Our kitchens are the heart of the home, where meals are prepared, memories are made, and often, our furry companions spend a significant amount of time. But let’s face it, traditional kitchen designs aren’t always conducive to the needs of our pets. Maybe you don’t like the pet bowl in the middle of your kitchen or hard to clean floors. Maybe you thought about how wonderful it would be to have dedicated cabinet for pet food. From curious paws exploring countertops to slippery floors causing havoc, pet owners often face unique challenges in this space.
The good news? You can create a beautiful, functional kitchen that caters to both you and your beloved animals next time you do your kitchen remodeling. Here’s a guide packed with design considerations to transform your kitchen into a pet-friendly haven:
Flooring: Durability and Easy Cleanup
- Scratch-Resistant and Low-Maintenance: Pets can be playful, and their claws can wreak havoc on delicate flooring. Opt for durable, scratch-resistant options like ceramic or porcelain tile. These are also easy to clean, a lifesaver when dealing with muddy paw prints or accidental spills. Wooden floors would not be ideal choice, as it is easy to scratch, hard to clean and more expensive to replace.
- Consider Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP offers a realistic wood look with superior durability and water resistance. This makes it perfect for kitchens where spills and messes are inevitable. Choose a textured option for improved traction, preventing slips and falls for both you and your pet.
- Avoid Carpeting: While carpeting might seem soft and inviting, it’s a nightmare for pet owners in the kitchen. It traps dirt, fur, and odors, making cleaning a constant battle.
Cabinetry: Outsmart Curious Paws and Noses
- Elevated Pet Food Stations: Ditch the unsightly bowls on the floor. Built-in pet food stations with pull-out drawers or dedicated cubbies keep food and water off the ground, away from spills and curious paws. This creates a designated feeding area and promotes better posture for your pet while eating.
- Lower Cabinet Storage: Utilize lower cabinets with secure, child-proof locks to store pet food, treats, and cleaning supplies. This keeps these items out of reach from mischievous pets and frees up valuable counter space. Also, if you have to deal with huge bags of dog or cat food, storing them in lower cabinets with easy access is better.
- Open Shelving with Caution: While open shelving provides a trendy look, exercise caution if you have a particularly adventurous pet (especially cats). Consider placing lightweight, non-breakable decorative items on open shelves, and store heavier or breakable items in closed cabinets.
Countertops: Easy to Clean and Scratch-Resistant
- Quartz or Granite: Non-porous and highly durable, quartz and granite countertops are excellent choices for pet owners. They resist scratches from claws and are easy to clean up after messy spills.
- Stainless Steel: While stylish and easy to maintain, stainless steel can show paw prints and water spots more readily. This might not be ideal for those who prefer a pristine look.
- Avoid Marble or Soapstone: These beautiful natural stones are susceptible to etching and scratching, making them less ideal for pet-friendly kitchens.
Appliances: Safety First, Convenience Close Behind
- Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators: Pets are naturally curious about smells and food. Opt for a bottom-freezer refrigerator to keep tempting treats and snacks out of reach. This also prevents your pet from straining their neck to reach for food at the back of the fridge or closing on the cat’s paw.
- Microwave Placement: Microwaves on countertops can be tempting targets for curious paws. Consider installing them built-in at a safe height or opt for a freestanding model you can tuck away in a corner.
- Pet Fountains: A dedicated pet fountain encourages your pet to stay hydrated and provides fresh, moving water that’s more appealing than stagnant water in a bowl. Maybe if you go a few steps farther, you can install special water container, that could be filled from your filter under the sink.
Pet-Friendly Features: Creating Comfort and Convenience
- Built-in Pet Beds: Integrate a comfy pet bed underneath a counter or in a designated nook. This provides your pet with a safe haven to relax while you’re busy in the kitchen. Everyone’s pet following us everywhere we go, right?
- Pull-Out Drawers for Leashes and Toys: Keep clutter at bay by installing pull-out drawers near the door to store leashes, harnesses, toys, and waste disposal bags.
- Designated Trash Bins with Lids: Regular trash cans are an open invitation for scavenging pets. Opt for lidded bins that open with a foot pedal or motion sensor to keep garbage out of reach.
Small Touches for a Happy Pet
- Hidden Waste Disposal: Consider installing a built-in waste disposal unit for easy cleanup of food scraps. This eliminates the need for a separate trash can for food waste, making the kitchen even more pet-safe.
- Window Perches: Cats, in particular, love to observe their surroundings. Install a sturdy window perch with a clear view outdoors. This keeps your feline friend entertained while you’re cooking. Consider planting catmint on your windowsill along with other herbs.
- Soft Lighting: Harsh overhead lights can be startling for some pets. Consider adding dimmer switches or under-cabinet lighting for a softer ambiance that’s calming for your furry companion.
A Kitchen for Everyone: A Joyful Space for Humans and Pets
We live in the time when more than ever our pes are our family members. By incorporating these design considerations and fostering good habits, you can create a kitchen that caters to both you and your furry family members. Imagine a space where you can cook delicious meals with peace of mind, knowing your pet is comfortable and safe. From designated feeding areas to easy-to-clean surfaces, a pet-friendly kitchen is not just about functionality, it’s about creating a space that fosters a deeper connection between you and your beloved animal companion.
Then, when you’re ready to kickstart your project, visit the CPP Kitchen & Bath Design Showroom of Cape Cod and find the modern, high-quality elements for your fresh new kitchen. We’re here to help you get inspired and serve as a gateway to creating a contemporary kitchen to last for many years to come.