Multispecies home: living in the (good) company of plants and pets

It's no secret that having a pet at home can make everyday life more fun and loving, and for many people, it also helps treat illnesses such as depression and anxiety. However, in recent years, the number of homes and apartments with dogs and cats has increased considerably, and the market for pet products has also grown. According to a survey conducted by the Instituto Pet Brasil in conjunction with the IBGE, called the Pet Census, Brazil has more than 139 million pets , including 54 million dogs, 39.8 million birds, 23.9 million cats, 19.1 million fish, and 2.3 million reptiles and small mammals. Another interesting fact from the survey is that more than 47% of pets live in the southeast region of the country. In addition to pets, plants are also companions for many residents. The urban jungle trend has come in full force, and with it, plant parents have emerged. Images and content focused on this universe have exploded on social media, especially during the pandemic, and have boosted the gardening and landscaping market. In parallel with this growth, a study by WGSN , a company specializing in trend research, highlighted the multispecies home as one of the insights that stood out in its annual report in 2024. According to the study, the spaces where we live are expected to increasingly adapt to the needs of our furry or green companions. Homes that now house several species of living beings herald the emergence of non-traditional families, with plants inhabiting living rooms and pets sleeping in our beds. As a result, many new developments in line with this trend are expected to emerge in the technology and interior design markets. Earlier this year, Samsung, for example, launched a new version of Ballie , its AI-powered home robot that acts as a personal assistant, moving autonomously around the house to perform various tasks. One of these tasks is to provide peace of mind by sending video updates about pets to residents' devices when they are away from home. According to the WGSN research, the multispecies home is linked to several generations — from baby boomers and people from generation X, who adopt birds, dogs and cats after their children move out, to millennials and generation Z, who treat pets as four-legged children and plants as companions. In interior design projects, we expect to see many new demands, such as patios for dogs and cats, dog rooms and pet showers with great aesthetic appeal. In addition, these new spaces must also be prepared to receive more thorough cleaning when necessary. Plants should also have a greater presence in houses and apartments and be displayed in innovative arrangements, such as hydroponics, creative vases, terrariums and designs with supports mounted directly on the walls.

See below for ideas for multispecies environments

Designed by Australian firm Wowowa , this is the home of a travel-loving couple with four furry friends: two dogs and two cats. The project renovated a 1970s building and created a contemporary and comfortable environment for all members of the family. Touches of orange in the kitchen and other warm tones throughout the décor reinforce the cozy atmosphere of the space. Located in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the first apartment of architect Luiza Mesquita, partner of architect Luana Bergamo at the Sketchlab Arquitetura office, is 60 m² and was completely renovated to accommodate the professional and her four-legged son, the pitbull Koda. According to her, the project incorporates her tastes and memories. “I can say that it is 50% old-fashioned and 50% young, because, at the same time that I wanted to bring a contemporary atmosphere, I thought about how we, architects, are always in transition and want to try new trends”, she explains. The concern with practicality was also paramount, because the resident wanted materials and finishes that would make day-to-day life easier, with quick and uncomplicated maintenance. A good example was her choice of wood-effect porcelain flooring in the oak pattern, instead of wood itself. One of the main requests of the resident of this 84 m² apartment in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, was that the spaces be comfortable and practical to accommodate her five cats. The project was designed by architect Nilton Montarroyos and included replacing the entire electrical and plumbing infrastructure. “She asked for a kitchen integrated into the living room, a closet with lots of cabinets, a comfortable guest room and for the house to be adapted for her pets,” says the professional. A long hanging planter runs through all the integrated spaces and, together with the floor and hanging vases, creates a particular biome in this apartment designed by Estúdio Guto Requena . The presence of large-scale vegetation in the spaces is capable of creating a specific microclimate, reducing high temperatures and improving air quality, important premises in a city like São Paulo. The highlight of this apartment , located right on Avenida Paulista, is the inclusion of over 50 plants of various origins, with various species of ferns, philodendrons, ficus and succulents. The predominant green color also covers the walls, fabrics, blinds and furniture. Designed by architect Ricardo Abreu .