5 Ways To Pet-Friendly Kitchen Design

Best Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That Are Pet Friendly

When designing a pet-friendly kitchen and bath, consider how to create dedicated spaces for your furry friend. Like humans and cats, pets appreciate having a quiet corner of their own to rest and recharge away from busy kitchen activities.

1. Freestanding Pet Feeding Station

Dedicate space for a freestanding pet feeding station like a buffet console fitted with storage cabinets, organization drawers, and inset bowls. Position it in a low-traffic area or utility room off the front kitchen island. Customize with features like elevated dog bowls, treat jars, and towel hooks.

For smaller pets, install wall-mounted feeding stations to save floor space. Multi-level dog crate cat trees with built-in food bowls keep dining areas elevated. Freestanding stations make pet dining and food prep more convenient without impeding main kitchen flows.

2. Pet Gates for Entryways

Discreet pet gates help contain curious pets in the kitchen during cooking, parties, or when guests arrive. Incorporate narrow, easy-to-install pet doors within cabinetry or walls to allow pets to access their areas without intruding on the rest of the home.

For open doorways, choose free-standing gates that swing or retract out of sight when not needed. Opt for wooden gates over metal to blend with surrounding cabinetry. With strategic gating options, pets can enjoy their own spaces without interrupting the house or kitchen’s style.

3. Built-In Dog Bed

Custom cabinetry offers smart ways to incorporate sleeping areas for pets in your kitchen layout. Install built-in kennels or cubby holes lined with cushy mats to create cozy pet dens. Under-counter cabinets with ample ventilation can become enclosed crates accessible by a pet door. For safety, include latches to secure pets during cooking or appliance use.

Built-in pet bed keeps fur off freestanding furniture. Designing them into existing cabinetry maintains your kitchen’s clean lines and footprint. For a DIY option, repurpose deep drawers or wall cabinets into cushy bunk beds. Custom cabinetry makes pet-friendly designs seamless by tucking essential pet features and existing storage space right into your existing layout.

4. Hidden Pet Food Storage

Dedicated pet food storage keeps kibble fresher while freeing up primary kitchen cabinets. Designate pet-proofing with a base pull-out cabinet fitted with airtight bins just for pet supplies. Freestanding larder units or roll-out pantry carts offer alternative storage options that can be kept remote from human food prep areas.

For a clutter-free look, integrate storage solutions like feeders, food and water, and bowls into cabinets, islands, or seating benches. Discreet pet stations keep supplies organized and out of sight but still easily accessible for regular feedings and dining.

5. Pet-Friendly Kitchens Wall Décor

Incorporate custom wallpaper or décor with fun pet motifs to embrace your pet owner or furry roommates. Removable wallpaper and decals featuring cute pet silhouettes, paw prints, or dog breeds add personality without permanence.

Framed art prints and paintings of favorite pet breeds inject character. For DIY flair, frame a signature wall made from your pet’s actual paw prints. Little details like pet-themed knobs, drawer pulls and switch plates blend seamlessly into the design. The options are endless for accessorizing with playful pet-inspired touches.

Tips for Pet-Friendly Kitchens

When planning a kitchen renovation, pet owners need to consider how to integrate their furry friends into the new design. Here are tips to maximize durability and safety when sharing the same kitchen space with pets:

• Choose scratch-resistant hardwood floors or natural stone tile that can withstand paws and playtime traffic. Seal floors with a water-resistant coating for easy cleaning when muddy paws come inside.
• Incorporate cork flooring or rugs – it’s softer for pets to walk on and absorbs sound from paws on tile floors. Washable rug pads also protect floors.
• Use durable natural wood cabinets, islands, and trim for a warm yet pet-proof aesthetic. Avoid furnishings with sharp corners or loose elements that can break.
• Select stain-resistant, high-tech fabric on bench cushions, window seats, and pet beds. Durable solutions withstand pet hair, drool, and accidents for easy upkeep.
• Look for furniture with childproofing latches to keep curious paws out of off-limit spaces. Use baby gates to block pets from unsafe areas during renovations.
• Design cozy corners for pets with a padded mat, bed, crate, or hideaway built into cabinetry or island spaces. Create easy access for aging pets.
• Place ovens and induction hobs on walls to keep hot surfaces away from pets. Position knobs and handles out of paw’s reach.
• Mount kitchen islands with overhangs to provide dining space above pets’ eye level. Elevation keeps food prep cleaner.
• Use a pocket door, partitions, or shelving to separate pet zones from cooking zones. Multi-purpose furniture like storage benches can double as feeding stations.

Get Expert Guidance from Kitchen Remodeling Designers

Planning a kitchen renovation alongside pet ownership poses unique challenges. But with careful planning and the right design choices, you can keep your pets and create a space that supports your lifestyle while keeping them safe and happy. Our design experts can help you craft the perfect pet-friendly kitchen renovation – maximizing function and style for both you and your beloved pets. Create a kitchen that perfectly fits your family, including furry friends!