If you’ve been around our office, you have probably met Sweetie, our office dog and stress-control manager. Although she has recently retired, she still visits occasionally. There is just something about her wagging tail and happy temperament that brings a smile to everyone’s face! At Medford Remodeling, we understand how a dog (or any pet) can be a big part of the family; so, naturally, it makes sense to include features for them in your home remodel. Many of our clients have dogs and opt to incorporate custom features that make life with their fur baby more convenient.
After consulting with Sweetie, our designers put together this list of our 8 most popular doggie features to consider for your next home remodel:
1. Food Bowl & Water Station
A designated place for food and water bowls is something everyone can appreciate, including your doggo! Our clients in Southlake wanted a formal bowl station inside their custom island, complete with the subway tile and countertop to match the rest of the kitchen. Not only does it look uniform, but it keeps the bowls off the floor and out of the way. The bowls were anchored with Velcro strips to prevent them from moving or falling off the platform while being used. We took the convenience to another level by installing a pot filler for easy water bowl refills. Absolutely genius for anyone with large dogs that drink a lot of water.
2. Kibble Bin Rollout
Another helpful feature at feeding time is a roll-out dog food bin. Our client in Fort Worth had a large plastic tub with a lid and a scooper for her dog’s kibble. The deep roll-out drawer makes it easy to conceal this large tub and easy to access for feeding and refilling. Our client loves the fact that the food can be stored in a sealed container that is within reach but still out of sight.
3. Dog Leash, Bowl, & Toy Station
Have you ever looked around and realized your dog has a lot of… stuff? Leashes, harnesses, bowls, toys, beds – the list goes on! Having an organized space to store all of these items can make them convenient when needed while also keeping the rest of your home clutter-free. This dog station included wall hooks, a counter space, a designated area for bowls or a bed, and storage drawers for treats, medications, brushes, dog shampoo, toys, and more.
4. Doggie Door
If you haven’t considered having a dog door put in, you should! Allowing your pet to go in and out as they please is a great way to keep them happy and prevent accidents in the house. Doggie doors can easily be locked from the inside, so no need to worry if you want to keep your pet inside or secure the door before bed each night.
5. Designated Dog Crate Area
Many dogs are trained from birth to sleep in their crate at night or when their owners are away. Having a built-in area for a dog crate not only gives your dog a familiar place to go, but also keeps the crate out of the way. We love this beautiful decorative dog crate our clients in Grapevine put in their upstairs laundry room addition!
6. Shower Bench & Handheld for Easy Dog Washing
Bathing your dog might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re designing your dream bathroom remodel, but perhaps it should be on the list! A spacious shower with a bench and a handheld shower arm not only serves as a luxury escape for you, but also a convenient place to bathe your dog. If you don’t have the space or the funds for an actual doggie shower (example below) then including these helpful features in your own shower may be the next best thing.
7. Custom Doggie Shower
You might think a doggie shower is over-the-top, but it truly is a helpful amenity if you bathe your dog often. This feature can be customized to meet your needs regarding size, sprayers, doors, steps, and more. Many homeowners choose to have a doggie shower installed in their laundry room or mudroom, but in the garage or even outside are also options.
8. Under Stairs Dog Niche
Pinterest has tons of examples of converting the dead space below the stairs into a designated dog niche! A simple search will yield some pretty inspiring ideas. Some homeowners opt for a simple built-in look with door, while others go all-out with a literal “doghouse” aesthetic. You can be as creative as you want! Space optimization is key in this project by putting to use an area that is otherwise unused. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of unused space?!
These are only a few of the many dog-friendly features that can be incorporated into your home. Whether you choose just one or decide to install several, we’re sure you and your fur baby will love them! Contact us for more information or to set up a consultation with our designers.
Warm Regards,
The Medford Team
