Pet-Friendly Home Design Ideas You’ll Wish You Had Sooner
We’re big believers that great design should work for everyone in your home — and yes, that includes the four-legged family members who rule the roost.
Over the years, we’ve seen a growing trend: homeowners aren’t just asking for beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms — they’re asking for pet-friendly features that make everyday life a little easier (and much more stylish). And honestly? We’re here for it.
Here’s a peek at some of our favorite ways to design with pets in mind.
Built-In Feeding Stations (Because Bowls on the Floor Are So Last Season)
No more tripping over the water bowl or dealing with scattered kibble across your kitchen floor. Built-in feeding stations can be tucked into a toe-kick, island, or lower cabinet, giving your pets a designated spot to dine in style. Want to go a step further? Add nearby pullout storage for food, treats, and supplements. Bonus points for airtight bins that keep everything fresh and pest-free.
Pullouts for All the Pet Stuff
Let’s face it — pets come with a lot of gear. Leashes, collars, food scoops, toys, medicine... the list goes on. Custom cabinet pullouts are the perfect solution for corralling it all in one spot.
Think of it like a junk drawer — but organized, intentional, and totally pet-approved.
Hidden Crates & Nap-Worthy Nooks
Nobody wants a big metal crate ruining their beautifully designed kitchen or mudroom. That’s why we love building custom napping spots and crate storage right into your cabinetry.
We’ve tucked them under counters, into benches, and in the cozy corners you’d usually ignore. Add a soft cushion, and suddenly your pet has their own little retreat (without taking over your space).
Dog Showers Are a Game-Changer (Trust Us)
If you’ve ever wrestled a muddy lab in your bathtub, you get why dog showers are having a moment.
We’re talking fully tiled wash stations, handheld sprayers, non-slip floors, and raised platforms so you don’t have to bend over to scrub. Add hooks for leashes and towels nearby, and bath time just got a whole lot easier — and way less messy.
Hidden Litter Boxes (That Don’t Look Like Litter Boxes)
Cat parents, we didn’t forget about you.
We’ve designed base cabinets with hidden litter box access, complete with cute cutouts (like paw prints or arches) so your cat can come and go — while the box stays out of sight. Some designs even connect from one room to another for extra privacy (because cats love their drama).
Pet-Friendly Surfaces That Can Handle Real Life
Life with pets can be messy — but your home doesn’t have to look like it. Style + durability = the dream combo for any pet-friendly space.
We love materials that stand up to claws, fur, drool, and accidents, like:
Luxury vinyl flooring
Matte porcelain tile
Quartz countertops
Water-resistant cabinet finishes
Safety & Smart Space Planning
Good design doesn’t just look great — it works great, too. We’ve built Dutch doors, integrated gates, and tucked-away feeding zones into our projects to help homeowners control pet access without sacrificing style. Little details like outlet placement, appliance locations, and easy-to-clean materials go a long way toward making your home safer (and your life easier).
Designing Your Home for the Whole Family
When it comes down to it, designing with pets in mind isn’t just about convenience — it’s about creating a home that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we love working with homeowners to turn everyday challenges (like where to stash the dog bowls) into creative, customized solutions that make your home feel even more like home. Because let’s be honest… if the dog has their own shower, the cat has a secret hallway, and the kibble lives in a gorgeous pullout? That’s a house everyone’s happy to come home to.
We Design Spaces Your Pets Love, Too!
Let Toulmin Kitchen & Bath create a space that works for every member of your family — paws, tails, and all. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!
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