Barkitecture: Secrets to Pet-Friendly Design

Although pets eat, sleep and relax in our homes just like we do, we tend to focus our decorating and design decisions on our needs. However, as more and more families embrace these four-legged companions, our design choices are beginning to change. Welcome to the age of barkitecture and pet-friendly design.

Barkitecture is the process of designing homes specifically for pets based on their needs and well-being. It includes everything from the materials to finishings and layout. In this post, we look at how to create pet-friendly interiors for your furry friends and give them a comfortable place to call home.

What is barkitecture?

Barkitecture is a growing trend in interior design that focuses on creating spaces specifically tailored to the needs and preferences of pets, particularly cats and dogs.

It goes beyond simply placing a pet bed in the corner. It's about prioritizing your animal's comfort, safety, and lifestyle. Here are some key aspects of barkitecture:

Pet-centric design: Barkitecture prioritizes the pet's needs and incorporates features that enhance their well-being. This includes built-in feeding stations, dog washing areas, cozy nooks, and even custom-designed furniture.  

Functionality and aesthetics: Barkitecture aims to integrate pet-friendly features into the home's overall design. It's not just about practicality but also about creating visually appealing spaces that both humans and their furry companions can enjoy.

Customization: Barkitecture recognizes that every pet is unique. It encourages tailoring spaces to the specific needs and preferences of individual animals, considering their breed, size, age, and personality.

Focus on well-being: Barkitecture goes beyond the basics and considers the pet's physical and mental well-being. This can involve creating spaces that promote relaxation, playfulness, and enrichment.

Popular barkitecture features

Let's look at the features of pet-friendly interior design that prioritize your pet's needs.

Functional feeding station

Function should always be the main priority when choosing feeding bowls for your pets. You might think that any bowl or plate will do, but this is not true. Choose one that guarantees comfort and promotes the good health of your pets.

Dedicated feeding areas

First, when choosing the feeding area for your pest, avoid high-traffic spaces and opt for a quiet area where your pet can eat in peace. For cats, keep the food away from litter boxes and ensure that your cat always has access to fresh water.

Keep your cat's food dishes or bowls out of the reach of dogs or other animals (and ensure they are also out of the way). If you have an empty and shallow drawer close to the flood, consider converting it into a feeding station. This way, you take advantage of a raised surface and the floor and close the drawer once your cat has finished eating.

Safe food dishes

When selecting food bowls for your pets, avoid plastic as they are less hygienic and opt for ceramic or stainless steel instead. Plastic can be difficult to clean as the food can accumulate in small, superficial cracks.

You can also go for a water fountain or feeders with automatic food dispensers to keep the water fresh and give your pets the necessary food portions.

As cats prefer wide and flat surfaces, go for a more shallow bowl so their whiskers don't come in contact with the edges of the container. You should adapt your dog's bowl to its face. Get shallow bowls for breeds with a flat face and get elevated bowls for older dogs with mobility issues.

Ergonomic food station

The key feature of pet-friendly home design is the comfort of your pets. A stand-up feeder is an excellent option for pets, especially for larger breeds. These feeders consist of two plastic, ceramic or stainless steel bowls in a stand made of metal, wood or plastic.

Place them against the wall to avoid tipping. This type of ergonomic feeding station might be more comfortable for your pet and make it easier to digest food.

Comfortable nooks and dens

When creating a comfortable space for your cat, provide plenty of high spots to rest, play or observe their surroundings.

This can also be a great solution when setting up a feeding station that is secluded and comfortable – especially in homes with other pets.

Hidden dog beds

Give your dog a safe and quiet place to sleep. Not sure where to put your dog's bed? Consider transforming your closet into a cozy nook for your pet's naps.

Ensure the closet has enough room to place a comfortable bed away from your clothes. This is a great solution for taking advantage of unused corner spaces and keeping the bed out of the way.

Dedicated washing station

A dog washing station is like a scaled-down shower station. The height should be easy to reach to wash your dog, typically lower than a kitchen counter.

It should have a cold and hot water supply, proper drainage, a splash guard and a hook to secure your pet. Consider building steps or a foldable ramp so you don't have to lift your dog up and down from the station.

Wall-mounted cat beds

Elevating sleeping and hiding places is a must for the comfort of any cat. And that is why it is important to include high corners that the cat can climb safely. One of the ways to replace bulky cat trees is to install hanging cat beds mounted on walls or windows.

These alternatives provide cats with a secluded space to rest and observe—whether inside a room or outside through windows—and they're easy to install (or even build from scratch).

Floating wall shelves installed at different heights are also great for creating cat-friendly spaces. They allow your cat to climb and explore different environments while providing much-needed stimulation for a domestic cat.‌‌

Conclusion

Barkitecture is a trend that reflects the growing bond between humans and their pets. It's about creating homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also cater to the needs of all family members, including the furry ones.

After all, if your pets are happy and comfortable, they will stay healthier longer, making your time together much more precious. Got furry family members? Design your dream pet-friendly home with Planner 5D today.

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