Pet-friendly interior design ideas

The rise in pet-friendly interior design ideas is catering to our furry friends’ every want and need.

Bathing, sleeping, feeding, and chilling out can all be accommodated with clever design features that blend seamlessly with our home decor.

We’ve collated nine of the best pet-friendly interior design ideas to get your creativity flowing.

Designing the ultimate pet-friendly house

From dog rooms to hot showers, bespoke beds to feeding stations, your pampered pet can have it all!

1. A dedicated dog room

This doggy resident is one super pampered pooch. With a snug and cosy den for chilling out, a comfy fabric bed perfectly positioned by the feeding station, and a cushioned spot for a bit of people-watching by the window, this dog wants for nothing.

The standout feature has to be the step-up, personal dog shower complete with fluffy towels and chic splashback to protect the walls.

Oodles of handy storage makes this a dog owner’s dream for containing muck and mess in one dedicated space.

2. A shared boot room

This dreamy boot room ticks multiple boxes. With more storage than you can shake a stick at, there’s a space for everything, including all the pet paraphernalia.

The hardwood flooring is practical and easy to keep clean and the sliding partition door provides a contained area for the pooches to dry off after a muddy walk.

3. A dog shower

Give your pet the ‘salon-at-home’ experience (and save your bathroom from muddy splashes) by installing a built-in dog shower.

Utility rooms or boot rooms are ideal places to install a dog shower. They’re on the ground floor and usually have plumbing, which helps to bring installation costs down.

4. Add an outdoor hot water tap

Despite dogs happily jumping in freezing cold streams, many pet parents can’t bear the thought of washing them down in the garden with a cold hose. And we don’t blame them.

For less than £100 you could connect your outside tap to the hot water feed (in your kitchen) to give your darling doggy the treatment it deserves.

Search our leading directory to find a qualified local plumber for the job.

5. A pet feeding station

A simple bowl of food on the kitchen floor is sooo primal. Nowadays, our furry friends expect more.

Kitchen designs that include a dedicated food station within a kitchen island, or a pull-out, floor-level drawer under your base cabinet, are all the rage.

6. A pet bed in the heart of the home

While many pets like to have a quiet area to retreat to, most of the time they enjoy being where their humans are.

The kitchen is the hub of the home and this furry feline knows it. With a cosy blanket strategically placed on a bench by the radiator, this cat has found its happy place.

For your canine friends, why not build a dog bed into the base of your kitchen island? They’ll be perfectly positioned to hoover up any falling crumbs too!

7. An understairs pet area

The understairs area is often an awkward space, which is therefore wasted. Not in this concept.

This pooch is living its best life perched on this barkitecturally exquisite raised area within the kitchen. We think it makes the perfect viewing spot to spring into action as soon as the fridge door opens too!

8. A built-in dog bed

If you don’t have a dedicated boot room or utility space, but don’t want an unsightly dog crate in your home, a built-in solution could be just what you’re looking for.

By converting one of the kitchen cupboards into a dog bed, your pooch has a safe spot right next to its tribe. In this concept image, the slatted front panels act as a cocooning feature, but a curtain would create an equally cosy environment for your pet to retreat to.

9. A cat cave

Cat cabinets! Who knew? Yes, they’re a thing, and this concept is just an entry-level model. Cat cabinets come in all shapes, sizes, and styles so you can choose one that perfectly suits your decor.

Take it to the next level with a built-in litter tray, multiple layers for climbing fun, and a concierge on standby (ok, so we made the last part up!).

But seriously, this furry feline looks like it’s waiting for room service in its cat-themed, wall-mounted bed!

Pet-friendly interior design features

When designing pet-friendly interiors, there are a few important considerations.

Flooring

Hard flooring is arguably the most practical flooring option for pet owners. It’s both durable and easy to clean.

Rugs

If you want a rug or mat, opt for a hard-wearing and forgiving sisal or seagrass variety. Your pet will love to stretch out for a back scratch on these rougher materials. Plus, their claws won’t catch as they might on other fabrics such as wool.

Fabric

Choose furniture and pet beds with removable, washable covers to keep upholstery odour and stain-free.

Wall coverings

Scrapes, scratches, and splashes are much easier to deal with on wipeable paint and wallpaper. Go for washable wall coverings to make cleaning a breeze.

Stairgates

Keep pets safe and secure and stop them from getting into certain rooms with carefully positioned stairgates. Use an experienced carpenter to create a bespoke option to suit your decor and needs.

Plants

Some indoor plants can be toxic to pets. So, do your research before investing in your greenery, especially if you have a pet who likes to chew things they shouldn’t!

Related content: Make your outdoor space safe and enjoyable for your pooch with our guide to designing a dog-friendly garden.

Find a local expert to create your pet-friendly interior design dreams

Ready to turn your pet-friendly interior design ideas into a reality? Head over to our guide on the cost of pet-proofing your home to see how much you can expect to spend. Or, simply contact an experienced local carpenter to get quotes for building bespoke, pet-centric features in your home.

A carpenter typically charges around £37.50 per hour and can help you bring your creative vision to life.

Simply add your postcode to the search box below to get started.