Previously hidden away in crates or discreetly tucked into corners, pets are now becoming central to how we shape our living spaces. What was once a niche concept has evolved into a flourishing movement. Elevated feeding stations with marble tops, elegant dog showers integrated into boot rooms, and custom-built sleeping nooks seamlessly incorporated into cabinetry are fast becoming hallmarks of the well-appointed home.
We spoke to the designers and creatives leading this shift, exploring how interiors are being reimagined to reflect a new cultural mindset 鈥 where refined living and devoted pet parenting are intertwined.
Today鈥檚 homeowners expect their living spaces to reflect both their aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle choices. That includes a growing awareness of the daily needs and comforts of their pets. According to Tom Howley, a bespoke kitchen designer, the modern kitchen is being reimagined to accommodate four-legged companions with subtle sophistication.
鈥淲hen designing a kitchen or utility room, we frequently integrate practical pet features like built-in feeding stations, integrated bed nooks, and low-level storage for treats or toys,鈥 says Howley.
His team鈥檚 designs often include clever customisations, like hidden charging drawers for pet tech 鈥 such as GPS collars. Elevated pet-dining areas clad in the same stone or timber as the kitchen worktops bring a sense of cohesion, whilst personalised touches 鈥 like cabinetry engraved with a pet鈥檚 name 鈥 add charm.
It鈥檚 clear that luxury isn鈥檛 just for humans any more. For instance, bed-maker Vispring 鈥 whose mattresses graced the opulent first-class cabins of the Titanic 鈥 offers fully customisable mattresses tailored to individual sleep preferences. They can even create miniature, made-to-measure pet beds that offer bespoke firmness options, ensuring that every member of the family enjoys the finest in luxury sleep.
This level of consideration for animal comfort is being embraced by leading interior designers, too. Laura Hammett, known for her refined, neutral interiors, recently took on an unusually delightful challenge: designing a bespoke cat room for a young client.
鈥淚t鈥檚 integrated into a bedroom suite for a little girl who absolutely loves her cats,鈥 Hammett explains. 鈥淭he room features curved glass walls that open up to the surrounding space, enabling her to always see and engage with her furry friends. Additionally, the bedroom includes a bespoke cat tree that stretches across an entire wall.鈥
It鈥檚 a playful yet considered approach that reflects a broader trend: homes that facilitate deeper connection 鈥 not only with family and guests but also with beloved pets.
As pets enjoy free rein of the house, flooring has become another key area for innovation. Christoph Wellekotter, head of product management at flooring brand Parador, notes that practical considerations no longer come at the expense of style.
鈥淔looring in pet-friendly homes needs to strike the right balance between durability and style,鈥 he explains. 鈥淟uxury vinyl has become a very popular choice. It鈥檚 scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and stands up well to accidents or muddy paws, while still offering the sought-after look and feel of wood.鈥
But floors aren鈥檛 the only surfaces facing wear and tear. Walls, too, are taking a hit from overenthusiastic tails and claws. Lick鈥檚 Supreme paint range is ideal for pet-friendly homes, offering a hard-wearing finish that鈥檚 easy to wipe clean without damaging the colour. It comes in the brand鈥檚 full palette of pigment-rich tones 鈥 allowing you to maintain a beautiful home even in the face of four-legged chaos.
Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick, adds: 鈥淎lways make sure to opt for low-VOC paint. This is safer for your pets (and for you) with fewer chemical nasties in the air.鈥
Interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch has also witnessed the growing demand for pet-focused design. What鈥檚 driving this trend? According to her, it spans generations and lifestyles, but the uniting factor is that these clients consider their pets true family members.
The Courtyard Room, designed by Sims Hilditch for WOW!house 2025, featured a fully equipped dog area. It boasts custom joinery, an elegant washing station with hand-painted tiles, and a concealed dog ottoman by Lorfords Contemporary, tucked behind a charming curtain.
鈥淐losed storage keeps things tidy,鈥 Sims Hilditch explains, 鈥渂ut if pet accessories are beautiful or colour-coordinated, open shelving can also be a stylish, practical choice.鈥
With washable luxury fabrics, underfloor heating, and artisanal details like decorative tiling, it鈥檚 clear that pet-friendly spaces are no longer an afterthought 鈥 they鈥檙e a cornerstone of sophisticated home design.