From dog-washing and feeding stations to durable finishes, Twin Cities homeowners are reimagining their spaces with their furriest family members in mind.
If you’re contemplating a remodel, you’ve likely thought about the changes you’d make to your home to improve the flow and function for all family members — including pets, who are increasingly getting a say (or a woof) in the design decisions.
“Homeowners adore their pets, and we work with them to accommodate their needs and make life easier for everybody,” says Hanna Mooney, senior designer for AMEK Design + Build. “That gets people excited about the remodel. These features help the pets, but they also help the family.”
Here, Twin Cities designers and builders talk about the pet-approved features and finishes they’re incorporating into local remodeling projects to accommodate their furry, four-legged clients.
Being “in the dog house” never felt so luxurious. Homeowners are ditching plastic and metal crates in favor of decorative dens built into existing furniture — like an end table or cabinetry — or tucked away under staircases. Fill the space with a plush dog bed and some favorite toys, and “add in a fun wallpaper to make it more cozy and comfortable for your pet,” suggests Mooney.
.jpeg)
Muddy paws and upholstered furniture do not mix well, so if you have a dirt digger or puddle jumper, a dog-washing station will save your sanity. Typically incorporated into the garage or mudroom, doggie baths can be built like a walk-in shower or “elevated so your dog can be at waist-level and you don’t have to bend over,” says Pat Schumacher, senior project manager for Nor-Son Custom Builders. A handheld showerhead adds to the convenience.
Family mealtime extends to the pets with feeding stations that look like an intentional part of the design (goodbye, plastic bowls that always seem to be a tripping hazard). Nor-Son recently carved out space underneath a couple of kitchen drawers to create a feeding station, complete with a Cambria backsplash and spout for easily accessible drinking water. Bowls can also be built into drawers to keep them out of sight when not in use.
As much as you want to include your pets in family happenings around the house, there are some instances when you need to keep them contained in a certain area, such as when you’re cooking, cleaning, or entertaining. Half-height pocket doors are a much more attractive solution than typical gates that can damage your walls. “Your pet can stay out of the space without feeling completely closed off from you,” says Mooney. “These are nice because they can also double as baby gates.”
Durable finishes that hold up to your pet’s fur, nails, saliva, and playful personality will ensure your remodel still looks fresh years down the road. If you’re going to incorporate a feeding station underneath your kitchen cabinets, for example, Schumacher suggests installing a scratch-resistant, solid surface like quartz. Other pet-friendly finishes include vinyl or tile flooring and glossy paint — such as eggshell or semi-gloss — that’s easy to clean, says Mooney.
No matter what you’re envisioning for your pet to live in the lap of luxury, put any pet-friendly features you want to incorporate at the forefront of the design discussion, recommends Mooney. “This will help determine the layout and locations of certain spaces in the remodel, as well as specific selections and finish materials a homeowner may want to consider during their project.”
You’re finally ready to remodel your outdated kitchen, but how will you pay for it? From borrowing options to budget constraints, here’s what you need to know about financing a remodel.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, maintaining a pristine home can be a daunting and difficult task. From sticky hands and spilled drinks to muddy paw prints and accidents, the surfaces in your home face constant wear and tear. That’s where "life-proof"surfaces come to the rescue. Whether you're a parent, a pet owner, or someone who values durability and ease of maintenance, this guide is for you.
There are a lot of factors thatgo into the decision to move. Maybe you need an extra bedroom to accommodateyour growing family, or perhaps you want to be closer to work. But above all,the most important consideration when selecting a new home is how it enhancesthe lives of all family members, including your four-legged ones.
From floor plans andmaterials to landscaping and community amenities, here’s how to pick the besthome for your pet — both inside and out.
