Did you know that one out of every three homes in Minnesota has a dog? Pets are a part of the family, so it only makes sense to consider them in home renovation plans. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best pet-friendly home design ideas that will improve everything from storage solutions to accommodating senior pets.
Considering a remodeling project? James Barton Design-Build has three decades of experience renovating homes in the Twin Cities. Our designers and builders have all the expertise you need to make a pet-friendly home. Get in touch with our home design team today!
In this blog:
- Living room remodeling ideas for pets.
- Kitchen & mudroom inspiration.
- Outdoor remodeling with pets in mind.
- Pet-friendly remodeling FAQs.
Pet-Friendly Living Room Remodeling Ideas
If you’re like most people, you probably spend the most time in the living room. That means your pets probably do too! A lot of pet-friendly living room upgrades fall more into the category of redecorating versus remodeling, but incorporating these changes will make your space a lot more livable for you and your pets:
- Think about cord storage. Renovating your living room is the perfect time to tackle that nest of cords behind the TV. Not only will it look better, but it will also make your home safer for pets.
- Consider a built-in media center. Store-bought media cabinets and bookshelves tend to be on the flimsy side. Whether you have cats that like to jump on the shelves or a rambunctious dog that knocks things over, a built-in media center will look better and be safer.
- Get rid of the carpeting. You probably already have hard floors in other areas of your home, but pet-friendly interior design typically uses hard floors throughout the house. Not only is it easier to clean, but it can also tie your whole home design together. If you don’t want to lose the softness rugs can bring, washable options are great to consider.
- Think about wall colors. If you have pets, you know their hair sticks to everything, including the walls. Lighter, more neutral colors will hide hair and scuffs until you’re able to clean and do touch-ups.
- Upgrade your furniture. Look for stain-resistant materials made from a tight weave that will be harder to snag from pets’ nails.
- Change the curtains. Speaking of snag-prone materials, upgrading your curtains is a nice final step to make when updating your space. Look for snag-proof materials and hang the curtains so they hover rather than touch the floor.
Kitchen & Mud Room Ideas for Pets
For most people, the kitchen is a convenient place to feed pets and give them water, which can be messy. During your next kitchen renovation, why not consider a pull-out dog dish?
This ingenious design replaces a lower cabinet drawer into a pet feeding station with bowls for food and water. When your pet is done eating, simply close the drawer, and it will blend seamlessly into the rest of your kitchen design.
At James Barton Design-Build, our design team loves coming up with innovative storage solutions like this that make your life easier without sacrificing the aesthetics of your design.
Kitchens also tend to be the default entryway in a lot of Minnesota homes, so they tend to get a lot of traffic from people and pets. This can be especially difficult in the spring when your pets track mud in with them.
Get Inspired: Check out how we completely transformed this Chanhassen home with a kitchen and mudroom upgrade.
If you’re tired of constantly mopping the kitchen, you might want to consider creating a mud room. This is a great pet-friendly remodeling project that will keep your entire house feeling more orderly.
More Mudroom & Kitchen Ideas for Pets
- Install a dedicated pet washing station to keep dirt from entering your home.
- Consider a built-in kennel space where your dog can feel safe when you’re not home.
- If you have an open concept kitchen, a built-in retractable gate is a perfect way to keep your pets from getting underfoot as you cook.
- More of a cat person? Incorporating a dedicated litter box nook in your mudroom (or any other area of the home) is great for keeping things tidy and making your cat feel secure.
- Create a dedicated pet food storage cabinet and a custom nook for storing leashes and toys.
Outdoor Remodeling Ideas for Pets
You don’t have to stop at the kitchen or living room when remodeling with pets in mind. James Barton Design-Build transforms outdoor spaces, too. Here are a few ideas:
- Build a dog run.
- Fence in your backyard while upgrading the landscaping.
- Create a “catio” so your cats can enjoy some fresh air even if you live in the city.
- Incorporate easy-to-climb stairs into your deck design for a senior dog.
- Add an outdoor dog washing station near the entrance for extra muddy days.
Pet-Friendly Home Design FAQs
Do pet renovations affect my home’s resale value?
More than half of the population in Minnesota has pets, but that doesn’t mean everyone will love your pet-friendly home designs if you put your house up for sale.
If you’re concerned about resale value, think about ways that you can make your pet-friendly renovations multi-purpose. A dog washing station in the mudroom can double as a utility sink or a place to rinse off muddy shoes, even for buyers who don’t have pets.
How do I make my home more accessible for a senior dog?
As pets get older, mobility issues can affect how they get around your home. One of the best upgrades you can make for senior pets is installing heated floors. Not only is this beneficial for your home’s resale value, but your pets will love the comfort of a warm place to lie down.
Keep in mind that hard flooring can be slippery and dangerous for pets that have hip and joint issues. If you’re remodeling your home to have hard floors throughout, consider getting floor runners and area rugs that make it easier for them to get around.
You could also have your contractor build a portable set of steps that matches the style of your renovations. These can help your senior pets get on the couch or on their bed.
How do I choose pet-friendly flooring?
Tile is one of the best choices for pet-friendly home designs because it’s waterproof, which makes cleaning much easier. Hardwood can also be a good choice, but make sure you choose a material like oak, maple, or hickory that’s scratch-resistant. For a more cost-effective option, vinyl flooring can be a great option as well.
Keep in mind that hard floors cause loud noises to echo more. If you have a pet that’s sensitive to fireworks or thunder, having a room with carpet or a plush rug can help dampen noises and prevent anxiety.
How do I keep my pets safe during a remodel?
Remodeling projects can be stressful for pets with the loud noises, strangers in the house, and disruptions to routines.
- Keep food and water in a quiet place away from construction debris.
- Give your pets access to an area where they can be alone, and consider using a white noise machine to reduce sounds.
- Restrict your pets’ access to areas being remodeled with baby gates or other mechanisms.
- Talk with the contractors about locking gates behind them and preventing house pets from escaping when doors are opened.
- Stick to a routine for walks, play, and feeding so your pets feel safe while renovations are underway.
Create a Pet-Friendly Home with JBDB
At James Barton Design-Build, we love meeting with homeowners (and their pets) and hearing their creative ideas. With nearly 30 years of experience and numerous remodeling awards, we’re here to turn your pet-friendly home design into a reality.
Check out our remodeling gallery for inspiration and schedule a consultation with our design-build team to get started on your project today.
