How to Design Dog Friendly Built-ins

For very little money, you can turn a typical Laundry Room from dullsville to designer, with storage galore and make it Dog friendly.

 

First step:

 

Make a list of your needs & your design  “non-negotiables.” 

 

Here was my list for my Laundry Room:

 

 

•          Deep sink
•          Front loading Washer & Dryer
•          Storage for vases
•          Cleaning supply storage
•          Laundry supply & detergent storage
•          A high work counter for folding clothing
•          Hanging storage for clothing taken out of the dryer
•          Storage for my Dog Taffy’s toys, collars, & paperwork
•          A place to work on a laptop
•          Storage for warranties & household information
•          A central place for addresses, stationary & mailing supplies
•          Office supply storage
•          Easy to clean finishes
•          Classic style in a neutral palette
•          Plenty of style
•          A maid, laundress, and Dog groomer.

 

My non-negotiable:  The design had to be Dog & buget friendly.

 

 

I don’t ask for much, do I? 

 

 

As with all decorating or interior design projects, draw up a floor plan.  Measure your actual space, even if you have a blueprint, because the actual build-out of the space can differ.

 

 

Your plan doesn’t need to be perfect, (my pencil drawings aren’t!) but you need to know these basics to begin:

 

• Dimensions (width & length)
• Ceiling height
• Door sizes & locations
• Electrical outlets
• Plumbing fixtures & hookups
• Lighting fixtures
• Traffic flow

 

Here was the builder’s layout for my Laundry Room.

 

The Interior Design Hound’s Laundry Room

 

 

Measuring in at less than 9 feet by about 7 feet, many walk-in closets are larger!

 

 

Next up, play around with the cabinetry layout and see what will fit your needs, space & budget. If you are unsure of the cabinetry sizes available, get a copy of the cabinetry specs  online, from your home-improvement center, or through your designer. 

 

Always remember, good design takes time, so really consider & plan your layout. 

 

 

 

Here’s how I planned the cabinetry layout on the washer & dryer wall…

 

 

 

Washer & Dryer Wall Elevation.   Image: Interior Design Hound

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I planned the cabinetry for the opposite wall…

 

 

 

Wall Elevation, Desk with Built-in Dog Bed

Image: Interior Design Hound

 

 

I installed 42” high wall cabinets to take advantage of the ceiling height.  If you use your vertical space, you’ll always find extra room for storage.  The built-in Dog bed is made by modifying a standard base cabinet.  (Learn more by reading: How to Create a Built-in Dog Bed.)

 

 

I’ve moved so often, that I like to work with a creamy, warm base so that I can change the look on a whim by decorating with colorful accessories.  I selected inexpensive, durable, neutral finishes. 

 

 

The neutral palette is also appealing for resale.  The walls are painted  a warm color (Sherman Williams 6112 Biscuit) with contrasting white trim (7006 Extra White). 

 

 

Natural Tigris Laminate.  Image: Wilsonart

  

  

  

The laminate countertops are easy to clean and provide visual texture with their pattern, as does the high performance floor tile.  It really stands up to muddy paws, dirt & Dog hair. Best of all, it is a snap to clean.

  

  

  

Adura Floor Tile, Manhattan in Hammer Beige.   Image:  Mannington

 

 

Boring beige?  Hardly.  Color is emphasized with the furniture selection, fabrics and accessories.

 

 

 

 Desk with Built-in Dog Bed.  Image: Interior Design Hound

 

 

 

 

Taffy in her Built-in Dog Bed.  Image: Interior Design Hound

 

 

 

 Rescue Dogs deserve engraved nameplates.    Image: Interior Design Hound

  

 

  Tons of Storage, Even for the Dog!    Image: Interior Design Hound

 

 

Now if I can just figure out a way to get that maid, laundress, and Dog groomer…

 

Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,