It’s no secret that pets are some of our most important family members. From a cat or dog to a beautiful bird, all pet parents want to give their best friends a comfortable space and lots of love. One way you can make your pet’s life better is by providing them with a cozy, convenient pet nook. This designated space will give your animal companion their own little part of the home where they can sleep, eat, and feel comfortable. Read on to discover how to design your very own special pet room to make your pet’s life at home the best it can be. This post is all about how to design the perfect pet nook for your furry friend.
Planning
Before you have fun decorating your pet nook, there are some key things to do before you start.
Planning ahead will ensure that this new space for your pet is safe and convenient for everyone in the family.
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Prioritize Pet Nook Safety
Design a pet nook that is safe.
Choose a place that’s safe for your pet where they cannot accidentally escape. Ensure that they don’t have access to potentially dangerous items like paints, household chemicals, or anything else that pets could accidentally ingest.
Measure the area you choose to ensure that your companion will have plenty of room and won’t feel claustrophobic or crowded. The area should be quiet and comfortable, away from outside noise so that your pet will feel at ease.
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Location, location, location
There are plenty of areas you can use as a designated pet space.
Brainstorm some spots inside your home that are currently going unused or areas where you just cram things away for storage. Whether it’s a spot underneath the stairs, a corner of your laundry room, or a section of your kitchen, determine which location will be best for you and your pet before you start designing it.
Designing Pet Space
Title: Creating Cozy Pet Nooks in Your Pet Rooms: Designs for Dogs and Cats
Introduction
As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best for our furry friends. Whether it’s a dedicated pet room or a special corner in your living space, creating pet nooks can add an extra layer of comfort and security for our beloved companions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some wonderful pet nook design ideas for both dogs and cats, incorporating elements like coziness, hidden storage, built-in features, and even a touch of “barkitecture.”
Pet Nooks for Cats
Cats, with their independent nature, enjoy having a place to call their own. A well-designed pet nook can be their sanctuary and a perfect spot for relaxation.
Pet Nook Design Ideas for Cats
| Design Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Feline Hideaway | Create a cozy, secluded space using a covered cat bed or a cat-specific teepee or tent. |
| 2. Wall-mounted Shelf | Install a floating shelf on the wall with a soft cushion, allowing your cat to observe from above. |
| 3. Window Perch | Design a window perch with plush padding, offering a warm spot for basking in the sunlight. |
| 4. Cat Cave | Build a custom-built cat cave with hidden storage, providing a sense of security for your feline. |
| 5. Cat Tree Nook | Incorporate a cat tree into a corner, complete with scratching posts and a snuggly top perch. |
Pet Nooks for Dogs
Dogs are social animals that love being close to their humans. A well-designed pet nook for dogs can be a cozy retreat that also enhances your home’s aesthetics.
Pet Nook Design Ideas for Dogs:
| Design Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Canine Cozy Corner | Set up a corner in your living room with a soft dog bed, blankets, and their favorite toys. |
| 2. Built-in Dog Crate | Integrate a dog crate seamlessly into your furniture, making it a hidden and stylish resting spot. |
| 3. Dog Window Seat | Build a window seat with a cushion where your dog can look outside, enjoying the view and fresh air. |
| 4. Paw-fect Reading Nook | Design a reading nook with a built-in dog bed below, allowing you both to enjoy quality time. |
| 5. Barkitecture Dog House | Construct a stylish dog house within the room, designed to complement your home’s overall decor. |
Creating pet nooks in your pet rooms not only provides a cozy and secure space for your pets but also enhances the bond between you and your furry companions. Whether you have a cat or a dog, there are various design ideas to choose from, incorporating hidden storage, built-in elements, and a touch of “barkitecture” to match your home’s style.
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Why Is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Pet Partner?
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. Growing up, Lisa had a poodle and parakeet as family pets. She currently has a tuxedo male cat and she has had him since he was a baby kitten; so Lisa knows well the kitten lifecycle, the teenage cat lifecycle and the adult cat lifecycle (he is currently 11 years old). Prior to her cat Finnegan, Lisa had two FIV positive cats for a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. She brought the product to market and eventually designed a line of portable catios; they sold on Amazon, Skymall Catalogue, Wayfair and countless other websites. Lisa understands the passion for Barkitecture! Her experience being a pet parent coupled with her business development and product management experience make her a trusted pet enthusiast partner.
Remember to consider your pet’s preferences and behaviors when designing their nook. Cats may prefer elevated spaces and hideaways, while dogs might enjoy being closer to you and observing the outdoors. By incorporating these elements into your pet’s nook, you’ll create a space that your pet will love and cherish for years to come. Happy designing!
Image from decoist.com
Whether it’s an entire room or just a cozy corner, here are some suggestions to help you determine which option will be the best for you and your pet.
Pet Room
Giving your pet an entire room is quite a gesture! It can also be convenient if you have a large dog or tons of extra space. If you design a pet room, make it into its own little bedroom for your pet. This way they can take comfy naps or retire for the night. If you have a cat, add a nice perch to a sunny window so they can enjoy the view. Look at how the room is laid out. Next, think about new ways to adapt it to fit your pet’s unique needs.
Unlike a complete room, a nook carves out a small part of an existing room for your pet to enjoy. This area can be a perfect spot to place a bed and a few toys. This way, they always know where to rest and recharge.
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Pet nooks can be anywhere you want. Choosing a unique living room descor that features a built-in cubby to setting up a corner of your eat-in kitchen. A section of your laundry room is another excellent option. And it’s also a perfect place to store leashes, extra dog food, and toys.
Pet Spa
If you have the means, consider designing a special pet spa for your home. This grooming station will give you a place to bathe and groom your dog without having to drag them to the groomer’s every time their coat needs some TLC.
A pet spa is beneficial if you have dogs that love to get muddy and messy outside. Design a pet spa that is ideal for your dog. Consider breed, temperament, size and age. These will all be important factors when picking out accessories and appliances.
Contact a bathroom remodeling contractor to find out how to incorporate an exceptional dog bath or grooming station into an existing bathroom. You can also opt to have one built from scratch if you have the means to do so.
Pet Nook Design Ideas
If you need some inspiration, here are a few creative pet nook ideas to help you get started.
In the kitchen. Look for a part of your kitchen that tends to go unused and make that your special pet nook. Place a small dog or cat bed there along with your pet’s food and water bowl. You can use a section of your kitchen cabinets and counters to store all of your pet’s food, toys, and medications. This is an easy way to design a quick pet nook, and since the kitchen flooring design is all ready to handle spills and messes, it’s a perfect spot.
In the entryway. If your home has a decent-sized entryway or foyer, use part of it as your pet nook. You can add a beautiful wooden pet crate that doubles as a comfortable bench for guests. Try to incorporate your pet’s furniture into the entryway so that it blends nicely but still gives them a comfortable space where they can rest and relax.
Under the stairs. If you have a hollow space underneath your stairway, consider making this a comfy pet nook. Cut a hole out for entry and exit, and add soft carpeting as well as a comfy, cushy bed. This special nook under the stairs gives your pet a place to “hide” where they’ll feel safe and secure while also giving them their own private space that’s out of the way.
Laundry room. A laundry room is a great place to create a pet nook, mainly because the floors are usually already designed to handle moisture and messes. Pick a spot in this room for a dog bed and install shelving to store pet food, treats, and other items so that everything is close at hand. You can also use an empty lower cabinet if it’s available and transform it into a cozy bed.
Fit into your furniture. From sofas and chairs to tables, there are lots of unique ideas you can use to incorporate a pet cubby into your furniture. Many companies make these products especially for pet owners so their furry friends can be near the rest of the family. Look for special pet furniture that is spacious enough for your companion to be comfortable yet cozy enough for them to feel like they’re safe and “hidden” whenever they go inside it.
Designing and Organizing Your Pet Nook
Bonus: Designing Tips for Pet Rooms
Designing a pet room that incorporates pet nooks can be a rewarding project. Here are some special tips to consider when creating the ultimate pet-friendly space:
- Safety First: Before starting any design work, ensure that the pet room is a safe environment for your furry friends. Remove any hazardous items or substances that could be harmful to them.
- Flooring Considerations: Choose pet-friendly flooring that is easy to clean and durable. Hardwood floors or tiles are excellent choices, as they are less likely to trap pet hair and odors.
- Cozy Flooring Options: Add soft rugs or pet-friendly carpets to the room to provide a warm and comfortable surface for your pets to walk and rest on.
- Pet-Proof Furniture: If you plan to incorporate furniture into the pet room, opt for pet-proof materials that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
- Storage Solutions: Utilize hidden storage options in your pet nooks to keep pet toys, treats, and other essentials organized and out of sight.
- Personalize the Space: Add some personal touches to the pet room, such as framed pictures of your pets, their nameplates, or paw-print wall decals.
- Temperature Control: Ensure the pet room maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year. In hot climates, consider installing a pet-friendly cooling system, and in colder regions, provide cozy blankets or heated beds.
- Interactive Features: Incorporate interactive toys or climbing structures for cats to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- Scent Considerations: Use pet-friendly air fresheners or odor eliminators to keep the room smelling fresh and clean.
- Pet-Safe Plants: If you plan to have plants in the room, ensure they are non-toxic to pets. Research pet-safe plant options to add a touch of greenery.
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Establish a regular cleaning routine to keep the pet room tidy and hygienic for both your pets and yourself.
- Ample Lighting: Provide adequate lighting in the pet room, ensuring your pets have a well-lit and safe space.
Remember, the key to designing a pet room with cozy pet nooks is to consider your pets’ individual preferences and needs. Each pet is unique, and their nooks should reflect their personalities and behaviors. With a little creativity and consideration, you can create a pet room that not only complements your home’s interior but also becomes a beloved sanctuary for your furry companions. Happy designing!
Image from decoist.com
Here are some simple suggestions to help you put the finishing touches on your new pet nook:
Color scheme. Pick out a paint color that you can add easily to the pet nook.
Darker colors won’t show scuffs or marks as easily as lighter ones will. Choose a quality paint that’s easy to wipe clean. Add pillows and accessories in a complementary color for a beautiful finishing touch.
Include a spot for toys. Place a basket filled with toys near your pet’s bed or in the nook, so they have access to their favorites.
Install hooks. Wall hooks are perfect for leashes, extra collars, and other pet accessories. Install some hooks nearby so that you can grab whatever you need and go.
Multi-purpose furniture. Get more from your pet nook by adding multifunctional furniture. Try using stuff like a storage bench that doubles as a bed. A platform-style pet bed with a food and water bowl drawer underneath is an ideal piece too.
Choose the right dog crate. Your dog crate should be roomy and give your best friend the ability to look outside. A piece of living room furniture like a side table with a built-in dog crate works well since the dog will still be able to stay near the rest of the family.
Provide the right bed. Make sure your pet has a comfortable, soft bed that gives them lots of support. Look for cat and dog beds made of memory foam with a plush cover so they feel comfy and sleep soundly. Machine-washable pet beds make keeping them clean much more convenient, too. You can also find a pet bed with a removable, washable cover.
Choose the right flooring. If you’re designing a brand-new pet nook, make sure you install durable flooring that’s waterproof and easy to clean. Stone tile and concrete, as well as luxury vinyl, are all excellent choices since this material is inexpensive and cleans up nicely.
Include a food station. Set up a feeding area for your pet in his or her nook so that everything is together. A food station with a stand that holds their food and water bowl is a great option.
Other considerations
Here are a few other things to consider when you design your pet nook.
Make it peaceful. Locate the nook in a quiet part of your home where noises won’t distract your pet or keep them from sleeping. The quieter the area is, the more your pet will want to use it.
Build around it. Have some fun and build around your pet nook by adding a structure with storage drawers or a pull-out food bowl. If the pet nook is under the stairs, create a cute “doghouse” design around the entrance to give it some personality.
Design it to fit your home décor. You want your pet nook to be part of your home rather than make it feel like it’s an entirely separate space, so design the spot to fit in with your existing home décor. You can do this by choosing a similar color scheme and materials that coordinate with the rest of the home. For example, if your home is modern, add a modern-inspired pet bed or pet furniture to the nook. If you love the rustic look, add a charming floral printed bed to the nook for a sweet touch.
Show your pet the love they deserve with a beautiful pet nook. The possibilities are endless!
From a space in your kitchen or to a secret pet bed under the stairs, you can design a pet nook.
Some simple planning will help you create a part of your home that’s reserved just for your most beloved family members.
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. She has a tuxedo adult cat and has had him since he was a baby kitten. Before her cat Finnegan, Lisa had had two FIV-positive cats for over a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure and a portable catio so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Lisa had a Poodle and a parakeet growing up. She currently loves to pet-sit for her neighbors’ dogs and cats.
Why is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Partner?
Our mission at Kritter Kommunity is to promote happy and healthy lives for pets and their owners. We specialize in Barkitecture and designing tips for pet-friendly homes, utilizing the natural instincts of cats, dogs, and small critters to create a home life that pets and people love. From tips on pet care to reviews on pet toys and furniture, we are a go-to source for all things cats, dogs and small critters. Join us in celebrating the joys of pet ownership and providing the best possible lives for our furry friends.
Originally posted on Porch.com
