On many of the projects we work on, we incorporate custom features for our clients. For some, this might be a music room or gym, and for others, this might be a hidden door. More and more, we are getting requests for custom features for homeowners’ pets, especially for dogs. Whether it be custom built-in gates, a dog door, a built-in crate, a dog bath, or all of the above, we love it and think that every member of the family should be included in your home design.
To celebrate National Dog Day, we are looking back at a few of our recent projects where we did just this – design dog-friendly features for the home.
Built-In Dog Gates
Built-in gates are a great, safe alternative for homes with dogs. It helps keep the dogs in the spaces where they need to be, interior and exterior, while also maintaining the appearance of the space. At both of these homes, the design for the dog gate matches the railing for a consistent look. Plus, with them being easy to use, the homeowners enjoy not having to step over or mess with a less permanent gate.
Dog Doors
One of the more common features we add in at homes are dog doors. We most often add these near the back door but have worked with contractors to add them in different locations. If you are hoping to add a dog door or move one, we highly recommend bringing this up early on in the design process. This way we can make sure to add the door in a location that makes sense for your layout, inside and outside.
Custom Dog Crates
At both of these homes, the dogs loved their crates, and so we designed built-in dog crates just for them. Now they each have their very own space with plenty of room and that fits with the style of the home.
Storage for the Entire Family, Dogs Too
Whether it be leashes, toys, treats, or something else, the reality is that dogs have lots of stuff. In the first mudroom pictured, we designed a cabinet for each member of the family. Including the dogs. In the second picture, we installed a bench and hooks, and the homeowners chose to use a basket for the dogs’ toys. In both designs, the homeowners have a place for their dogs’ things that is in a central location and helps keep everyone organized.
At-Home Dog Baths
A must have for a handful of our clients lately has been a dog bath. While the dogs might not be a fan of this one, the easy access, convenient clean-up, and custom height helps make giving the dog a bath that much easier. Plus, since these are custom designs, each space is designed with the dog’s size and preferences, the space, and the homeowner’s routine in mind.
With each of these projects, our dog-friendly design criteria began early in the process. This helped us come up with a design solution that the homeowners (and their dogs) are happy with, and that fits with the home, instead of it being an afterthought.From dog doors to custom dog baths, our team of licensed architects is here to help you design a home that includes the custom features that you have always dreamed of. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Want to see more from our Wasatch Hollow New Build project? Check out the project in our portfolio.