“Barkitecture”: 6 trending home ideas for dog lovers

Try these clever “pawsibilities,” from home upgrades to dog beds made from furniture

Let’s face it, dogs are family. Who else provides as much unconditional love, needed companionship, and endless loyalty as our furry friends? According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners spent $136.8 billion on their dogs and other pets in 2022. And much of that did not go to buy kibble. Many homeowners are seeking new ways to make their fur kids’ lives better, from designing tricked-out dog beds made from furniture to altering their home’s architecture with pooch-friendly additions (a trend called “barkitecture”). 

This trend is so popular, in fact, that it was the basis of a TV series, Barkitecture (now found on the Roku streaming service), which followed celeb Bachelorette star and general contractor Tyler Cameron and Brooklyn-based interior designer Delia Kenza as they built extravagant doghouses for lucky canines. 

Whether it’s a corgi cabin, a dachshund dwelling, or a golden retriever retreat, many dogs are living large as pet owners embrace different aspects of barkitecture. Jennifer Berger of Hampton, New Hampshire, built a ramp that looks like furniture (see #3 in our lookbook below) so that her bulldogs can easily climb into her bed. “My first bulldog struggled with arthritis for years, and I found that allowing her to avoid stairs added years to her life,” Berger explains. 

Many upscale doghouse designs, dog beds, and other elements that pamper your pooch are one-of-a-kind, built-in designs. But if purchasing a freestanding doghouse from a retailer is more your style, there are many options to choose from. The Olivar Contemporary Doghouse, for example, features an arched open doorway, window, and lattice guardrail on the upper balcony ($356.28 at Wayfair.com). To find more ideas for lavish pet-friendly doghouses and accessories, scroll to the bottom of this page.

To get a full overview of barkitecture, take a look at these 6 pet-pampering projects.

Note: All prices were accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change.

The pet parents of these golden retrievers wanted a designated space for food and water that would contain splashes and spills. Enter the nook. Incorporated into the kitchen island, it features removable food bowls at the right height for large dogs, plus a pot-filler faucet to refill the water bowl easily. Elegant Calacatta marble and mosaic tiles were repurposed from remnants of the kitchen redesign to elevate the space. An added bonus: The surfaces are easy to clean.

Barkitecture design by: Blackband Design   

Products used: California Faucets pot filler: $1,090

Artistic Tile mosaic flooring: $85 per square foot

Calacatta marble: Left over from the kitchen renovation; natural stone slabs can range about $1,500–4,000+ per slab

Total spend: $2,900–5,400

Time to go outside? Find dog-friendly restaurants and other dog-friendly places near you. And read about the Top 100 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in the US.

Here’s a triple-threat project: comfy dog bed, functional end table, and distinctive look.  

“Whimsical furniture design that incorporates our daily use with our pets’ needs is becoming increasingly common,” says Sara Pijuan, owner of Pijuan Design Workshop, a company that handcrafts doghouses and dog beds. This perch, modeled after a beach lifeguard stand, gives Fido a place to keep an eye on family activities while lounging in luxury. The bed is made of African mahogany veneer with a satin finish.

Pet-friendly design by: Pijuan Design Workshop, Los Angeles, California

Total spend: $2,000 plus shipping

Dog mom and social media influencer Jennifer Berger wanted her bulldogs, Eggnog and Igloo, to be able to get in and out of her bed without struggling. The solution: She and her father designed a non-skid ramp, complete with its own sleeping area, at the same height as her bed. The multipurpose structure adds storage for toys, a water bowl in a pull-out drawer, and a pot filler for easy water access. And don’t forget about the crawl space under the structure for playing or snoozing. “Spoiling my pups is part of my home decor,” she says.

Barkitecture design by: Jennifer Berger 

Products used:

Berger’s design plans: $100 in her Etsy shop

Plywood: $150

Lights: $30

Pot filler: $50

Paint: $20

Wood letters: $20

Dog bed: $100

Non-skid contact paper: $10

Plumbing: $40 (plumber’s fee an additional charge)

Total spend: $520

When looking for lounging spaces for your four-legged friends, be sure to check out fun children’s furniture, too. These kids’ outdoor chaise lounges are the perfect pup size, and make a comfy and classy setting for your dog’s outdoor relaxation time. But when considering children’s furniture for your pets, you should know their weight limits and fabric durability. For example, the lounges pictured above boast solid fir wood frames that can support up to 110 pounds, and the comfy padded cushions are covered in breathable fabric that can be easily removed for washing. Bonus: The removable umbrellas have 3 adjustable heights for ultimate sun protection.

Kid-friendly (and pet-friendly) furniture from: Target

Total spend (for 2 lounges with umbrellas): $226

Find dog daycares or dog boarding kennels near you.

Atlanta-based interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn faced a common problem among pet parents. “When I started adopting rescue dogs, I realized there was a lack of options for great-looking dog beds that blended in with the rest of my house,” he says. “So I decided to make singular pieces of furniture serve dual purposes.” He found a hexagonal end table at a flea market, removed the doors, and gave the outside a coat of glossy white paint. He then outfitted the inside with batting covered by a plaid fabric that he stapled to the walls and floor. Silver upholstery nails hide the staples and give the piece a finished look.  

Pet-friendly design by: Brian Patrick Flynn 

Total spend: $150 for materials (this project first appeared on HGTV.com)

No time for the salon? Find mobile pet grooming near you.

The owner of this home wanted a sofa table to complement a custom sofa, storage space for books, and “something nice” for her two Boston Terriers. “I’ve worked on a few projects that incorporated storage with something for the pups,” says Jamie Broyles of Jamie B Interiors in Los Angeles. That something nice turned out to be a roomy and velvet-appointed dog crate. The table is made of walnut, and the bedding is covered in crushed velvet. The two end panels slide to open and close. For the humans who use the room, the short legs and setback shelf turn the piece into fine furniture. 

Pet-friendly design by: Jamie B Interiors

Total spend: $2,200

Ready to build your own piece of dog furniture or incorporate barkitecture into your home? Find an interior designer, contractor, or handyperson in your area.

More fun furniture ideas for your luxury dog room or doghouse

When choosing pet furniture for your living space, you should consider the following features, says Adrian Archie, owner of petNmind, a natural pet-supply company in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Durability: Is your dog a chewer? Some companies make indestructible beds with triple-stitched seams, dense fibers, and puncture-resistant exteriors.

Functional design: A memory foam bed cushions dogs who are older, have joint pain, or are recovering from an injury or illness. Raised food and water bowls—also known as elevated dog feeders—can be more comfortable for tall dogs and will discourage those who like to play in their water bowl. 

Nontoxic: Make sure the fabrics and surfaces on beds and furnishings are safe for your dog.

Cleaning-friendly: Look for antimicrobial surfaces and fabrics that are machine washable—such as easily removable covers for dog beds—to help keep their area fresh and clean.

Every dog deserves to be celebrated and to enjoy the finer things in life. Pet-friendly furniture and accessories, chosen for your dog’s personality and needs, can make their lives less “ruff.”

Cooling dog bed: The top-rated FurHaven Two-Tone Faux Fur and Suede Cooling Gel Top Sofa Dog Bed features gel-infused memory foam—which reduces the sleeping surface temperature by 1 or 2 degrees—and a foam core that provides support for joints and pressure points. At Tractor Supply Company for $48.99–89.99, depending on size. 

Cooling pad: If Sparky already has a bed, you can still outfit it with a temperature-reducing pet pad. The Cool Pet Pad ($24.99) from Green Pet has a pressure-activated cooling gel that lasts up to 3 hours and recharges itself after 15–20 minutes of non-use.

Pet sofa: If you think Fluffy needs her own plush sofa to nap on, the Posh Puppy Boutique in Rocklin, California, has you covered. From their French Country Canopy Pet Bed ($295) with foam bumper pads to the Luxury Buckingham Pet Bed ($2,995) with plush velvet curtains and a structure made from Scots pine and English ash, your dog will live like royalty. 

Toy storage basket: Keep your dog’s toys organized in a bone-shaped storage basket that’s attractive enough to be on display in your living room. Handwoven Seagrass Pet Storage Basket, $69 at Pottery Barn.

Water fountain: Not only are dog fountains more aesthetically pleasing, they’re also better for your fur kids. The Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain continuously circulates and filters your pet’s water, keeping it cleaner and fresher than regular water bowls. A replaceable carbon filter removes bad tastes and odors, and the free-falling stream encourages dogs to drink more and stay hydrated. $31.95 at Petco. 

Blankets: Funny Fur in Houston, Texas, has a wide variety of dog accessories, including cozy blankets that allow your pooch to snuggle in comfort. Their Susan Lanci Platinum Snow Leopard Pet Blanket ($29) is designed with dual-sided plush fabric and can be placed in a doghouse or cozy nook in your home. 

Pet stairs: If your dog’s joint problems or size prevent him from getting into your couch or bed, consider luxury pet stairs. Posh Puppy Boutique sells handmade pet stairs (with 4 or 6 steps) made of high-density foam and covered in soft, luxurious fabric. Choose a color that matches your home decor. Luxury Pet Stair in Dove Gray, $358–576.