Today, I’m going to share a built-in Dog Bed created by designer Maria Barcelona for a cute Shih Tzu named Elf in Louisiana.

Lendon & Shih Tzu Elf.  Image: NOLA

Maria originally created the Dog design for the Junior League of Mandeville Showhouse in 2007.

Like my Scottie Dog Taffy, the Shih Tzu’s Dog bed is located in the Laundry Room.

Here’s a view of Taffy’s built-in Dog Bed, decked out in fall colors…

I like to change the accessories & color scheme with the seasons, just to keep it interesting.  (I wouldn’t want my Dog to get bored, right?)

My laundry room was designed to maximize a small space and squeeze in as much storage as possible.  You can see the plan & design both here and here.

Elf, the Shih Tzu, however, lives in an 8700 square foot home, so I don’t think space was an issue.

Built-In Dog Bed & Dog Crate.  Image: NOLA

Even with the luxury of plenty of square footage, the homeowner Lendon Noel wanted a special spot for her Dog in her new home.

No matter how big or small your home is, if you’ve got Pets in the house, creating a designated storage for Dog food, Pet supplies & Dog Toys can be a challenge.

Having a place to feed your Pets so you don’t trip over the Dog’s water bowl is also a good idea.  It’s even a better idea if you have Pet Friendly flooring!

And no matter how well trained you Dog is; accidents happen, so it’s a must to have a Pet friendly room where the Dog can stay when you’re not at home.

 Custom Built-In Dog Bed.  Image: NOLA

If you look closely at this built-in design, you’ll notice the designer did not use a cabinet, as I did for my Scottie Dog. 

She simply extended the length of the granite countertop to the wall, creating a space for the Dog’s bed.

Designer Dog Bed. Image: Crypton Fabrics

The Built-in above is a less expensive solution (without the granite countertop, of course) and makes a great space to store a Dog crate if you do not want to have one built into your cabinetry. 

To create a built-in Dog crate, designer Maria Barcelona installed an ornamental gate, omitting the need for a Dog crate all together. 

I suggest reviewing your room’s layout carefully if you chose this option to avoid door issues. You must allow enough space for the crate door to open fully, or it could collide with the door to the room.

Wiemaraners. Image: Crypton Fabrics

Crypton Fabric, known for its durability & high performance, was selected for the Shih Tzu’s custom Dog Bed.  The Posey pattern, shown above with Wiemaraner’s Candy & Chip, was designed by artist & photographer William Wegman. 

Wegman & Wiemaraners. Image: Crypton

While Crypton Fabrics offers plenty of stylish William Wegman Pet beds and home accessories don’t forget the company also offers fabric by the yard:

Pet Friendly Crypton.  Images: JoAnn’s Fabrics

With soft, breathable, stain-resistant fabrics that are virtually indestructible; Crypton Super Fabrics are a perfect choice for Pet friendly decorating and families with active lifestyles.

All of the fabrics I’ve shown are available through JoAnn Fabric Stores, which by the way, run “50% Off Home Decorating Fabric” sales several times a year.

Here is a key to the Pet Friendly fabrics above:

#1  Faux Suede in Champane

#2  Thames 90

#3  Colburn 43

#4  Caledonia 49

#5  Fairbanks 15 Stripe

#6  Argo 90

There are so many beautiful Pet friendly fabrics on the market today, you’re sure to find plenty to fit you’re budget & style. 

Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,

If you’ve created a built-in Dog bed, I’d love to see a picture!  Drop me a line and your Dog’s space could be featured on the Interior Design Hound!