How to Design a Dog Room That’s Stylish and Functional, According to Pros

Add a Dog Kennel to Lower Cabinets

A dog room isn't complete without a cozy place for them to sleep. Traditional dog kennels can feel cumbersome and clunky, but building them into lower cabinets creates a more design-forward space.

"While designing our dream home, I carefully considered how every family member, including our dog Bodhi, would use the space," says interior designer Danielle Perdue. "This room has a custom built-in dog bed, complete with a Thibaut striped pillow, and brass bars that match the cabinet hardware."

Carve Out a Doggy Nook

A doggy nook is another way to give your pup a cozy place to recede that's out of the fray. Here, Daley Home creatively repurposed a cabinet alcove to fit a dog bed complete with doors. The upper shelf features traditional décor, but you could also use this station to keep dog food, treats, and toys.

Build a Kennel Under the Stairs

If you're struggling to find a good space for your dog to sleep, consider dedicating the area underneath the stairs. Often hollow, this underutilized space is transformed into the perfect welcoming reprieve for dogs of all sizes. This one also features a feeding and drinking drawer that easily pulls in and out.

Keep Tidy With Dog Toy Storage

"Dogs can easily learn to put their own toys away," says Amanda Farah, CPDT-KA, national training and behavior coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society. (The latter takes some additional training, but you can certainly help them keep things tidy meanwhile.) She recommends incorporating low-profile toy boxes so they can dig through all their options and pull out their favorites.

Design a Dog Bath

A washing station is a genius addition to any dog room, especially if your pup likes to go on grand outdoor adventures or requires routine grooming. "Having an extended shower head makes it the ideal spot to clean off pets easily," says Lucy O’Brien of Tartan & Toile.

"Make sure you have a substantial tile wall around the perimeter of the space to prepare for the shake out after bath," she adds. "Small tiles, such as penny tiles. are great for wet paws." Also, provide some non-slip flooring to prevent accidents.

Create a Feeding Cubby

Your pup has to eat, so why not do it in style? This dog room design by Daley Home features a built-in feeding station complete with inset stainless steel bowls and a convenient, wall-mounted "pot filler" faucet for easy water refills. The lower pull-out tray keeps messes contained, so post-meal cleanup is easier.

Add Some Dog-Sized Furniture

Dog-sized furniture is a fun way to add a bit of whimsy and convenience to your dog room. These run the gamut from fancy chaise lounges to teeny dog sofas and chairs. Dog furniture gives your pup their own place to relax, and the low profile makes it easier for them to access. (Plus, it looks really cute!)

Give Them a Plush Rug

Shag might seem counterintuitive in a space for pets, but dogs seem to love the coziness of lying on a shag throw or rug. "A washable shag throw or even a washable shag rug is the perfect way to have a space that’s both cozy and clean," Farah says. "You could even use your shag throw as a snuffle mat for some relaxing foraging time before it goes in the washer."

Add Plenty of Storage Solutions

Plenty of storage means you have a place to store all your dog's necessities out of sight, including food, treats, cleaning supplies, extra toys, and beyond. Even if your space is tiny, O'Brien says there are tricks to make it work. "It is important to think outside the box and make sure you think about it as a clean slate. Often, you can put the storage inside the wall between the studs or use a dead corner space that can not be used for anything else," she says.

Treat Them to Warm Floors

This one's definitely a luxury, but if you've got the motivation and budget, it's a great way to spoil your dog. "Radiant floor heat is a serious luxury for older dogs and short-coated dogs living in cooler climates," Farah explains.