By Juliette Byrne
I have always loved dogs and I have a lot of experience — both as a dog-owner and a designer — in creating spaces for our furry friends that are also elegant and attractive to humans.
This sleek and sophisticated five-bedroom duplex apartment on London’s Cadogan Square — currently on the market for £16.9mn — has a second entrance on the lower ground floor that opens on to a small hall. With a few modifications, it can be the perfect place to bring a muddy dog after a quick turn around the square or a long walk in nearby Hyde Park, helping to ensure the rest of the house remains clean, serene and paw-print free.
Upgrade bath time
A custom dog shower or bathing area can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Over the years, I have installed dog showers in boot rooms, laundry rooms and even garages — anywhere that’s easily accessible. It will not only save you from having to lead (or carry) your unclean dog through the house, but also means you won’t need to constantly hose down your bathroom.
Showers like this, available from bathroom specialist Kohler, have a handheld showerhead and allow you to control the temperature, and there is an adjacent area for food and water bowls with its own tap. Consider also installing a non-slip surface on the floor around the shower to provide traction for your dog and to prevent accidents during wash time.
Think practically
Tiles are a great choice for the walls of a dedicated dog room but it's important to prioritise durability and ease of maintenance. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are good options as they are resistant to scratches, stains and wear, and are easy to clean. I would recommend this Kanso chevron ceramic tile from Ann Sacks.
Come in from the cold
Dog owners often don’t get to choose whether they want to go out in the rain or not, and a drying cupboard is a handy solution for removing the moisture from clothing when you get in from a wet walk. This version by Humphrey Munson circulates warm air, meaning clothes can be hung up to dry without getting creased. There are also slatted shelves, which are great for drying towels.
Sleep easy
There are many dog beds that combine both style and comfort, such as this 100 per cent cotton off-white bed from Lords & Labradors. When sourcing a bed, look for one made from high-quality fabric that is machine-washable and durable, as it will not only look great but save you time and money, and your dog will appreciate it too.
Get organised
Complete your dog space with glass or ceramic jars for storing food, treats and other essentials. I love these Lewes jars from Neptune — they are available in different sizes, the neutral colour means they will work in any interior, and the wide openings ensure that refilling and cleaning is hassle-free.
Photography: AlexWinship Photography / Strutt & Parker; Paul Craig
