How Pets Influence Design

It used to be enough to ask clients a few simple questions about whether or not they had pets… What type of pets? How large? Indoor or outdoor? But the simple considerations from the past — predominantly fabric and flooring selections — have grown to include other things. In fact, a recent study found that dog food was more important than wine in a kitchen!? 22% of all homeowners surveyed classified a dedicated place to feed pets and store pet food in their kitchen as a top priority, compared with only 10% who voted for dedicated wine storage.

Pet-friendly projects are a huge trend in home design. Here are some of the top areas that are impacting design layout, both in new homes and remodels:

  • Special eating station area(s), generally in the kitchen and/or mud room, with extra storage for pet toys and other paraphernalia;
  • Pet entrances with screen door panels, French doors, infrared, or magnetic key options;
  • Windows located lower to the floor so pets have better views of the outdoors;
  • Sleeping and/or hiding areas built into foyer and/or laundry areas;
  • Dog showers, often in the garage or mud room, with low-level, hand-held sprayers.

Another trend is decorating any or all of the above in colours or styles which match the personality of the pets.

Article Author

MeCC Interiors is an award winning full service design studio specializing in residential design, commercial redesign, and project management. Have your spaces custom designed from the ground up or simply dressed and accessorized – no job is too big or too small.

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