It's hard to believe that not so long ago, dogs lived in doghouses. Now that they've been fully welcomed indoors, it only makes sense to incorporate our pets' needs into the design plans. Here are eight key things to take into consideration when setting up quarters for man and beast.
Photo by Karen Steffens
1. A Convenient Way In and Out
The practicality of a dog door depends on where you live and the size of your dog, but can be great for both dog and owner.
Photo by Martha Xochilt Perez
2. A Place to Hang Leashes and Towels
A resilient staging area where your dog can be cleaned and dried does wonders for a home's general cleanliness.
Photo by Matthew Williams
An entry rack can be fitted outside: here, a wall-mounted rack holds leashes for easy access.
Photo by Matthew Williams
4. Resilient Flooring
Pets spend a lot of time on the floor; it's their domain. Easy to clean, nonporous surfaces are ideal.
Photo by Matthew Williams
To avoid mess underfoot, build in a convenient place for the food and water bowl to live.
4. A Feeding Area
Photo by Matthew Williams
If a nook isn't available, prepare for kibble overflow with a dishcloth and a tray.
Photo by Matthew Williams
Bags of dog food are unwieldy, not to mention unattractive and prone to attracting vermin. Having a built-in, air-tight bin is ideal.
5. A Place to Stow the Kibble
Photo by Matthew Williams
A simple steel bin is a great place to store kibble.
Photo by Mimi Giboin
Dogs are many things, but clean isn't necessarily one of them. A laundry sink works well as a dog bath for small and medium-sized animals.
6. A Wash Station
Photo courtesy of Found My Animal
An outdoor shower can do the trick.
Photo by Matthew Williams
8. Use shades or shutters, or dare to go bare.
Photo by Kate Sears
Anything that draws the eye up increases the sense of space in a room.
8. Create an accent ceiling with paint.
Photo courtesy of Hindquarters
Anything that draws the eye up increases the sense of space in a room.
8. Create an accent ceiling with paint.
Photo by Eric Piasecki
Photo courtesy of Katie Lockhart Studio