What Is Barkitecture? Why Your Dog Might Dig It!

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During the Covid pandemic, 23 million homes acquired a new pet. Aside from causing tons of pet hair to vacuum, with lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many people sought the emotional support and companionship that pets provide. Pets are now cherished as integral members of the family, driving a growing demand for products and services focused on their care and comfort.

As of 2024, there were an estimated 90 million dogs and 42.2 million cats in the U.S., and pet owners were projected to spend approximately $150.6 billion on their pets, covering everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and luxury service.

The deepening bond between humans and pets is reshaping societal norms, with many people prioritizing pets over traditional family structures. This trend is influencing housing designs, travel options, and even workplace policies and this has led to a new buzz word for home design: “barkitecture.”

What This Means for You: Barkitecture is about blending functionality, comfort, and design to improve the living experience for both pets and their owners. It enhances homes by creating integrated, pet-friendly spaces providing comfort and functionality for these little creatures, while improving organization and aesthetics for homeowners. Pet-centric design can boost home value, maximize space, and ensure durability with easy-to-maintain materials.

Pet-friendly home improvement products from Acme are durable, hygienic and possess a flair that both the fur-babies and their families love! Click here to roll over that cursor and sit on some great ideas.

Fetching the Features of Barkitecture

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It’s important to note that barkitecture is not just limited to dogs. Cats are also purring about this trend. It began as a niche concept, which was primarily focused on outdoor doghouses or basic pet-proofing measures. A subsequent development was the cat-optimized, enclosed patio, or “catio.” Then, in the early 2020s, barkitecture evolved into a sophisticated design trend, driven by the growing humanization of pets and their integration into family life.

As social media sites such as Pinterest have endlessly extolled, barkitecture has expanded to include a wide range of innovative features that cater to both pets and their owners. Current applications include:

• Built-In Feeding Stations: These stations are often built into cabinetry, kitchen islands, or mudrooms, blending seamlessly with the home’s design while keeping pet bowls and feeding supplies organized and out of the way. Advanced setups might include automatic feeders for controlled portions, built-in water dispensers, or even cooling features to keep water fresh.

• Durable Materials: This is an essential consideration for pet owners. Materials like scratch-resistant flooring, water-proof or water-resistant materials, and tiles such as Oh My Dog Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile, by Merola and available from Acme are must-haves for pet-friendly homes. Furniture upholstery might include microfiber or leather, as well as fabrics with a tight weave that are less likely to get caught in claws. Protective wall coverings in high traffic areas can protect against scratches or dirt.

• Pet Washing Station: According to the design specialists at Living Etc., “There’s one domain that perfectly suits to adapting to dogs. It is a mud room. While you might not have a mud room per se, this space could be a laundry room, porch or whatever space your home’s back door opens into. These spaces lend themselves well to containing mess and mud brought back from winter walks, ensuring the only paws that enter your living spaces are squeaky clean.”

2021 House Beautiful Whole Home featuring a pet feeding and washing station. Floor shown here is Cherokee Brick in Mosstown, distributed by Acme Brick, Tile & Stone.

Adding a pet washing station to a mudroom or laundry room can vary in cost depending on the design, materials, and whether it’s a DIY project or professionally installed. Pet washing stations can make your home more attractive, especially since so many people have pets. Buyers see them as a useful feature because they make cleaning pets easy and help keep the house tidy. Adding one could increase your home’s value and make it stand out for potential buyers.

• Dedicated Pet Spaces: Custom nooks, under-stair retreats, or even entire rooms are being designed for pets’ comfort and relaxation. Another popular addition is a built-in gate (similar to “pocket doors”) that maintain aesthetic appeal while managing pets’ movement within the home.

• The Cat’s Meow: Feline fur babies have a unique design criterion based on their natural instincts. For example, cats love to climb and observe from high spaces, so barkitecture for cats might include wall-mounted perches, custom catwalks or overhead bridges. Owners prefer concealed litter boxes and dedicated hideaway spaces.

Pet-friendly Outdoor Spaces

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Designing a pet-friendly yard means creating an outdoor space that prioritizes your pets’ safety, comfort, and happiness while complementing the style of your home. Follow these steps to bring it to life:

• Secure Fencing: Install sturdy, escape-proof fencing that prevents your pet from wandering off. Ensure there are no gaps or areas they could dig under.

• Shade and Shelter: Provide shaded areas with trees, pergolas, or dog houses where pets can rest and cool off in hot weather.

• Exploration Opportunities: Use varying heights, textures, and pathways to create an interactive space for pets to explore.

• Personalized Design: Tailor the yard to your pet’s specific habits, like climbing perches for cats, a running track for active dogs, or cozy corners for more laid-back pets.

• Waste Management: Include a discreet area for pet waste disposal, like a pet potty station, for convenience and cleanliness.

• Paw-Friendly Surfaces: Use durable materials like pavers that are easy to clean. Durable and easy to clean, materials like concrete, flagstone, or brick are ideal for high-traffic areas. They can withstand digging and heavy use.

• Storage Solutions: Add weatherproof storage bins to keep toys, leashes, and other pet supplies organized and protected.

• Water Elements: Add a pet-friendly water feature, like a shallow splash pool or a fountain, for cooling off and entertainment.

• Relaxation Zone: Reserve an area with comfortable seating for you, shaded by trees, umbrellas, or pergolas, so you can unwind while your pets play.

A backyard that balances your needs with your pet’s preferences transforms an outdoor space into an entertaining retreat for you both to enjoy.

When to Invest in Barkitecture?

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Adding pet-centric design features to a home during construction can vary in cost depending on the complexity and materials used. Simple additions like durable flooring, built-in feeding stations, or pet doors are affordable and can be incorporated into the overall construction budget with minimal impact.

Features like pet washing stations, custom nooks, or under-stair retreats may cost a bit more, especially if they require plumbing or custom cabinetry. Incorporating these features during the construction phase is often more cost-effective than retrofitting them later.

Why We Love Our Fur Babies

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Pets have always played a role in enriching human lives, whether through practical benefits or emotional support. A recent survey found that 67% of Gen Zs (ages 18–26) are choosing pets instead of having children, at least for now. This decision is often influenced by the lower cost and flexibility of pet ownership compared to raising children. Most of the demographic group say they value experiences, personal growth, and flexibility, which align more with pet ownership than the long-term commitment of parenthood.

Doctors like pets for their patients because they are good for their health. Studies show that pet owners have lower risks of heart disease, improved immune systems, and even longer lifespans. The physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership contribute significantly to overall well-being.

Architects are having some fun with pet-centric design. AIA Dallas and TEXO, the Construction Association, run an annual event called “Bark + Build” that is a doghouse and cat condo design/build competition between professional teams consisting of architects and contractors. The finished doghouses and cat condos are displayed at NorthPark Center during the second half of November and judged for design and construction quality. The doghouses and cat condos are auctioned, with all proceeds going to the SPCA of Texas.

By catering to the practical needs of pets while improving the pet owner’s experience, barkitecture establishes a mutually beneficial living space. It provides pets with comfort, safety, and stimulation through well-designed features like ergonomic feeding stations, cozy nooks, and interactive play areas. Simultaneously, it offers homeowners convenience, organization, and aesthetic appeal by integrating pet-friendly elements into the home’s design. This balance of functionality and style not only guarantees the well-being of pets, but also the well-being of their owners by designing homes where both can share in true companionship.

If you love your pets and want a well-ordered, clean home, check out the home improvement ideas from Acme.