A growing number of people choose not to have children, and home design reflects these changes. Instead of being centered around the number of bedrooms, features like fenced yards, pet wash stations, and proximity to the dog park are wishlist items for those who want beagles instead of babies.
What is barkitecture?
A cute name for a common concept, barkitecture refers to the increasing trend of designing homes for people with canines, not kids. With more couples and singletons choosing furbabies over human babies, it’s become more important to design homes and communities with pets in mind.
Features of pet-friendly homes
Fenced-in yards
Good fences make good neighbors, and it turns out they make pet owners happy, too. 49% of clients reported that a fenced yard was the most important feature they looked for in their search for a pet-friendly home. Fences provide a safe, secure area for pets to roam, vastly reducing the risk of accident, injury, or losing a pet.
Location, location, location
While someone who plans to have children might focus on homes in good school districts, pet owners have other considerations in mind. 18% of home buyers said it was very important that a new home be located in an area convenient to outdoor areas and vets. Those with puppies or older pets may also choose a home close to their workplace, making it easier for those midday visits for potty breaks and cuddles.
Pet-friendly materials
Between accidents, dog hair, and lingering odors, carpet can be a nightmare with dogs, but alternatives like hardwood or tile can be risky, too. Heavier dogs’ claws may damage natural hardwood and slippery surfaces like tile can be tough to get traction on, leading to injuries. Veterinary nurse Gillian Shippen says she has seen an “increase in animals that are experiencing joint, muscle, and spinal soreness and injury caused by slippery surfaces in the home.”
For many dog owners, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate flooring is a great choice. Both options are durable, easy to clean, and offer options with some texture to make them less slippery.
Pet wash stations
If you’ve ever tried to manhandle a muddy 150-lb Mastiff through the house just to hose him off in the shower, you’ll understand why pet wash stations rank so high on pet owners’ lists of must-have home features. These handy wash stations are often close to the door on lower-level walk-outs, perfect for a post-walk rinse. With raised wash tubs (so owners don’t have to bend over awkwardly), wash wands, and slip-proof flooring, these pet wash stations are the perfect addition for dogs big and small.
Accommodations for senior pets
It becomes harder for adults to move around as they age; unfortunately, the same is true for our beloved pets. Many people with senior pets look for single-floor homes (like bungalows) to minimize the strain for pets getting into and moving around within the home. Some dog lovers who sleep with their pooch also look for primary bedrooms on the main floor for the same reason.
Built-in pet food station
Are you tired of tripping over water bowls? Barcitecture can fix that. Many homes designed with pets in mind have incorporated built-in food stations tucked into the end of kitchen islands or stowed inside a drawer you can easily pull out at dinnertime. Top-of-the-line versions even have a dedicated tap, making refilling water bowls a breeze.
Other features for pet-friendly homes
These home features might not be make-or-break-it elements when choosing a home, and sometimes they aren’t even purpose-made for pets, but they sure make life with furry friends easier.
Air purification systems
You don’t have to be an allergy sufferer to want to reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in the air. And although we love our pets, we don’t necessarily want our homes to smell like them. HVAC systems with HEPA air filters can filter up to 99.97% of particles in the air, even those 0.3 microns small, keeping your home dust-free and smelling fresh.
Central vacuum system
Keeping your floors fur-free can sometimes feel like a full-time job, whether carpet, LVP, tile, or hardwood. A central vacuum system can make this job easier by providing a vacuum suction point in each room for quick and easy cleanups.
Wrap up
As furry friends take center stage in our lives, barkitecture ensures that life with pets is easy, clean, accessible, and safe. Choosing a home with features built in just for your best friend is the perfect way to thank them for those cuddles, nose kisses, and unconditional love.
