If our clients' pets could talk, what would they say about how we should design their homes?
Max the Labrador:
"Just need a quicker route to the grass, hooman! This long hallway is a PAW-ful delay!"
Bella the Tabby:
"May we discuss the utter lack of privacy in my litter kingdom? I'm tired of the canine inspector sniffing around every time I'm burying my royal treasures."
Oscar the Parrot:
"Squawk! Polly wants some peace! Let's chirp about soundproofing!"
It's probably a good thing pets don't talk. They'd be leading the design meetings and voicing opinions on traffic flow, sleep spots, and the perfect perch.
Imagine how much in demand you would be if you were the Dr. Dolittle of design.
This week, let's meander into the perspectives of an increasingly influential client group: our beloved pets.
How can we guide homeowners in designing spaces that truly prioritize the comfort and well-being of their animal companions? What key questions should we be asking to keep our clients' furry, finned, and feathered overlords happy?
Let's start by exploring the latest trends already wagging tails in the world of "Barkitecture."
Twenty-five years ago, I designed/built a house for my family and included a special "kitty closet" under the stairs. It had a regular door for us and a smaller pet door for our Siamese cat, Hamlett, giving him a private spot and keeping his litter box hidden.
Back then, everyone thought it was a pretty smart idea. I had no idea how important that little creation would become.
Here are some recently acquired terms I believe are worth sharing.
Catio - An outdoor enclosure specifically designed for cats to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Cat Condo: Multi-level modular furniture designed for climbing, sleeping, and scratching—sometimes built-in, often freestanding.
Cat Highway: Wall-mounted shelves, bridges, and ramps that allow cats to travel around rooms and enjoy vertical territory safely.
Catification: The process of adapting a home for maximal feline comfort—adding shelves, perches, hiding spaces, and vertical escapes.
Dog Run: A secure outdoor corridor for dogs to exercise safely.
Dog Spa: A lavish home pet grooming station—sometimes with tiled showers, drying tables, or built-in tubs.
Feeding Station: A combination of a wide countertop, open compartments, a pull-out dog food storage container, and a drawer with two removable bowls.
Fur-niture: Playful term for pet-friendly furniture, including couches and beds that are durable and easy to clean, and may serve as both a crate and a piece of furniture.
Pet Nook: Any dedicated built-in or repurposed space for pets, such as under-stair kennels, window perches, or enclosed shelf beds.
Mutt Room: Just like it sounds, a mudroom for Rover.
Surveys show that around half of homeowners now cite their pets as a primary influence on material, product, and layout choices when undergoing renovations or building new homes.
According to a 2024 Houzz survey, nearly half (48%) of pet owners prioritize their pets' needs in design and renovation projects.
The most in-demand home features for pet owners in 2025 include a blend of practical, stylish, and innovative amenities tailored for both comfort and convenience (in no particular order).
- Built-in feeding stations (Because Bowls on the Floor Are So Last Season): Integrated into cabinetry, kitchen islands, or mudrooms, these eliminate clutter and provide dedicated space for pet food and water.
- Pet washing and grooming stations: Often located in mudrooms, laundry areas, or garages, these stations feature raised tubs, handheld sprayers, and non-slip flooring for easy cleaning.
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Durable, pet-friendly flooring: Homeowners are prioritizing scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces like luxury vinyl plank, tile, and sealed concrete.
- Luxury vinyl flooring
- Matte porcelain tile
- Quartz countertops
- Water-resistant cabinet finishes
- Custom crates, pet nooks, and built-in beds: Dedicated pet areas under stairs, inside cabinetry, and even entire pet rooms are growing in popularity, providing pets with cozy retreats that blend into the home's design.`
- Innovative pet technology: Automatic feeders, smart collars, camera systems, and microchip-enabled doors give pet owners greater control and convenience.
- Enclosed outdoor spaces and fencing: Features like fenced yards, catios (cat patios), and shaded outdoor pet areas are important for both exercise and security.
- Pet-specific storage: Built-in drawers and cabinets for leashes, toys, food, and grooming supplies help keep homes organized.
- Accessible features: Ramps for aging pets, open floor plans for sight lines, and custom pet gates help tailor the home to a pet's lifestyle and mobility needs.
- Hidden litter boxes and discreet storage: Especially for cats, furniture and cabinetry that conceal litter boxes or create attractive perches are in demand.
- Outdoor pet amenities: Water stations, artificial turf, play structures, and dog-safe pools. Even custom chicken coops are increasingly common in new builds and major renovations.
I once designed a home featuring a custom-built indoor aviary (ventilation was a b#$&h, but that's an email for another day). The clients also owned a dog, which was not permitted in the home's formal areas. We devised an ingenious covered dog run through the aviary, providing a direct link from the primary bedroom to a discreet entry point concealed within the wet bar cabinetry.
If only ARDA had a Design Feature category back then. LOL
A broad cultural movement has emerged, and clients are treating pets as integral family members whose needs influence the home just as much as those of children or guests.
This trend is driven by social media inspiration and the increasing number of pet-owning households. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 66% of U.S. homes now have pets, collectively spending an estimated $152 billion on them in 2024.
The APPA's figures cover a wide range of products and services, including pet food and treats, veterinary care, supplies, toys, grooming, boarding, insurance, and training. It doesn't seem to include upgrades made to their homes.
It's a little embarrassing to admit that my client questionnaire and checklist have, until now, completely overlooked the topic of pets.
I started putting together a list of relevant questions, and before I knew it, it was just as long, if not longer, than the questions I usually ask about human spaces.
I think it's finally ready for primetime viewing.
👉 Download A Free PDF Pet Questionnaire
Pet-friendly features are a growing priority for custom homeowners and remodelers.
Stand out in today's market.
I poured over ten hours into developing this comprehensive checklist, meticulously designed to ensure no pet detail is ever overlooked.
But no checklist is perfect.
AIBD members can access the new questionnaire as an editable Word document directly from the Designer Docs Library (look in the Design Documents folder). Effortlessly incorporate your company branding and customize the content to perfectly suit your needs.
I aim to signal to clients that I think of their pets as important occupants, fostering trust and resulting in more functional, harmonious spaces.
I invite you to join me.
Go forth and design boldly,
Steve Mickley, Executive Director
Email: steve.mickley@AIBD.org
Let's chat: AIBD.org/meetsteve
P.S. - Have you noticed the rebrand? I'm leaning towards permanently changing the 'Midweek Vibe' to the 'Midweek Meander.' What's your take on the idea? 'Meander' carries a dual significance: it's a subtle reference to the architectural term for a decorative border pattern, and it simultaneously evokes the relaxed exploration of diverse and engaging topics. Please share your thoughts at AIBD.org/meanderfeedback. Thanks!
