Barkitecture, the art of building dog houses, has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, many people assume that incorporating this trend into their home style requires a celebrity bank account. But fear not, there are several affordable ways to add barkitecture to your home without breaking the bank. This post is all about barkitecture on a budget.
DIY Doghouse
Building an indoor or outdoor doghouse can be a fun and rewarding project, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Making it super stylish to add Barkitecture into your home style is also very possible! You and your furry BFF can enjoy practical and functional solutions too.
Build your own doghouse using recycled materials such as pallets or old doors. This not only saves money but is also environmentally friendly.
With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can create a comfortable and stylish home for your furry friend. Here are some tips for creating a DIY doghouse on a budget:
- Use recycled materials. Look for old pallets, scrap wood, or other discarded materials that can be repurposed into a doghouse. This not only saves money, but it’s also eco-friendly.
- Keep it simple. A basic design with a sloping roof and a door is all your dog really needs. You don’t have to go overboard with fancy features or embellishments.
- Choose the right size. The doghouse should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it feels too spacious.
- Insulate outdoor dog homes. If you live in a cold climate, insulation will help keep your dog warm and cozy. You can use foam board insulation or even straw bales.
- Add a personal touch. Paint the doghouse in your dog’s favorite colors or add some decorative touches like a nameplate or a flower box.
Here is an example of a Modern DIY Doghouse that is made with solar panels, super nice-looking and hand-made. I love that the builder includes a link to her plans for this too!
Remember, the most important thing is to create a safe and comfortable home for your dog. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can build a DIY doghouse that both you and your furry friend will love.
RELATED: Why Do German Shepherds Drag Their Hind Legs?
Barkitecture on a Budget: Repurpose Furniture
Transform an old cabinet or dresser into a stylish dog crate, cat bed or hamster habitat.
Revamping an old cabinet or dresser into a stylish pet habitat is a fun and creative way to repurpose furniture. With a few easy steps, you can turn an old piece of furniture into a cozy and functional pet space.
First, measure your pet to ensure that the furniture piece you choose is the appropriate size. Then, remove any drawers or shelves from the cabinet or dresser. Sand the entire piece of furniture to create a smooth surface for painting or staining. Honestly, you can totally skip this step if you are not a perfectionist (like me).
Next, choose a color or finish that complements your home decor and paint or stain the furniture piece. Once the paint or stain has dried, add any decorative elements, such as stenciling, to personalize the pet space. This is where you can get real creative, or simply paint it beige to match your BOHO pet decor.
RELEVANT: Sphynx Cat Clothes And Accessories That Match Color Of The Year 2023 Purrfectly
To turn the furniture into a pet habitat, add a comfortable bed or cushion to the bottom of the cabinet or dresser. If you’re creating a hamster or small animal habitat, add a cage or enclosure to the top of the furniture piece.
I absolutely love how this Creator used a living room wall shelf to make a jaw-dropping, head-turning hamster hangout for her furry friend! Talk about barkitecture on a budget! That turned out to be a design masterpiece.
RELEVANT: The Growing Demand For Barkitecture: Designing Homes for Humans And Their Four-Legged Friends
With a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can transform an old cabinet or dresser into a stylish and functional pet space that both you and your canine, feline or kritter will love.
Convert a Shed
If you have a shed in your yard, consider converting it into a luxury pet house. This can be a cost-effective option as you may only need to add a few modifications.
Elevated Dog Bed
Elevate your dog’s sleeping area off the ground with an elevated dog bed. These can be purchased at an affordable price or even made at home.
Cot style dog beds are a popular choice in pet shelters and rescues for good reason. They provide a comfortable and flexible sleeping surface that is easy on a dog’s joints while also keeping them off the cold floor. In addition, the raised design makes it easier to keep the area underneath clean. While buying one of these beds can cost anywhere from $60-$100, it is possible to build one using PVC for less than $30. By opting to DIY, you can save money and provide your furry friend with a cozy place to rest.
Pet-friendly Furniture
Invest in furniture that is pet-friendly such as leather or stain-resistant fabrics. This will not only make your home more stylish but also more practical for your furry friend.
Catatize™ and Dogatize™ with Pet Decor
Incorporate pet decor into your home such as dog-themed artwork or decorative dog pillows. This is a great way to add a touch of barkitecture without making a big commitment.
We have lots of juicy ideas for pet-friendly decoration; here is the list to chew on.
5 Ways To Catatize™ Your Home for the Holiday
Cat Inspired Christmas Wreaths That Make Great Gifts For Cat Lovers
Cool Design Ideas For The Stylish Cat Lover Home (2022)
Pet Lover Decor Ideas To Spruce Up Your Yard
Pawsome Dog Party Hacks: The Benefits of Hidden Storage for Your Furry Guests
Custom Dog Art
Commission custom dog art from a local artist. This can be a fun and unique way to incorporate barkitecture into your home.
Commissioning custom pet art from a local artist can be a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your home decor. Not only is it a unique way to incorporate your furry friend into your living space, but it also supports the local arts community.
For those with a modern home style, consider a minimalist approach to the pet art. A simple black and white portrait of your pet can add a sleek and sophisticated touch to your space. Alternatively, a colorful abstract painting that incorporates your pet’s name or silhouette can add a pop of color and personality to your home.
If you have a bohemian style, consider commissioning a pet portrait that incorporates natural elements such as flowers or leaves. A whimsical, hand-drawn portrait of your pet can also add a playful and artistic touch to your decor.
For those who prefer a minimalist style, consider a simple silhouette of your pet. This can be created using cut paper or vinyl decals, and can add a subtle yet stylish touch to your home.
Overall, commissioning custom pet art from a local artist is a great way to incorporate barkitecture into your home. Whether you have a modern, bohemian, or minimalist style, there are endless possibilities for creating a unique and personalized piece of art that celebrates your furry friend.
It will also make a great conversation piece at your next cat or dog party.
Outdoor Oasis
Create an outdoor oasis for your dog with a fenced-in area, dog pool, and shaded area. This is a great way to give your dog their own space and promote outdoor activity.
Build a catio for your feline BFF. Cats love outdoor time and building a catio is a purrfect way to offer them sunshine and fresh air safely!
If an entire catio is just a little too much, consider building or buying a window catio!
RELEVANT: Window to the World: An Innovative Catio Design for Your Cat
This post is all about Barkitecture on a budget.
Dog-friendly Landscaping
Incorporate dog-friendly landscaping such as artificial turf or pet-friendly plants. This not only adds to your home’s curb appeal but also provides a safe and enjoyable space for your dog.
Pet-friendly Flooring
Invest in flooring that is durable and easy to clean such as hardwood or tile. This will not only make your home more practical for your dog but also more stylish.
Incorporating barkitecture into your home style doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a stylish and practical home for both you and your furry friend.
Why Kritter Kommunity
Lisa Illman, the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC, has extensive experience in caring for cats of all ages, including her own tuxedo male adult cat, whom she has had since he was a kitten. Lisa’s innovative spirit was inspired by her two FIV-positive cats, whom she wanted to keep safe while outside, leading her to invent a cat enclosure that eventually turned into a line of portable catios. Her business acumen combined with her love for felines makes her a reliable partner for cat enthusiasts. Lisa and her cat Finnegan test and review pet products to provide valuable feedback to readers. Additionally, Lisa’s creativity extends to barkitecture, as she has designed safe and stylish outdoor enclosures for dogs as well.
