sitting atop may fall to their calamitous end if a tail wags too close.

Opt for: Carefully considering the space in your home and thinking about how you can avoid any unfortunate mishaps - after all pets aren't always aware of their surroundings and don't mean to cause any trouble.