“Barkitecture” is trending! The American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey revealed that 30% of architecture firm clients are interested in built-in rooms or kennels devoted to pets, up 10% percent from the previous year.
It’s no surprise that Park City and Wasatch Back residents understand that life is meant to be shared with our four-legged companions. In our communities that value outdoor adventures, incorporating dog-friendly spaces into your home is not just a trend—it’s a way of life.
Integrating stylish and practical design elements centered around your four-legged fur kids is all about making life easier for everyone. So snuggle up with you pooch as we explore the art of harmonious living with your furry friends with these paw-some ideas to create functional and fabulous dog-specific spaces.
Gourmet Feeding Stations
Transform your doggy’s dinnertime into a culinary experience with a built-in gourmet feeding station, seamlessly blending their dining area with yours. Consider incorporating stylish and elevated dog bowls in a nook or alcove designated just for them. Feeding stations, complete with a water tap similar to your pot filler near the stove, can be built into the end of an island or bank of cabinets to save space and remove trip hazards from the floor. Don’t forget to make room for treat drawers and pup-proof dog food storage here as well. Opt for waterproof materials, such as coordinated backsplash tile, that are easy to clean and maintain the overall aesthetic of your home.
Window Perches for Pup-Sized Views
Dogs tend to sleep much of their day, but they’ll still be cooped up inside the home for a significant stretch of time if the family is occupied with work and school. Provide your pup with access to abundant natural light streaming through windows for midday sun worshipping and the tail-wagging opportunity to see outside.
Bay windows are a great choice for pet owners because they provide a perfect place for “nap niches”. If you don’t plan to let your pooch on all your house furniture, giving your dog window perches to watch the world go by can provide them with a perfect place of their own where they can see and observe their broader surroundings. Whether it’s a windowsill with cushioned benches or a specially crafted spot, allowing your pup to enjoy the sights and sounds outside adds a touch of enrichment to their day.
Cozy Nooks and Pet-Friendly Furniture
Give your pup a designated cozy corner by integrating pet-friendly furniture into your living spaces.
Stylish crates that double as end tables or nightstands create a space where your furry friend feels safe, comfortable, and part of the family in living and bedroom spaces. Trendy furniture-style wooden dog crates or kennels built directly into the wall (like a fireplace) ensure that your beloved pet is always welcome to relax with the humans in their own spots.
As the kitchen is so often the heart of the home, dogs want to be a part of the action but can easily get underfoot as you prepare a meal. Add a kitchen cubby space with a comfortable dog bed in the island or convert a cabinet to a cozy hideaway.
Strategically place your canine’s plush or leather sofa as part of the room’s decor for effortless inclusion in your living design. Whether your pup is couch-sized or a lap dog, their sofa or bed should reflect your interior design and be far enough away from the main traffic areas to promote calm interactions.
Finally, you can even commission a professional portrait of your pretty pooch to grace your mantle or great room walls.
Puppy Play Zones
Although you and your pup likely love to get out and explore the outdoors, not all breeds enjoy the four-season elements all the time. Built-in play spaces or even their own dog room adds customized personality and practical polish to a home while giving them opportunity to play and exercise within the home.
Dedicated outdoor play zones for your canine companion can include a fenced area or agility course where your pal can release energy during your workday and enjoy some off-leash time between hikes—adding a thoughtful element to your pup’s activities.
You can also explore the world of interactive pet technology to keep your dog entertained and engaged. From treat-dispensing toys to smart cameras that allow you to check in on your furry friend, these tech-savvy solutions add a modern twist to your dog’s daily routine.
Storage Solutions for Dog Essentials
Keep dog toys, extra beds and blankets, and other dog supplies organized with clever storage solutions—such as that unused space under the stairs. Built-in cabinets, shelves, or baskets not only keep the clutter at bay but also ensure that everything your dog needs is easily accessible while hidden from view.
Create a designated spot for leashes, coats, and booties in your mudroom, laundry room, or other area that’s close to the main exits and entryways to maintain tidy and functional passage.
Pet-Friendly Mudrooms
Park City living often means outdoor adventures, and that can lead to muddy paws. Designate a pet-friendly mudroom equipped with easy-to-clean walls and flooring. This functional space ensures that both you and your furry friend can enter your home seamlessly after outdoor escapades.
If your dog relaxes in a crate, a mudroom is a great place to keep it so that it is hidden from view and doesn’t take up room in the other living areas of the home. Most importantly, it can provide a separate quiet space where your dog can retreat and feel safe during hectic times in your home or when non-dog people visit.
Dog Wash Stations
Wasatch Back residents who love outdoor activities may find that a dedicated dog wash station can be a game-changer between grooming appointments. Make post-hike clean-ups a breeze by installing a practical dog wash area in the mudroom or laundry room. Whether an elevated washtub or an enclosed dog shower, easy-to-clean materials such as tile and good drainage are must-haves. Consider a built-in, all-season drying station as well. Your pup will be fresh and happy while your home stays cleaner too.
Paws Up for a Home that’s Gone to the Dogs
In Bark City, where the love for outdoor living and furry companionship runs deep, these dog-specific spaces and functional elements can seamlessly integrate your canine family members into the heart of your home. Creating spaces where wagging tails and happy barks echo the joyous spirit of your lifestyle is the goal—a home where both human and canine residents thrive.