Our furry friends have become an increasing consideration for both interior, as well as, exterior home design. For several years, the National Kitchen and Bath Association has included “pet friendly” as a design trend homeowner are asking about for new home builds and remodels. Recent statistics show more than 60 percent of homeowners mention their pets and pet friendly additions when they talk to a designer. Designers have used creative cabinet combinations to help make areas more pet friendly and now cabinet companies are acknowledging the trend by creating specific cabinet storage features to keep pet food and treats fresh and store dog related food and drink bowls.
Please page through the photo album that accompanies this article to see some examples and explanations for pet friendly additions to your home. A Marling designer, familiar with cabinets and bath products can set up some great spaces to keep you and your pet happy.
Keep in mind some practical considerations – cats, for instance. Cats are strange and mysterious creatures and your cat may not want a feeding station unless they’ve been using one since they were a kitten. Likewise, open shelving in a kitchen where you display your best dishes or open shelving in your office where you have collectibles might not be a great idea if you have a cat who relishes roaming around shelves and throwing things on the floor.
Is it a good idea to integrate a water dish into a lower drawer in a kitchen cabinet if you own a Newfoundland who throws water and drool everywhere when he or she takes a drink? That may not be a clever idea if you think your children will be enthusiastically opening and closing a drawer with full dishes of water. A water and food station set back in an opening (see photos) might be a better plan.
Bathing set ups for dogs can be as simple as a utility sink in a mudroom that can hold a chihuahua or as ornate as a tiled around raised base with a hand-held shower wand. Bear in mind, you may think a raised bathing station even with the tops of the cabinets is a great idea, but not if you are planning on hefting an Irish Setter up into the bathing area.
For the exterior, several companies have storm doors with pet doors, Larson Doors have come good options. Decking companies have developed railing screening choices that mean your pet can enjoy an upper deck or balcony without fear of falling. If your pet insists on leaning into the patio door screen or hitting the top screen in the door and popping it off the frame, Screeneze makes pet friendly screening that can handle some weight and stretching.
Enjoy browsing the photos and think about ways to incorporate your pet needs into a remodel or new home. Your designer or building materials sales associate at Marling is ready to help you and your pet.
Many of the cabinets featured in this gallery are available from Marling Lumber. Marling lumber is your Wisconsin hometown dealer for Merillat, Quality, Fieldstone Cabinets, KraftMaid, Aristokraft, Diamond Cabinets, Diamond Vibe Cabinets, Echelon, and Kitchencraft. Learn more about our cabinet lines here.