The Perfect Spot to Snuggle
Give your dog a comfortable place to lounge throughout the day and sleep at night. Dog beds are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Before buying, consider your dog’s sleeping position, size, temperature needs (do they run hot or need a bit of extra warmth?) and any physical issues. A bed with an overstuffed construction, bolstered sides and a low central cushion provides extra joint support, making it especially suited for older dogs. Whatever style of bed you choose, a removable cover makes for easy cleaning. Faux leather covers resist hair and dirt while pairing beautifully with modern decor. And since it cleans up with just a wipe, it’s perfect for dogs who tend to drool. Microlinen and microvelvet bed covers resist pilling and repel pet hair, dirt and moisture. Plus, they get softer with every wash. Subtly patterned or tweed covers can help hide fur and dirt between cleanings.
Create a Canine Command Center
Baskets and bins hold doggy must-haves from collars, leashes and dog waste bags to toys, medications and grooming supplies. Just be sure they’re stashed on a shelf that’s beyond the reach of curious beasts who might make a mess or get into something that makes them sick. Speaking of shelves, a wall-mounted version or a stand-alone bookshelf also holds training books and puppy photo albums. It’s a great spot to safely store file boxes containing your pup's vaccination records and medical history, as well as warranties and instruction manuals for crates, beds and more.
Keep Dogs Corralled with a Gate
If you need to keep your dogs out of the way for a while, consider using a gate to confine them to their room. In addition to keeping your pups safe and out of the way—especially helpful during major cooking undertakings or home improvement projects—a gate helps your dogs feel like they are part of the action and lets you keep an eye on (and talk to) them.
The Crate: A Modern Cave
Your dog needs a place of its own, a spot reminiscent of the dens and caves that its wolf ancestors preferred. Crates and kennels, whether plastic, wire or wood, provide domestic dogs with a safe sanctuary that’s all their own. Crate-trained dogs can happily spend several hours in their kennel—dogs generally sleep 12–18 hours per day—and you’ll be able to relax, knowing your dog is in a safe environment. Add comfort with a blanket, pad or pet bed. Then, throw in a couple of toys—that way, your dog won’t miss you too much when you’re out. Even if your dog has full run of the dog room while you’re gone, almost every canine enjoys an enclosed spot to cuddle.
Breath Easy with an Air Purifier
While dogs’ paws smell adorably of corn chips, the rest of them can smell like, well, dogs. An air purifier removes most small particles from the air, and those that feature charcoal filters reduce unwanted odors dramatically. Many models also filter up to 99.99% of allergens, making your home a more welcoming place for any visitors with allergies. By placing the air purifier just outside the room where your dog spends the most time, thereby eliminating odors and particles at the source, you’ll help everyone in your home breathe easier.
Keep an Eye on Your Dogs’ Adventures
The new crop of streaming-enabled home security cameras let you to keep an eye on what your pets are up to while you’re at work or out and about. Place an indoor security camera in the dog room, stream the video on your smartphone, and sneak peeks of your new favorite show every chance you get. Your mind will be at ease knowing your furry wards are safe and happy. There are even specialized dog cameras available, some of which boast treat dispensers that you can activate remotely.
A Doggy Dining Room
If you’d like to limit all potential dog-related messes to just one area in your home, set up a spot in the dog room for your pet to eat and drink. Start with a dishwasher-safe placemat, preferably one constructed with a lip to corral the bowls and contain spills. Next, add a bowl for food and another for water—again, dishwasher-safe is the way to go. Pick the size of the dishes based on how much food and water your dog needs, and consider an elevated feeder, which allows your furry friends to eat while maintaining optimal feeding posture. A pup-proof bin in sleek stainless steel or warm wood holds dog food and treats at the ready for meal times.
Get Whimsical with Wallpaper
Fortunately, your dog is not going to have strong opinions on your aesthetic choices for their room, which gives you free reign to express your style. But referencing your dog’s favorite toys, treats and activities can lead to some super-fun—and still stylish—choices. Does your puppy love bunnies, whether real or plush? Choose playful bunny wallpaper in modern pink. Are bananas your dog’s favorite treat? Cover the walls in bold Pop Art banana wallpaper. There are even totally chic papers featuring dogs, bones and paw prints, whether in classic toile or edgy modern designs.
We’d love to see your dog room—and your darling dogs, of course. Share all your favorite dog room tips, tricks and hacks with the hashtag #CrateStyle.
