Did you know that having an enriching environment for your fur kids is essential for their overall well-being? For parents who see their pets as part of the family, it’s important to create a home for them that’s comfortable and secure. And barkitecture helps you create dog-centric spaces that are both functional and fashionable.
Barkitecture refers to designing spaces for the comfort of your dogs. It integrates features that specifically address your pets’ needs to reduce stress and keep them secure and comfortable at home. This can range from incorporating doggy doors, feeding and water stations, comfy beds, and wash areas located near the entrance.
This design trend began in 2021 following the height of the pandemic and regarded by Pinterest as “animal-first architecture.” In fact, there has been a surge in households owning pets. Statistics show that there are approximately 12 million dog owners in the Philippines, with 67 percent of them keeping their furry friends inside the home.
Additionally, gone are the days when dogs stay outdoors to guard your home from suspicious strangers and burglars. In fact, dog experts view backyard dog houses as outdated as they are isolating and impractical, especially during extreme weather. So don’t do it!
Barkitecture allows you to have a more pet-friendly interior that keeps your pet mentally stimulated. Not only does this design make your furkids feel safe and included, it also improves your home’s functionality and organization. Rather than just randomly placing “cute” pet products, you can create stylish areas that seamlessly integrate with your existing design scheme.
Barkitecture may sound fancy, but creating a stylish and functional space for your pet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown on how to apply barkitecture to your home.
Examine your space to see if you have a suitable area for creating a dedicated pet zone. Consider using an unused room, a nook under the stairs, or a quiet corner in an open space. Choose a location away from high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room, and entryways to ensure your pets are not disturbed or at risk of being stepped on.
To better help you decide, also consider your dog’s size and activity level. If they’re active, give them space to freely roam around and play. For sleepyheads, provide larger comfy beds. Or if they’re messy eaters, include built-in feeding stations to avoid spills, or place their bowls in areas that are easy to clean.
Dogs thrive on routine, so pattern your barkitecture according to their behaviors, like where they eat, play, sleep, or hang out.
Get some barkitecture inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, design blogs, and pet-friendly furniture sites. You can even get ideas from other fur parents or pet influencers you know.
You can also align it with your home’s current interior style to make it look like they’re part of the overall design. Check whether the shops you sourced your furniture from offer products designed specifically for pets.
Or if what you source is not at par with your taste and dog’s personality, you can merge designs and DIY. Consider your budget, skills, and the complexity of the project before you customize the feature you want.
To plan the layout of the pieces you choose, make a rough sketch considering the movement of your pet in it. Collect all your inspo and create a mood board to easily visualize how it will all come together.
Every paw parent knows how difficult it is to train and take care of their pets. Unless they understand a few simple commands, it’s impossible to ask them to pick up after themselves. But you don’t have to struggle with this responsibility with barkitecture’s solutions.
There are items available to make the dedicated dog area in your home easy to maintain. You can start with scratch-proof and easy to wipe off fabrics like leather and microfiber. You can also opt for pieces with hidden storage to easily organize toys, treats, and other pet essentials.
Make use of the corners by placing the usual messy areas like feeding stations and water bowls in compartments. Make sure to keep beds, cushions, rugs, and blankets away from this area unless they are water and stain-resistant. In this way, you can prevent your dogs from accidentally making a mess.
Tiles, vinyl and epoxy flooring, and waterproof wallpapers can also prevent itchy claws from ruining the space.
Barkitecture isn’t just about gussied-up spaces meant to spoil your dogs. It acknowledges the growing role pets play in our families and reimagines our homes to embrace their needs and desires. After all, a happy pet makes a happy home.
Photos from Unsplash
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