Maybe it’s the warm snuggles in the morning or the tail thumping when you walk in the door—but if one thing is true, it’s this: Pets make any house a home. So why not make your space cozy, comfy, and even more friendly for your best bud?
Think, customized dog beds, pet doors, built-in storage cubbies for toys, clever shelving, play areas, and more. Whether you’re aiming for more multi-use areas where your dog or cat can hang out alongside you, or a room completely styled for and with your pet in mind, check out these smart ideas from TikTok. For some serious inspiration, we compiled TK custom home pet ideas.
Ready to get inspired? Scroll on and get some tips to incorporate into your new home right now.
Dedicated Dog (or Cat) Room
First things first: Let’s take a look at a room specially designed with your furry friend in mind. Creators @builderbrigade and @aguyandagolden renovated small spaces that are perfect for lounging and naps. Have a smaller furry friend? Check out this custom-made rabbit hutch from TikToker @puravidacreations for inspiration to show your contractor.
Built-In Bowls
Mealtime means it’s time for a customized eating area. These built-in bowls from @builderbrigade perfectly blend into the kitchen space, elevating the eating experience for pups and humans alike. Even better, some homeowners incorporated built-in water bowls into other spaces—like this under the bed water and sleeping station from @eggnogthebulldog.
Bowl Drawers
Custom-made drawers and cubbies are common in the kitchen, so why not add a drawer just for your pet? Creator @studiom_interiors showcases a sleek and modern kitchen with a special bottom drawer for food and bowl storage.
Dog Wash Station
Good hygiene is important, and this bathing station takes cleaning to even greater heights. Creator @builderbrigade added a specialty-made pet washing area in the laundry room, which is a clever idea to bring to your builder. Cleaning Fido and sheets at the same time? Genius.
Outdoor Pet House
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the spring and summer, odds are your pet may join in on some warm weather fun, too. Splitting time inside and outside can be way comfier for your pet—especially a dog—if you add an outdoor pet house to your backyard. Consider building a unique space for your pet to nap in the shade and look at creator @thedoghouse_co’s video for inspiration. A one-room pet home with a porch? Perfect for afternoon naps, lounging, and spending time with you outdoors. Need more inspiration? Look at @rowoods_, @kchhomes, and @eggnogthebulldog for additional ideas.
Pet Door
Indoors or outdoors, pet doors add efficiency to any home. And these modifications work with dog and cat owners alike. Creator @megan.amr installed a small cat door on an interior bedroom door, making late-night trips in and out a snap. For more traditional dog doors for easy backyard access, watch videos from these creators: @theretrievertrio, @irismaryland, and @semi_pro_dad.
Dedicated Space
Maybe a mini-sized room isn’t in the cards, but renovating an existing room into something more pet-conscious? Done and done. Creator @theworldsbestdogdad turned a full-sized living room into a dachshund-sized relaxation pad, complete with tiny furniture and decor. Other creators like @tonidaleyofficial and @melanarachelle also utilized full rooms for pets.
Cat Condo
Much like a dedicated play area, a cat condo gives your furry friend the opportunity to kick back, relax, nap, and even socialize. Specially designed cat condos can involve unique furniture for playing and hanging out. Creator @azlinazizz made this Scandinavian-inspired condo for premium cat chilling.
Dog Gate
Dog gates don’t have to be unsightly—instead, they can be stylish and functional within your own home’s aesthetic. Creator @bouwmanscabinetry installed a custom-built dog gate that works just like a pocket door. And it tucks right back into the wall, seamlessly.
Pet Crates Like gates, crates—for sleeping or training—can also reflect your home’s personal style. Simple and classic specially built crates blend into the living room and look no further than creator @pumping.pam as an example.
Fence Windows
Heads up, there’s more you can renovate with the outdoors. Bubble windows let pups look outside during the sun-filled afternoons while keeping fencing safe and durable. Creator @highspeedchase13 built porthole-style windows for these curious pups.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.