When most people think about building a custom home, they picture stunning kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and beautifully crafted living spaces. But for many families, “family” also includes four-legged members — and they deserve thoughtful design, too.
At Orren Pickell Building Group, we believe your home should support the way you live — and that includes the comfort, safety, and happiness of your pets. Whether you’re a dog owner, cat lover, or share your home with a mix of animals, integrating pet-focused features into your custom home design can make life easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite ways to seamlessly design for pets without sacrificing style.
Hidden Litter Box Solutions That Actually Look Beautiful
For cat owners, the litter box is often the biggest design challenge — necessary, but not something you want on display. One clever solution is custom cabinetry with a built-in litter box compartment, often in a mudroom, laundry area, or bathroom.
These concealed spaces include a discreet entry for your cat, easy access for cleaning, built-in ventilation to manage odor, and finishes that match the rest of your cabinetry. The result is a litter solution that blends seamlessly into your home’s design instead of detracting from it.
The images below are from our award-winning Winnetka master-suite renovation.
Dog Showers and Pet Wash Stations
Another increasingly popular feature is the dog shower — a raised or floor-level wash station in a mudroom, garage, or laundry area designed specifically for bathing pets.
Equipped with a handheld sprayer, tiled walls, built-in storage for shampoo and towels, and even drying hooks, these spaces make muddy paws, post-park rinses, or winter salt cleanup simple and stress-free. They’re also ideal for washing boots, garden tools, or other mess-prone items, making them one of the most versatile upgrades you can include.
Built-In Feeding Stations and Storage
Say goodbye to food and water bowls sliding across your kitchen floor. A built-in feeding station can be seamlessly integrated into a kitchen island, mudroom bench, or custom cabinetry.
Pull-out drawers with recessed bowls make feeding time easy and mess-free — and they can be tucked away when not in use. Add upper cabinets or pull-out drawers nearby to store food, treats, leashes, and medications in one convenient spot.
Cozy Built-In Pet Beds and Nooks
Your pets deserve a space that’s just for them. Built-in pet nooks — under a staircase, in a window bay, or as part of custom cabinetry — create cozy retreats that look intentional, not improvised.
Whether it’s a built-in bench with a soft cushion for a dog nap or a cat cubby with climbing shelves and perches, these custom touches keep pet gear organized and ensure your animals feel at home, too.
Pet Doors That Disappear When You Don’t Need Them
Gone are the days of clunky plastic pet doors. Today’s integrated pet doors can be designed to match your home’s trim, include secure locking mechanisms, and even feature smart technology that only opens for your pet’s microchip.
If you prefer a seamless look, hidden panels or custom millwork can conceal the pet door entirely when not in use — giving you the best of both worlds: access for your pets and design integrity for your home.
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Spaces
Pets thrive when they have access to the outdoors, and custom home design can extend that experience beautifully. Options include:
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Fenced-in “dog runs” that integrate with landscaping design.
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Shaded patios with cooling pavers for summer comfort.
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Pet splash pads or shallow water features.
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Outdoor rinse stations near entry points for quick cleanups.
These outdoor upgrades enhance your pet’s lifestyle and make day-to-day care easier for you.
Designing With Pets in Mind From the Start
The key to making these ideas successful is thinking about them early in the design process. Integrating pet features during planning ensures they’re cohesive with your home’s architecture, built-in storage, plumbing, and finishes — rather than added as an afterthought.
At Orren Pickell Building Group, we collaborate with clients to design homes that reflect every aspect of their lifestyle — including the pets they love. Whether it’s a cleverly hidden litter box, a custom dog wash, or a built-in feeding station, these thoughtful details elevate everyday living and make your home as functional as it is beautiful.
Ready to design a home that’s perfect for your whole family — paws included?
Contact us today to learn how Orren Pickell Building Group can help bring your dream home to life.
