Designing Home Exteriors with Animals in Mind: 4 Functional and Aesthetic Solutions

Around 66% of American households, or about 86.9 million families, own a pet. That’s a lot of homes that need a pet-friendly space. Luckily, pet-friendly design can actually enhance your home’s curb appeal while creating a safer and more comfortable space for the family members who spend their time on all fours.

If you’re planning an exterior renovation or looking for smart updates to create a home that works for everyone, we have some ideas that are worth your consideration.

Setting up the right outdoor access

When designing outdoor access points, consider how your pet’s movements will flow with your daily routines. Do you want your dog to have unlimited access to a specific portion of the yard, or would you prefer controlled access during certain times? This decision shapes where you place access points and how you structure your entire outdoor space.

Smart zoning can transform your yard into distinct areas that serve different purposes. You might want a designated “pet zone” with specific (and more durable) landscaping, separate from your garden beds or entertainment spaces. If this is the case, you’ll want to create transitional areas – covered patios or mudrooms – that can help manage the inevitable dirt and debris that comes with pet traffic.

Strategic positioning of windows and glass doors lets you keep an eye on your pets while they’re outside, and terracing or split-level designs can naturally segment your outdoor space while giving the area a more luxurious look.

Adding a well-designed dog kennel

Having a dedicated outdoor space for your dog can dramatically improve their quality of life and your home’s functionality, and if you’re going to add a kennel, it may as well be a stylish dog kennel.

Think beyond the basic chain-link enclosure. Modern dog kennels can be architectural features that complement your home’s aesthetic while providing a comfortable spot for your dog. Consider incorporating materials that match your home’s exterior, like cedar siding, stone accents, or powder-coated metals. This approach ensures the kennel looks intentional rather than like an afterthought.

Pro tip: Your dog should have enough space to move freely, stretch out, and even play a bit. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 100 square feet per large dog (this can vary based on breed and activity level). Also, be sure to include easy-clean surfaces to ensure a safe, hygienic space.

Creating a fenced-in yard

Keeping your pet safe can also be achieved while giving them the freedom to roam without you constantly worrying. A fenced-in yard is a must, and the type of fence you choose can make a big difference for security and your home’s curb appeal, too. (If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, check their rules on fencing materials before you get too attached to a specific idea).

If you’ve got a big yard, you can add a dedicated dog run – perfect for high-energy breeds that need their daily zoomies. Dog runs provide plenty of room to burn off steam while protecting the rest of your landscaping from accidental destruction. For even larger properties, an invisible fence can be a handy option, giving your pets room to explore while keeping them safely contained.

Building-in the necessities

Pet bowls and beds can quickly take over your space. But built-in features combine practicality with style to keep your home looking chic and organized. A built-in feeding station that lives in outdoor pull-out drawers keeps food and water dishes out of the way while making mealtime a breeze. You can even add a pet-sized pot filler above the feeding area for easy water refills.

Built-in beds or crates are another handy consideration. You can integrate these into outdoor cabinetry, with an open-faced design for easy access. If you’ve got an unused corner or space in the yard, you can make this into a pet hideaway that gives your pet their own little retreat. Outdoor furniture is a handy addition to any home for the sake of storage, so incorporate your pet must-haves where possible, and you’ll enjoy the streamlined look of your indoor area outdoors as well.

Looking for more design inspiration?

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