Top 10 Luxe Dog-Inspired Home Renovations

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic

Get ready to redo your home – these dog-friendly interior designs will have your calling a contractor to remodel your living space.

Do you think you cater to your dog’s every need? Have you have built or renovated your home with your dog’s comfort in mind? Now that more people consider their pooches as part of the family (as well they should), dog-friendly home additions are a common request to architects, builders, designers and decorators. And these barking bespoke creations aren’t just for the super wealthy – they work and fit into the budget of most homeowners. Before you finalize your new floor plans, take a look at our Top 10 Luxe Dog-Inspired Home Décor Renovations.

Doggie Fort: In this Minneapolis colonial farmhouse, the dog door/fort idea was something where Murphy & Co.’s client wanted a place their pup could go when he was dirty or wet. It’s the perfect built-in den – the dog loves his private space. If you can’t find him around the house, your best bet is to check his own dog fort (no girls allowed)! And above it, you’ll see that there’s plenty of cabinet space for all of his necessities. (Photo credit: Karen Melvin Photography)

Rustic Ruff: I love the rustic look and I love that Lands End Development was able to tailor the look for this “Doggie Nook.” Giving these two adorable Labs a place to chill out without taking away from the homeowner’s space, this perfectly crafted nook is located in the entrance way of the Minneapolis home. Keeping to the theme of the rest of the home, the developers took what looks to be an empty fireplace hearth and repurposed it to comfortably accommodate the home’s furry occupants. ( Lands End Development)

Tub Time: If you’ve got some dirty dogs, a squeaky clean addition, like the one designed by Four Brothers in the DC home’s entrance, is ideal for your home. When it’s time to clean up, dogs can step into the shower area that’s tastefully covered in mosaic tiles. A teak bench isn’t just a step – it also doubles as a place where pet parents can sit or kneel while helping the dogs rub-a-dub. Once bath time is over, it’s time for bed in the custom-made kennels, outfitted with comfy cushions. ( Four Brothers LLC)

Staircase Suite: Board and Vellum added a second story to this house and the new location of the staircase meant they were cutting off the top of a former staircase. That’s where the idea of an arched recess for the family dog came into play. This arched opening follows the flow of the rest of the home while providing a wonderful spot for the dog to survey both floors of his domain. (Photo credit: John Wilbanks Photography)

Outdoor Shower: Not all renovations take place inside – sometimes you need a pampered pooch station outside. The owners of this home in Lake Michigan called in Planned Environment Associates, Inc. for an outdoor upgrade. The reason behind it – both dogs and kids shed sand from the beach on everything in the home. The ‘au natural’ shower area is used by two- and four-legged creatures to hose off before going inside. And the fenced-in area ensures that dogs can’t make a clean getaway until you’re finished hosing them off! ( Planned Environment Associates, Inc.)

Raising The Bowl: Urban living can mean compromising on doggie details – but this Ottawa condo doesn’t scrimp on any of the fine points. Kariouk Associates had to think outside of the box on this reno – an 850-square-foot box, to be exact. The owner of this apartment needed a drinking bowl for a massive dog who was notorious for his sloppy drinking habits. The solution was out of the ordinary – a urinal (bathroom technology engineered to minimize splashing and supply fresh water) was installed just for the pooch. (Photo credit: Photolux Studios/Christian Lalonde)

Cut It Out: There’s a special place for everyone who lives in this home – even for the family pup! Portico Design Group designed this space for a family in Port Coquitlam, BC, infusing the home with calming and refreshing colors. Built right into the cabinetry under a window, this dog bed is a cut above! Plus, he doesn’t have to go too far to ask for treats… another bonus. ( Portico Design Group)

Seeing Red: Red is the palette of choice in this classic farmhouse kitchen that was redesigned by Barnes of Ashburton. To help incorporate the homeowner’s busy lifestyle by including the family dog into their daily routine, a built-in bed was designed right into the kitchen island. Now, the pooch can help clean up after dinner time! The contrast of red and white makes for a pretty picture, as well as adding much-need modern flair. ( Barnes of Ashburton)

Cottage Style: Mudrooms don’t have to be muddy. Take this mudroom, designed by Casa Verde Design. This cottage mudroom features a built-in dog bed tucked below taupe shelves and cabinets. Fitting right in with the look of a classic cottage, this doggie space would look amazing in any home, whether it’s by the water or surrounded by suburban nature. ( Casa Verde Design)

Pampered Pooch: Over the top décor for your dog? There’s no such thing! Take a look at the ultimate dog suite by Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating. Dubbed “La Chambre Du Chiot” (The Puppy Suite), this room shows your dog (and anyone visiting your home) how much you love your pup. My favorite item in this room is the wallpaper – called “Fifi and Friends,” it’s from Thibaut Wallpaper (in case you’re interested in picking up a roll). The window alcove is the ideal spot for your pup to admire her kingdom, while the added canine-themed knickknacks complete the theme. ( Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating)

Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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