Your golden retriever takes up half of your living room, complete with scattered toys, a bed that clashes with your throw pillows and multiple water bowls that are strewn about. You’ve spent hours and hours scrolling through those gorgeous dog spaces in house design ideas, wondering how other people have such magazine-ready homes when your home can feel like a pet store exploded.
And, you know, your furniture doesn’t have to suffer because you love your dog.
As you know we have a dog who has her own mind on where she wants to be. Dogs have a great sense of smell, and want to be close to you, and that can get a bit smelly. Dogs need space to be dogs, and a dog house on the front lawn does not have to look so tacky. Here are 11 creative ways you can create a dog zone without ruining your décor stunning dog trot house plans.
Your Instagram-worthy living room is about to become a very happy dog’s home.
#1: Built-In Dog Door Alcove with Subway Tile Surround (Smart Entry Solution, Zero Muddy Floors)
Your dog is standing outside with muddy paws and barking. You run out of your room across the house to let her in, creating a mud trail from the door to the kitchen.
This was my previously built in dog door alcove! It is in a 4’ x 5’ nook next to the main entrance. White subway tile covers the three walls from floor to ceiling. The chrome dog door is mounted in the middle of the wall at the floor level. There is a gray tile mat that is the landing for the dog door.
My dog has her own door. She steps on her tile mat and I grab a towel when I hear the flap of the door. When I was working, she would come inside when she was ready and then head out again. I like the tile because you can use a damp cloth to wipe them clean. It takes about 30 seconds to clean the tile surface that is not waterproof with a towel and then a damp cloth. The tile doesn’t spread mud to the carpet or hardwood.
I really like how this design blends into our home and most visitors don’t even notice the dog door at first. I like the white subway tile and how the chrome frame looks intentional and not like an afterthought. If you are looking at the other 13 creative ideas for building the perfect homemade dog house, this alcove is the indoor connector.
The raised tile platform is 2 inches above your main floor. Water pools on the alcove tile, not your wood floors. You squeegee it toward the door once a week. The sealed grout is less likely to stain from wet paws for those dogs who spend time in 7 charming DIY dog houses for your outdoor pup.
Make sure the wall space you are going to install your tile on is at least 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall. The tile must be placed 12 inches away from the door on each side in order to catch any shake-off spray from your dogs fur when she comes in from going out.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @buckeye_plans
#2: Under-Stairs Dog House Hideaway (Built-In Comfort Zone, Eliminates Wasted Space)
That awkward little triangle under your stairs has been empty for years. You toss random boxes in there. Your dog circles the living room looking for his spot.
Get rid of that dead space underneath your stairs, and turn it into a custom dog bedroom in just one weekend. This under-stairs dog room is about 4×5 feet and it includes a plush bed, toys and even overhead storage.
The wooden walls on three sides of the crate help create a cozy home, visually blocking the view into your dog’s crate from the front. Your dog will feel safe and comfortable in his own little den when it’s storming outside or when there are guests over. The entrance cuts into the front panel and your dog will be able to easily walk in and out of his crate without squeezing.
Shiplap style walls. These walls match my decor perfectly. They don’t scream “dog zone” to my guests. It looks like built-in furniture, as opposed to a cage. And it can be painted or stained to match my trim.
Stash his blankets on the top shelf. Hang his name sign above. Keep his toys in bins beside the bed. Everything stays contained in his 20 square feet of space. You can use the similar concept in a DIY dog gates for indoor spaces for inside if you want to section off the area while training.
The platform raises the bed 6 inches off the cold floor. Your dog’s joints will stay warmer in winter. Older dogs may not appreciate lying directly on the tile. Year round insulation can also be beneficial, like building a cozy insulated dog house.
Measure the depth under the stairs before you cut any of the wood. I calculated the space was a 5 foot triangle. I left 30 inches at the front of the stairs so my medium/large dog could walk under without having to duck. My smaller dogs can have a bit more headroom.
Try adding a “washable cushion” to your sitting area. It will save you time and headaches when muddy season comes around and you have to wash it every week or so. You can toss it in the washing machine and I have found that I can just wipe the wooden base with a damp cloth and have it looking presentable in 2 minutes or so.
I have hooks on the wall so I can hook the leashes and bandanas up. Then I have pictures that were framed and put up on the wall. I have a small bin on the top shelf so I can keep some treats in there. It’s his little world. The corner that was useless is now a place for him to love.
Pro tip: We also installed a small battery-operated light in the bed so he can see his bed at night. He wouldn’t have to stumble in the dark to get into the bed and it works great with the motion detector lights.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @adventuresofamadeus
#3: Indoor Dog House Corner (Built-In Bedroom, No Crate Clutter)
Sophie’s owner made her very own private area of the house into a little doggy hideaway! This enclosed space almost looks like it could be a piece of furniture rather than dog gear! We have to admit, it’s pretty cool the doggy door is even cut out above the door – the only thing that would give it away that it’s a dog door and not for humans!
This house is about 36 inches wide and 30 inches tall and is perfect for small breeds under 15 pounds. The bed inside is a pink fleece bed that helps cushion your pup when they are taking naps. It also has an open front so you can check on your pup without disturbing their nap time!
This keeps all the doggy stuff contained so my house doesn’t look like a dog daycare! Guests don’t see my dog beds and toys scattered around. It also creates a little den where my dog can go when she gets scared (the doorbell rings or my kids get too loud).
Good choice for any room where you do not want to put your baby’s bed in a feeding zone. Take a look at these dog salon interior designs with similar concept. You can also create something similar following the tips from these DIY outdoor dog house plans just in a smaller size.
It is recommended to keep it away from a busy area. Corners are a great spot because the morning sun comes into the windows and it will be nice and warm in there. Also you do not want to have it right next to a vent otherwise the dog will be to hot.
Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the end of his stretched-out body. Add 6 inches to that length. That’s your minimum interior depth. Don’t guess!
Just as the dark colour hides the paw prints and nose smudges between weekly wipedowns, the semi-gloss stain is easier to clean. A damp cloth easily removes most marks.
One tip: -Toss your sheets in the wash every Sunday. Freshly-smelling sheets will be inviting to use.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @sophiethecutestyorkie
#4: Farmhouse Dog House Corner (Built-In Charm, Everything-In-One-Spot Function)
This mudroom is home to Coco’s white dog house. It’s small, 4×4 foot, but it’s decorated like a little home, and it holds everything Coco needs without taking up the whole mudroom.
I love how this beautiful modern farmhouse house would look in any 4×4 corner. It provides a cozy little sleeping den inside. Garland wrapped around the peaked roof. Red ornaments just hanging there at dog-nose level. And a soft white blanket covering the floor. The cute chalkboard nameplate is on top.
Your dog’s feeding station can hide inside or beside this mini house. Store food bins in the cabinets nearby. Hang leashes on hooks mounted beside the house. Add a waterproof mat underneath to catch water splashes and dirt. The door opening lets your dog enter and exit easily.
This is a very good idea for those of us who like to combine all the things. I think the color of the table also goes well with the others. Anyway, I will go with the white color. It can match with all the colors. I like the way the old furniture is placed in the house. Guests may think that this is a cute piece of furniture not a dog place.
Tile or vinyl flooring underneath keeps accidents from being a mess – with Tile or vinyl flooring underneath handles accidents in 30 seconds. Wipe and move on! Elevated structure keeps bedding off cold floor. Your dog will stay warm in winter. Similar to how best service dog breeds need a proper rest area, this is your dogs spot!
Now that the holidays are almost over, you can remove some of the garland, but keep it handy for when you want to decorate your house for spring with flowers, or even in the fall for leaves. Whatever you do, keep the decorations high enough that your dog won’t chew on them. You can use these tips along with our tips for pet-friendly home design tips to keep your house looking nice and stylish.
Your dog knows where to go after walks, so no more wondering around trying to find their bed.
Pro tip: Measure your dog lying down fully stretched. Add 6 inches to the length and width for comfort space.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @lil_coc_star
#5: Entryway Dog Command Center (Built-In Corner Station, Everything Within Arm’s Reach)
Your dog bolts out the door after a walk. Muddy paws track across the floor. You’re searching for towels while holding a leash.
If you have a dog, you know that wet paw prints on wood floors can be a pain to clean up. Having the tile floor continue from outside the entryway means that you won’t have to worry about wet paws, as well as a dusty-rose mat to teach your dog to stop at the door.
The hooks are mounted 5 feet high and can hold three leashes. There is a built in shelf to store paw-wiping towels and feeding bowls sit on waterproof mats. The grey tiles wipe clean in 30 seconds after messy entries. There is no scrubbing or stressing.
A beige door opens and you see chaos, but it’s peaceful chaos. The glass panel allows natural light to enter, so you can see your dog’s expression as they settle down on their mat. Dogs who know their spot are calmer, which makes best family dog breeds easier to manage during busy mornings.
My storage lives vertically here. All the walls are taken up with wall mounted organizers. The large plant helps to hide the fact that this is a dog zone. Guests only see the pretty entry way design.
I love the mixture of brown and white. I think the brown walls give the room a cozy feeling. And I’ve been really enjoying how much light is pouring into the room now that I have brown curtains. In fact, the whole thing has been costing me under $200, if you don’t count the hooks and shelf, which I’m making myself. I think it’s taken me a whole weekend to put it all up.
Cut your morning routine down to 5 minutes from 15. You walk in, wipe paws, hang leash, fill bowls. That’s it. Your dog goes straight to their mat because they know what happens there. No more chasing them through the house with a towel.
This works especially well for best dog breeds for kids who need structure and routine. The designated spot teaches boundaries without harsh training.
The first thing I would recommend is to put the mat where your dog naturally stops after he/she enters the room. Everything else is developed from that spot.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @itsjacktheaussie
#6: Living Room Dog Lounge Corner (Cozy Holiday Setup, Zero Functional Sacrifice)
This year my dog Charlie wanted to have a Christmas tree in the house. The only problem was that his giant fluffy bed was exactly where the tree needed to go. This quickly became the best corner in the house; it is the perfect 5×4 foot spot for the tree and the dog’s bed.
I also like this corner of our home as I do not feel like anything is being wasted. I like that the Christmas tree is against the wall and that Charlie’s oversized cushion bed is right beside it on the floor. Nothing blocks the walkway to the couch and the TV console is used as a place to store his toys in the wicker baskets you see.
I absolutely love my puppy. She’s so sweet and I love her forever. But I have two dogs so that means lots of dog hair floating around the place. In the past I’ve used a darker wood floor but the dog hair sticks. This finish is light and the dog hair just floats off of it. I can sweep it up in 90 seconds! I didn’t put up the tree lights this year but I have a few small tree lights that I just put on the floor and the beige walls reflect the lights nicely and give off a warm glow so I don’t need extra lamps. I’m not one of those people that will sacrifice my dogs for the aesthetics of holiday decor so I like this finish a lot!
This plush bed rests on hardwood, not carpet. I really like this because if an accident happens (if your dog is drinking more water by the best way to clean dog urine from carpet is irrelevant as it can be wiped off the wood floors in seconds without scrubbing. No lingering smell here, just grab some paper towels and cleaner.
I think the brown bed color hides the dirt better in between washes. I wouldn’t be washing it every 3 days because it looks dirty. Once a week is fine. I love the neutral color pallet with the cream couch and the walls. Guests don’t walk in and think ‘dog zone’ they walk in and see the living room.
Now there’s a wide open area around the Christmas tree to walk dogs from their bed to the door without having to walk them in front of the TV. In the summer, I have to water the tree every couple days, and it’s much easier to reach the tree. Everyone can walk to the couch easily, and I don’t step over dogs constantly to get there.
If your dog suffers from food sensitivities, it’s best to keep his rest area separate from the areas where you feed him. Check out these dog foods for allergies to see what he’ll be eating, and these dog beds for allergies to help him relax.
Try this: Measure your corner before buying any bed. Leave 18 inches between bed edge and walkway. Your shins will thank you.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pretzelthegoldenboy
#7: Rustic Barn-Style Dog Lounge (Vaulted Ceiling Drama, Multi-Dog Harmony)
Golden retriever used to pace. Now heads to her “barn” lounge corner. With high ceiling and beams, it’s a calm place that takes her less than 5 minutes to relax in.
This converted attic or “bonus room” is approximately 15×20 feet. It fits 4-6 dogs easily. The vaulted ceiling with the original wood beams adds drama to the room without taking up floor space. The pendant lights hang down 8 feet so even a jumping lab won’t hit their heads. The rustic wood framework also serves to divide the space into areas that the dogs know are meant for sleeping, playing or lounging.
Wide plank flooring (it looks like sealed oak or vinyl wood planks) is easy to wipe down and resists paw prints. Wipe muddy prints clean in 30 seconds. The rugs in coral and pink give the hard surfaces a soft touch and my senior dog’s joints are happy. The rugs make feeding and sleeping areas clearly defined so it’s easier for me to manage my mutt’s dietary needs.
I like to put a sofa on both sides so it is human seating, but also dog watching seating. I have them positioned against the walls so that I have more open floor space for the dogs to wrestle without knocking over a table. You can see the sign I put on the back of the sofa. You can just do a letter cut out of wood, or whatever works best. I put stencils on mine and then a wood stain.
I attached them to our dimmer so they’re nice and bright in the morning for the girls to play but dimmer in the evenings when we have our calmer time. I also wanted to use the beams to hang our dog leashes or other outdoor gear so I attached hooks at the top of the beams to hang them 10 feet up.
Natural light floods in through the multiple skylights and windows. Morning sun warms the room by 8 am without the use of any heat for the dogs that have skin sensitivities.
Your move: Need some inspiration to spruce up your dog’s bedroom? If your attic or “bonus room” is at least 12 feet tall you can recreate this airy dog lounge!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thedogclubhq
#8: Garden Patio Dog House Station (Stylish Outdoor Zone, Multi-Dog Paradise)
Every morning my two dachshunds are waiting by the sliding door for their breakfast. They know that their dish is on the patio, so I dont have to worry about a mess in the kitchen.
The outdoor dog house station is located on a patch of fake grass that’s 8×6 feet. The house is gray and white and pretty big. My two best big dog breeds could share this space. My dachshunds wouldn’t even be in it.
In the photo, each dog is wearing a bow tie. Their feeding bowls sit inside the house. The water will always stay nice and cool in the shade. The artificial turf can be cleaned with a hose in 2 minutes.
It’s about 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep. It’s got a clear door flap, so the dog sees into it before entering. There’s a raised roof so the air flows inside on hot days, and no stuffy, overheated sleeping area.
Hopefully this is of some help. My outside area is framed by the white planters on either side. They help to match the look of my patio furniture. You have to understand that my dogs don’t look like this when they are outside. I love to keep the area looking nice so that if my friends come over, they don’t see my dogs’ “pet zone”. They see a nice area that I designed and they can enjoy!
Now, morning feeding takes only 3 minutes. The dog bowls are out and my dogs eat their food in their house. No more bowls on my kitchen floor. No more water spills on my hardwood. I think of it as the best dog food toppers (except it’s not like toppers, it’s more like SPACE toppers).
My turf stays green and doesn’t need to be watered. When it rains the rain rinses it clean and when the sun shines down it dries quickly.
Try this: I was thrilled to be able to include this storage bench in the girls outdoor space. I love that it is right next to the house. This way I can keep towels, treats and other doggie supplies there.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thedaxietrio
#9: Artificial Turf Backyard Retreat (Private Outdoor Zone, Total Relaxation Space)
Max used to pace when he heard thunder. Now, he heads out to this covered patio area and lies on the artificial grass instead of tracking mud around the house.
12×10 covered off the house. Artificial turf covers the entire area so no need to water or mow. The blue tiles on the patio bring out the green of the grass. The stone wall with flower pots gives privacy from our neighbors. The metal railing above provides a sense of security without blocking the light.
The surface is completely clean in 5 minutes. It only needs to be sprayed once a week. Brush off debris everyday. It drains quickly which means that rain will not create puddles on it for your dog to lie down in. It means your dog will get outside time even on a rainy day. No more muddy paw prints on the floor. You won’t have to scrub No more scrubbing carpets after your dog has been playing in the mud. specialized carpet cleaning solutions.
It works very well for the dogs’ feeding time as well. I put the bowls on the turf area and food spills easily rinse off the turf. I put the water bowls on the blue tile area because of the ease of cleaning. Also, I store outdoor dog toys in weatherproof bins along the wall. The dogs can grab any toy they want without me running inside and getting it for them.
The covered roof provides shade from the sun during the hot days of summer. Your dog can relax on the covered patio without overheating. You could almost call it an outdoor room! Plants are placed around the outside of the patio walls to soften the yard, but are also out of the reach of digging animals in pots.
Quick tip: Add a yellow soccer ball for that extra touch of turf. The ball will show dirt easily, letting you know it’s time to rinse the turf.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @montyonstage
#10: Dual-Door Dog Command Center (Built-In Crate Style, Mudroom Multi-Dog Hub)
Bailey and Scout used to fight over everything. Food bowls, water, who got the sunny nap spot. Their owner turned a 6×4 foot mudroom corner into separate zones for each dog.
This setup uses two custom built in crates that have dark metal bars and white frames. Each crate is 3 feet wide by 2.5 feet deep. The dark wood counter tops run the length of both crates and create a 6 foot long storage surface. The base of the crates is 18 inches off the ground, perfect for older dogs who don’t like to jump up.
The light teal walls brighten up the space without getting dirty. The white trim and beadboard wainscot protect the bottom 3 feet of wall from scratches. The marble-look vinyl tile floor is easy to clean after my muddy dog comes in. The porthole mirror adds depth to the small space.
All our storage lives on top. Silver pitchers hold leashes and grooming tools, glass containers store treats, fresh eucalyptus and greenery make for natural air fresheners and everything we need for our daily routines is right there so no searching through closets for nail clippers at 6am.
Both dogs enter from the french door in the background. They walk to their respective crates and have zero issues. There’s no more morning “fight” over who eats first. The divided setup stopped resource guarding completely.
After our walks, the towels are taken from the hooks inside of the crate doors where we wipe the paws of our dogs before they get to go lie on their beds. It takes 3 minutes instead of 15. Everything has a place and the dogs know where theirs is.
I love the arrangement for my multi-dog household organization and many of you do too. We have separate zones for each dog to help take some of the tension off when feeding and resting times. If you are training your dog to respect their space, take a look at my reward-based training approaches for dogs to encourage them to feel positive about their area.
The crates don’t look like dog crates and people are always asking where I keep my mudroom stuff. Also, the wood top hides water rings and dog treat crumbs. The semi-gloss paint on the walls cleans up easy.
Pro tip: I have a small towel bar mounted inside the door of each crate. I hang the dogs’ drying towels on the bars overnight so they’re ready for the next muddy walk. Each dog has his/her own color towels so there’s no confusion.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @platinumleash
#11: Built-In Dog Crate Credenza (Elegant Furniture Design, Zero Cage Vibes)
Max used to pace when I had guests. His wire crate sat in the corner of the room, covered with a wrinkled sheet. Now he settles into his new crate within 30 seconds and the guests have no idea he is there.
Measure 6 feet long, built-in is made of black slatted sides. Top matches the color tone of walnut and is ideal to place photos or plants. Inside, your dogs can enjoy a cozy den that is 48 inches wide, enough space for large dogs to stretch out.
The vertical slats of the bed provide ventilation and the dog feels safe and at home. The top of the bed functions as a console table. You will have storage space and a rest spot for your pet. You will never again have to choose between style and your pet’s needs.
I’d recommend this set up for high traffic areas, where your dog wants to be close by you. Put it against your main wall in your living room, or put it in the entry way where your dogs will greet people. With such a furniture quality build, it belongs out in the open, not hidden away in a corner somewhere. It’s like these best dog houses outside, but an indoor sanctuary!
two dogs fit comfortably if you install a divider down the middle. each dog gets his or her own 24 inch space. you can add removable cushions which should be washed weekly. keep leashes and walking harnesses hanging on hooks next to the crate.
The dark walnut top is scratched by excited tail wags. The black base doesn’t show dirt in between cleanings. Wipe down the top daily with a damp cloth. Once a month vacuum the inside corners.
My routine became a lot easier. Just say, “crate” and they’ll walk in on their own. When they beg for food I close the slatted door. They’ll lounge on it while I’m watching TV. This dual-purpose furniture is a bit more expensive but saves you from buying a separate storage area and crate.
I have a wood/vinyl plank floor under the credenza. I just put a washable mat inside of it to give it some cushioning. The credenza sits on a solid base and is raised 2 inches off the floor so air is able to circulate under it so that it does not get moisture under it.
One of the things that calms our mornings is that everything has a place to go. I usually put their food bowls out on the top so I can quickly fill them when I’m ready. The dogs stay inside their crates until I’m ready to release them. This whole process only takes me about 3 minutes or less.
Quick tip: If you want your crate to be seen from far away in the evening, you can use battery-powered LED strips inside your crate. The strip of lights would be more convenient than harsh overhead lights.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @exquisiteitemsmall
Your Dream Dog-Friendly Home Awaits
I get it, you’ve seen some amazing pictures of dog areas and you just can’t wait to make one of your own. Maybe you’re even starting to plan it out in your head. Well, let me give you some inspiration this week and tell you what I did to make one space of my home perfect for my doggie.
If you’re dog isn’t feeling so comfy, you’ll want to check out these natural solutions for skin allergies as well as some great dog shampoo recipes to have on hand for your dog’s grooming station. If you’re lucky enough to have the space to let your dog outside, check out this guide to the best dog doors that don’t ruin the look of your home.
Give your dog areas in the house that reflect your style, while making your furry friend feel loved. Pin your favorite ideas to come back to later!
Which of these dog areas are you most excited to try out first, the cozy reading nook or the stylish doggie feeder? .
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
