Where to Put Dog Bowls in Your Home With Pet-Friendly Design

Over the past few years, one of the biggest trends we’ve seen in home renovation is the desire to include pets in the process and tailor home updates to their needs. Pets certainly are a part of the family, and there are so many unique and innovative ways to make your house a home for your entire family, pets included.



Pets enrich our lives in countless ways, bringing joy, comfort, and emotional significance to our daily routines. We’ve been asked to dream up all sorts of pet-friendly home design ideas over the years. Check out our thoughts on decorating a pet-friendly house as well as five of our favorite pet-focused renovation ideas!

Renovating With Pets in Mind

Now that you’ve thought about how your renovation may affect your pets, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you’d like to add or update just for them. There’s a real sense of wonder at the creative and functional pet-friendly solutions available today, especially when it comes to innovative feeding stations and integrated home design. Check out our top five pet-focused renovations.

Baby and pet gates are a reality for many families. But, they aren’t the most attractive additions to your home. When renovating, consider adding in a custom pocket gate to keep pets (and children) contained. This chic solution adds style, function, and a one-of-a-kind touch to your home.

Here are a few of the most popular places we’ve seen custom gates installed:

• In the kitchen to prevent pets from getting underfoot while cooking
• In an entertaining space to separate pets from guests
• At the bottom of the stairs to keep pets on the lower level of the home
• In the entryway of a home to prevent pets from crowding visitors and escaping out the door

No matter where you place it, this pet-friendly interior design idea will keep your whole family safe without a clunky plastic fence cluttering your doorway. And, if you opt for a pocket-style door, you can stow it away whenever it isn’t in use.

Another common request we receive from our clients is to find a way to store pet food and bowls. Whether their pets eat in the kitchen or the mudroom, they want a neat and tidy solution that is also functional for their furry friends. Luckily, there are tons of pet feeding station options that make items easy to access without cluttering your space.

One of the most popular options is toe kick dog bowl drawers that house food bowls and can easily be hidden away. Some homeowners have created custom feeding stations from scratch or repurposed furniture for a unique, budget-friendly solution. Pair them with pull-out wastebasket storage that is perfect for big tubs of pet food, and consider dog food storage solutions like airtight containers or stackable bins to keep food fresh and organized. Using transparent containers for treats allows for easy access and visibility.

Did you know? Elevating dog bowls can help prevent bloat in larger dogs.

Another option is to create an alcove in the kitchen island with a pet feeding station. This way bowls are available to your pets at all times, but they don’t need to be sitting out on the floor. We love this chic design lined with quartz that perfectly matches the countertops above, making cleaning up spills easy. The placement of bowls in these stations makes putting food and water into them more convenient, especially when the sink or dog food storage is nearby.

These solutions make it easier to feed pets efficiently and keep the area tidy. Consider a dedicated water bowl area for added convenience and cleanliness. Innovative designs even allow bowls to be pushed back into the wall or cabinet when not in use, saving space. Built-in posts or posts with integrated bowls are another creative way to incorporate a feeding station into your home.

If you really want to go the extra mile for your pets, consider adding a faucet right by their bowls for easy refill. Pot fillers are a great option as they can be mounted to the wall and tucked away neatly when not in use.

Bathing your pet at home in your bathtub or shower can be messy and difficult. Frequent trips to the groomer or local pet shop can be expensive and inconvenient. That’s why one of the most popular pet-friendly interior design requests we get from clients is to add a home pet wash station into their laundry room, mudroom, or bathroom. 

Pet washing stations are easy to use and can be more comfortable for you and your pet. A handheld showerhead makes washing easy while built-in storage adds extra functionality to the space. We love a fully-tiled home pet wash station so that hair and dirt easily wash down the drain with minimal cleanup.

Unfortunately, litter boxes are a part of life for cat owners. But having cats doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful home! In recent years we’ve seen so many creative solutions for hiding litter boxes and keeping their scent contained.

When renovating, consider adding a small closet to turn into a bathroom for your cats. Semi-gloss paint (or even tile), an easy-to-clean floor choice, and a kitty-door make for a functional and low-maintenance solution. A litter-collecting mesh rug is another great option that will keep your kitty’s feet clean as they roam the rest of the house. And, having a door will prevent any litter box scents from making their way into the rest of the house. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding an air purifier to the space to zap any remaining odors.

There are also plenty of pet-friendly interior design ideas to help hide your litter boxes if you are short on space or aren’t planning a full renovation. One of the best ways to hide litter boxes is in a piece of furniture. Over the years we’ve seen end tables, sideboards, bathroom vanities, and more that have secretly housed litter boxes while tying in beautifully to the rest of the decor in the home. There are plenty of options on the market to fit your space and your budget.

Pets are part of the family, and many homeowners want an area for their pets to relax and sleep. However, many pet owners would also prefer that their pets stay off the couches and other furniture.

Cabinetry is a great place to add a nook for dog and cat beds. Recently, our team incorporated an open cabinet into an island and added a dog bed so the homeowner’s pets could keep them company in the kitchen without being underfoot. You can also opt to create a bench seat under a window, a favorite for cats who like to see and smell the great outdoors.



If you’re looking to go all out, you can even transform dead space under your stairs into a dog house or cat lounge. With a little paint, a light, and a box of toys, your pets will be truly spoiled in a home of their own.

Don't Forget Smart Storage Solutions for Pet Food and Accessories

Keeping your house organized when you have pets can be a challenge, but with a few clever ideas, you can create a space that’s both functional and adorable. A dedicated dog feeding station is a great idea for keeping your dog’s food bowls, water bowls, and treats all in one convenient spot. Whether you’re working with a mud room, laundry room, or even a corner of your kitchen, a well-planned feeding station can make daily routines easier for both you and your pup.

For families with larger dogs, consider using elevated food bowls to make mealtime more comfortable. Placing a utility sink or laundry sink nearby in your mudroom or laundry room is a smart move—cleaning up spills or washing out dishes becomes quick and easy. If you’re remodeling, think about adding a feeding station along a wall or in a quiet corner, away from the main traffic flow, so your dog can eat in peace without being underfoot or near the door.



Storage is key to keeping your pet’s supplies tidy. Stackable jars or airtight containers are perfect for storing dog food and treats, keeping them fresh and easy to access. For extra convenience, look for containers with wheels so you can move them from the pantry to the feeding station without any hassle. Slide-out drawers, wall-mounted shelves, and hidden compartments in cabinets are all great ideas for keeping toys, leashes, and other supplies organized and out of sight. Incorporating food storage into kitchen islands is a popular innovative solution.

Repurpose Your Old Cabinets for a DIY Solution

If you love a bit of DIY, try repurposing an old cabinet or crate to create a custom storage solution that fits your home’s style. Label baskets or bins for different supplies—like toys, treats, and grooming tools—so everything has its place. When deciding where to put your feeding station, measure the space to make sure it won’t block a door or walkway, and consider placing it on the opposite side of the room from busy areas for a more peaceful spot.



For inspiration, search online for photos of remodeled mudrooms and kitchens with built-in pet food storage. You’ll find plenty of clever and convenient ideas to help you create a space that works for your family and your pets. By investing in smart storage solutions, you’ll keep your home clutter-free and make sure your dog always has what they need close at hand. With a little planning, you can create a feeding station that’s as adorable as it is practical—making life easier for you and happier for your pup!

Do you reside in central Pennsylvania and are interested in tailoring your space with a pet-friendly interior design as part of a larger remodeling project? KBE Design Build can design a functional, beautiful space with your family and pets in mind. Contact us for a free consultation.