Pet-First Design: Forecasting This Year's Pet-Friendly Home Features
By: Lizz CaputoExplore 2024's pet-friendly design trends with predictions from experts. Redefine your space for ultimate pet-forward living
Originally published January 2024. Updated November 2025.
Heading into the new year, we're seeing a real game-changer in home design—it's all about rolling out the welcome mat for our curious copilots. Gone are the days when pet-friendly features were mere afterthoughts. For pet parents, our cats and dogs have become central to design decisions.
It's not just pet lovers who are sitting up and taking notice. Interior designers, architects, and realtors are on board too, enthusiastically fielding more and more pet-friendly requests.
Doug VanSoest of So Cal Home Buyers has noticed the trend in his field, noting “Real estate is changing as more and more homeowners place a higher priority on the welfare of their pets, including features that allow pets to coexist peacefully with humans in the house.”
This year, we’re anticipating groundbreaking trends that not only cater to the comfort and needs of pets but also seamlessly blend with contemporary aesthetics. Let's dive into the future of pet-centric design and architecture and get predictions from experts in the field of design and decor.
Pet nooks (with a twist)
We're seeing the rise of smartly designed nooks that serve dual purposes – a cozy resting spot for pets and a chic element of home decor. These nooks, built into walls or furniture, provide pets with their own space without cluttering the home.
Interior designer Amelia Thompson agrees, “I've noticed a growing trend of clients wishing to integrate aesthetically pleasing yet functional spaces exclusively for their pets into their homes. Dedicated, stylish pet spaces within primary living areas are the new norm, rather than relegated to basements or utility rooms; pets are considered members of the family and their spaces are being treated as such.”
There were whiffs of these elements years prior, but we predict that this year will be the year of the nook.
Green paws and pet-forward materials
Sustainability and pet-friendly materials will be key in the upcoming months. We're seeing an increase in eco-friendly pet spaces, utilizing recycled materials and non-toxic finishes. These green spaces offer a safe environment for pets while keeping the carbon "paw-print" to a minimum.
Thompson has also observed an increase in demand for pet-centric surfaces like “Durable, scratch-resistant materials that can weather rough and tumble pet play, easy-clean upholstery, and [flooring] are desirable choices that cater to pet owners' needs without compromising the aesthetics.”
When it comes to following the latest trends though, not all of them are pet-friendly. When looking at flooring predictions, Mindy Waite, Ph.D., Certified Dog Behaviorist says, "Although many pet owners like slick floors because they are easier to clean with pets, dogs tend to feel much more comfortable when they have grip. This includes carpets/rugs with some decent pile or height... or even tiles with anti-slip treatments. This is especially critical for dogs that have any injuries, anxieties, or are middle-aged or older."
Tech-integrated zones for futuristic Fidos
Heading into next year, expect to see a bigger push for pet tech in homes. It's shaping up to be a major trend.
Aiden Robinson from REI Insiders LLC gives us a sneak peek into the future of pet-friendly homes. He says, "Imagine temperature-controlled beds that are synced with smart home systems, or automated pet doors that work with a pet's microchip. These innovations not only add convenience but also enhance the safety and comfort of our furry friends."
The Figo team predicts that these tech advances will only become more integrated into our daily lives, whether that’s via remote-controlled pet doors, interactive pet toys, or AI-assisted care.
Indoor pet herb gardens
Indoor gardens aren't just for humans anymore. Custom herb gardens, safe for pets to nibble on, are being integrated into many kitchen designs. These provide fresh greens for pets and add a natural touch to homes. Some animals, like cats, enjoy these green accents and appreciate a bit of nature indoors.
Sensory stimulation
For homes with yards, the new year introduces stylishly designed agility courses and sensory spaces. These features are tailored to blend with the landscape while providing a fun and engaging area for pets.
One of our favorite pet influencers, Bindi's Bucket List, documented their journey creating a sensory yard for their dogs. Otherwise, there aren’t too many existing inspirational designs – maybe yours will be one of the first!
Indoors, you might consider an interior tailored to your pet's natural senses - offering sights, scents, and sounds that soothe your sidekick's soul. Professional home buyer Jordan Woolf suggests, "Consider incorporating scent diffusers with calming aromas into pet sanctuaries or even tactile walls with different textures for cats to explore. Built-in water features or miniature zen gardens could provide soothing sounds and visual interest for both pets and humans."
Work & woof: pet-friendly WFH stations
Color Drenching with Pets: A Guide to Bold and Beautiful Pet Spaces
Transform your pet’s spaces with bold colors and vibrant style. Explore how color drenching can bring joy to your home for you and your pets.
As remote work persists, pet-friendly features in home offices are on the rise. Imagine having a built-in pet bed or a small play area right by your desk, allowing you and your pet to enjoy each other's company throughout the workday.
Let's face it, are you even a working pet parent if your dog or cat hasn’t made an unexpected appearance in at least one of your weekly Zoom calls?
Zen dens
Yoga with cats. Soundbaths for dogs. This year, mindfulness and wellness are all the rage. Spaces for pets, such as serene relaxation corners with calming sounds and soft lighting, are going to rise in popularity as pet parents more closely monitor their companion’s physical and mental well-being. These spaces are dedicated to helping pets unwind and relax.
“Calming color schemes blended with human living areas, indoor pet retreats that provide a quiet place for pets to unwind, and acoustic spaces designated for pet interaction and play will be a prominent feature in the pet-friendly homes of the future” notes Thompson. “It's all about designing home environments that are enriching, stimulating, and soothing for pets, while also being visually appealing and practical for human inhabitants.”
Mix and match: modular pet furniture
Modular pet furniture is really taking off, and it's easy to see why. Picture this: furniture that not only looks great in your home but also changes as your needs do. That's the magic of customizable, modular designs.
They're super versatile, which means you can tweak and rearrange them to fit different interior styles and spaces. Got a new sofa? No problem. Moving to a new place? Your pet's furniture can easily adapt. It's all about having that flexibility to mix things up whenever you need to, making life easier for both you and your sidekick.
Pet-forward design
As accessibility becomes a crucial aspect of home design, pet accessibility is following suit. This trend is highlighted by features that simplify movement for pets throughout the home. This approach aligns with the broader movement towards inclusive and comfortable living spaces for all family members, including our soulful sidekicks.
Tony Pennix of TechdHome Smart Home Services predicts “built-in features like climbing walls for cats or interactive play areas for dogs… [which] reflect a growing recognition of pets as full-fledged family members whose needs are considered in the overall home design.”
Pet decor with pizzazz
2024 also welcomes the rise of funky and kitschy pet furniture and accessories. This trend caters to pet owners looking to infuse a playful, whimsical aesthetic into their homes.
Expect to see bold colors, retro designs, and unconventional shapes in items like pet beds, toys, and feeding stations. These pieces not only serve functional purposes for pets but also act as conversation starters, reflecting the owner's unique style and adding a fun, vibrant touch to home interiors.
Design gone to the dogs
Heading into 2024, it's all about making our homes work for us and our pets in perfect harmony. It's not just about keeping our copilots happy and healthy, but also about adding a cool, unique touch to our living spaces.
As we keep coming up with new ideas, it's pretty clear that pet-friendly design isn't just a trend – it's becoming a key part of how we think about our homes. We can't wait to see how all these ideas come to life!
Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.
