Let’s not forget…….. Our Four-Legged Family Members!
Kitchen and bath design has evolved dramatically in the last 10 years. One of my personal favorite design trends would have to be the recently discovered thoughtfulness for our family pets.
I have found that design has moved toward providing comfort for the “whole family”, including pets especially in the kitchen, bath and mudroom areas.
For instance, entryways or mudrooms are no longer just for wiping your feet and hanging your coat. I have been incorporating pet stations, food storage and even sleeping quarters in several designs. Some of the pet showers are built with no expense spared, many boasting high-end fixtures, custom stone and even mosaic sea glass tiles. The design goal is for Client’s pampered pets to relax in (for a lack of a better description) spa-like retreats. I find that the rear entryway is the most logical place to rinse off your pet after a long swim in the salty ocean or roll in the mud preventing mud tracks throughout the house.
In the kitchen, I have frequently designed in some small creature comforts such as built in pet beds so those four legged family members could lounge peacefully in a hide-a-way sleeping nook while feeling close to the hustle and bustle of the busiest room. There are also newly added cabinet options such as custom pull-out serving stations for family pets to enjoy their dinner.
In addition, another interesting idea would be to conceal pet food and/or litter boxes away from sight but easily accessible behind cleverly cut doors possibly in the kitchen, laundry room or bath...
~Tena~