If there ever was a time when home design projects kept canine friends at their forefront, it is now. The Guardian calls this trend the ‘barkitecture boom.’
It was started by celebrity clientele who wanted their dogs to truly feel at home. Some took it too far, with an indoor dog house that had a miniature television, a faux fireplace, and luxury crates.
Though the concept has remained, it has taken the form of ‘animal-first architecture.’ This means entire homes are being designed keeping in mind the needs of fur babies.
In this article, we will discuss four basic ways home design has had to evolve for pet comfort and safety. Most of us do not need electronic doors for our pooches, but we would definitely appreciate the elements discussed in this list.
Low-Maintenance and Durable Materials
Having a dog is all about having someone who constantly puts home materials to the test. This is why Barkitecture has adopted the art of using easy-to-clean and durable materials. They will be able to withstand messes, pet hair, as well as four-legged traffic.
One prime example in this area would be hardwood flooring. This may also be a result of the pull towards greater sustainability. In any case, both architects and homeowners are being drawn towards hardwood floors in warm, earthy colors.
On the other hand, there may be exceptions as wood floors constructed using pine or black walnut are not as scratch-resistant. Some are ditching this dilemma entirely and opting for tiled flooring.
Most tiles can handle canine traffic pretty well, especially those that are glazed and sealed. If the homeowner sides with hardwood flooring that is not naturally scratch-resistant, a luxury vinyl plank becomes a great alternative.
Potty Area Within a Fenced-in Yard
No matter their age, our canines are fur babies at heart. Just like children, they love to run about and play. Home builders are creating a sanctuary for them by fencing in the yards. This provides ample space to run about, play, exercise, and more.
Not only that but many are advocating the importance of a designated potty area. It can be created using pea gravel, edging, and weed blocker fabric to allow the dogs to relieve themselves.
Although proper training is needed, this may prevent the pet from doing a lot of their business on the grass. Usually, this area is designated within the fenced-in yard. Does it work? Absolutely, but there may be caveats.
This area would require regular deep cleaning to prevent unpleasant odors and pet waste residue. Plus, canines can be unpredictable at times and do their business secretly elsewhere in the yard. This is why it is recommended to go a step beyond picking up after the pet.
Homeowners can schedule regular dog waste removal and deodorization through professional services. Reliable experts will leave the yard in top shape each time, ensuring all traces of pet waste are gone.
It is an important step because Scoop Soldiers state that dog waste is full of harmful germs and bacteria. They are capable of transforming your backyard into a veritable danger zone. Regular pooper scooper services will ensure the home and its surrounding area are truly clean, beyond the aesthetics.
Built-in Features
This one is perhaps due to the steady rise in pet ownership. Studies have found that dog-owning households are increasing at a faster rate than their feline counterparts. On the other hand, pet spending is on the decline.
Naturally, architects and designers are keeping these statistics in mind. They’re planning out built-in feeding systems for pet bowls so that there’s more space. Plus, this ensures there are no unnecessary spillages all around the house.
Many are making smart use of the available space by installing built-in features in the underused toe-kick area of kitchens. Some are installing the feeding system as a part of the kitchen island.
A pet-sized pot filler is placed right above the feeding area for easy refill. The same innovation is being applied to bed space. The current trend is to have a hidden dog bed with an open-style cabinet facing. Some stylish crates can even double up as furniture, thereby blending in perfectly with the decor.
Fur-Free Furnishings
As the saying goes, it seems like fur babies and messes go hand in hand. On top of that, having furnishings that further attract pet dander and scratch marks aggravates the chaos.
This is why interior designers are becoming wary of fabrics like velvet and suede that act as pet magnets. They are more inclined towards textured and patterned textiles that easily camouflage pet hair and minor scratches.
Homes are being designed with ease of maintenance in mind. This means there is a higher demand for fabrics like denim, microfiber, canvas, and others that don’t attract claws. Some designers recommend using two-toned materials that provide the illusion of not being too dirty.
As an added layer of safety, homeowners can use spray-on fabric protectors and slipcovers for all their furniture. This way, canines can roam about and play in every corner of the house.
As we just discussed, pet-friendly homes are designed with function as the utmost priority. In this article, we simply talked about four basic ways ‘barkitecture’ has emerged.
There may be additional features that pet-owning households would appreciate. These may differ depending on personal needs and preferences. Examples are bay windows as viewing spots, a central vacuum for quick cleanup, and soundproofing to muffle barking sounds.
