HOME IS WHERE THE HEALING IS:
PETS AT HOME

Safia A Naqvi | 1 Feb 2026

DESIGN STORIES: SKETCHES, SCRIBBLES & DOODLES OF A DESIGNER'S THOUGHTS

Why is an interior designer writing about pets, you may ask...? Interior design isn't just about beautiful spaces or even functional spaces. I believe that, as an interior designer, it is an honour that strangers allow me access to their most sacred space, their home. As such, it is incumbent upon me that I not only design their home to look beautiful and function well, but also consider its impact upon their health. I truly wish for my clients to find serenity and healing in their home.

What is the point of having a stunning home if you are still miserable? Doesn't it make sense to try different strategies to bring joy into your lives? Do pets make a mess? Yes, just like human children. Do pets need looking after? Yes, just like human children. Do pets cost money? Yes, just like human children. Our animal children are also an investment that yields high returns in the form of infinite love and happiness (and unlike human children, our pets dont answer back, refuse to eat their food, or spend endless hours on their screens). Pets teach us the greatest lesson in life - to love unconditionally. They cant tell you that they love you. They cant stay up all night with you when you are ill, or make you a much-needed cup of tea or a bowl of soup. But you love them all the same; you give, and give, with no expectation of getting anything in return. And your selflessness is rewarded because what you do get in return is a heart full of love and a home full of healing. 

Stay tuned for the next instalment in this series!

One of the most overlooked (yet easy to implement) elements that begins the healing process in a home is the addition of pets. Animals and plants are the fairy dust that God sprinkled upon this earth to make it not just liveable but also delightful. No matter how many times we spot a deer or a fox on the side of the road while driving down the motorway, the sight never gets old. We still get excited and our hearts leap with joy, because animals truly are beautiful and mesmerising.

I only realised this when we brought twin Netherland dwarf bunnies into our lives. It was like someone had waved a magic wand over our home. Immediately, everyone was happier, buzzing with joy and talking about our furry babies endlessly. My teenage son, a caveman who only left his room to eat and use the bathroom, suddenly began to spend more time downstairs. He went from being quiet, moody and sullen to smiling more, chatting and laughing as we got excited about every little thing our rabbits did. I believe that he fell head over heels in love with them, and it showed. He became more responsible, taking care of their mealtimes when I was out. Everyone participated in looking after them, whether that meant changing their litter tray, feeding them snacks, doing their shopping, trimming their nails or just playing with them and teaching them new tricks.