Must Love Dogs: Design Ideas for a Pet-Friendly Home

We might design for beauty, but we live for love. And when you love a dog, you make space for them—in your home and your heart.

Losing Max, our 15 year old Cavalier, has taken the wind out of me. He’d been with us through multiple moves, continents, and phases of life—a companion in every sense.

He had several well-placed beds throughout our home (and two rather stylish doggy strollers to match), but he was gently reminded that couches and our beds were off-limits. Though I must admit, he did claim a vegan leather chair for lap-time snuggles.

Designers are creating luxury pet rooms for pooches

Lately, I’ve noticed an uptick in luxury pet rooms. I chuckle a little—aren’t our beloved pets already allowed everywhere? But I get it. If you’re going to share your home with your furry companion, why not make it beautiful and practical?

What My Dogs (and Clients’) Dogs Have Taught Me About Design

Back in South Africa, we left our sweet golden Labrador puppy alone for a couple of hours. He repaid us by chewing our custom upholstered sofa down to its wooden bones. Lesson learnt.

As a designer—and lifelong dog lover—I’ve come to see how pets shape our spaces. Here’s what I recommend when designing with dogs in mind:

1. Start with smarter materials

Performance fabrics are becoming wildly popular. But at what cost to your and your pet's health? Many are treated with chemicals that can linger in your home’s air and are especially harsh on small animals and babies. This off-gassing can last for years.

If your pet isn’t allowed on the sofa, or you’re choosing a dedicated dog bed, consider breathable, natural fibres like organic cotton. These materials not only feel luxurious, they also help regulate odour and moisture naturally—no added chemicals required.

I often recommend organic latex for pet beds. It’s naturally antimicrobial and a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

🔍 Look for labels like MADE SAFE or CertiPUR-US, which ensure fewer toxins in foam and textiles.

Avocado offers an organic dog bed

2. Washability is everything

Removable, washable covers—on both dog beds and sofas—are non-negotiable if you value a clean home and your guests not leaving covered in pet fluff. And if your pets are allowed on the couch? Consider layering throws that you can quickly toss in the wash.

3. Mind the textures

Choose upholstery with tighter weaves that won’t catch claws or pull threads. Embroidered textiles may be trending, but it won’t thank you for four paws and a wagging tail.

4. Colour counts

Go darker or patterned if you’re worried about stains, but don’t be afraid to layer in lighter tones—just keep them out of high-traffic, high-paw areas.

5. Make grooming easy

When we moved into a Dallas apartment with on-site dog grooming, my husband (Max’s primary groomer) was over the moon. These kinds of services are popping up in new builds—and worth considering if you’re remodelling. A small dog spa or utility nook with easy-to-clean finishes goes a long way.

6. A healthy dog is a happy design

I attribute some of Max’s long life to the fact that we fed him a largely plant-based diet, complete with extra amino acids supplements. And yes, he had a homemade peanut butter biscuit or five—scroll down for his favourite recipe.

7. Re-home with heart

After Max passed, I called around to find a cause that would truly use his strollers, clean beds, and accessories—rather than simply dropping them off at a generic charity, where so many well-meant donations are discarded. It made me realise just how much we try to comfort and care for our pets—and how, in turn, they shape our spaces, habits, and hearts.

Dog beds worth buying

If you’re upgrading your dog’s bed or creating a dedicated nook, here are a few quick tips:

• ✔️ Choose natural materials: Organic cotton and natural latex are safer and comfier. Try Avocado's Bed & Bolster or Naturepedic's Bed.

• ❌ Avoid memory foam: It often contains flame retardants and VOCs.

• 💦 Pick washable covers and liners: Hygiene and longevity go hand in hand.

• 🧺 Wash often: Dust and toxins can build up—especially where they sleep.

Max’s Favourite Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Here’s Max, ready for his tasty treats that we made on repeat:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ cup unsweetened, no salt, peanut butter

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 Tbsp. black molasses

• 1 Tbsp. olive maple syrup

• ½ cup, plus 1 Tbsp. soya milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)

2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper

3. Mix all ingredients dry ingredients in medium bowl

4. Mix all wet ingredients in small bowl

5. Add wet ingredients to dry and knead together with your hands

6. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and using a fun-shaped cutter place each biscuit onto the parchment paper

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.

Store in an airtight jar.

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Know a fellow dog lover? Share this and spread the healthy treat love!

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Art for dog lovers

Brenda Bogart is a local Dallas artist. Her dog series capture those soulful looks only dogs can give. Brenda's mixed-media collages are true works of art, and available in print through these galleries.

Brenda Bogart's Dog Mixed Media Collage Prints

Thinking about making your home more comfortable for everyone—paws and people included? I’d love to help you create a space that’s both beautifully designed and thoughtfully lived in. Whether you’re ready to start a new project or just curious about what’s possible, book a discovery call and let’s chat.