If your dog has a habit of bringing mud inside after a walk, you’ll know how quickly a simple clean-up can turn into a production. And if pet food, leads, towels and grooming supplies are scattered around the house, finding a proper place for everything can be just as frustrating.
The laundry is an ideal spot to bring it all together. With a little thought, you can create a space for washing muddy paws, storing pet essentials and keeping everyday mess under control, without making the room feel like a dedicated pet room.
For homeowners planning laundry renovations in Perth, it’s worth thinking about how a pet-friendly setup could fit into the overall design.
The best setup depends on your pet, the space you have available and how much use it’ll get.
If you have a dog that regularly comes home covered in dirt, a dedicated wash station is ideal. A built-in tub gives you somewhere to wash your pooch and rinse off after a trip to the beach or park.
If your pets are mostly indoor animals, you might get more value from a storage area for food, leads, brushes and other pet products. Even a drawer for grooming supplies and a few hooks for harnesses can make the laundry feel much more organised.
If you want both, the right layout can make room for a wash station and a compact storage area. The important thing is to work out what you’ll use regularly before committing to the design.
Choose finishes that can handle the mess.
Pet-friendly spaces need to cope with plenty of splashes, muddy footprints and regular cleaning. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the look of your laundry.
Start with the benchtop. You’ll want a surface that suits your design and is practical for everyday use, whether you’re folding washing, filling food bowls or sorting through grooming supplies. Perth stone benchtops can give the room a sleek, considered finish, with different options available to suit your style and maintenance preferences. Just make sure you understand the care requirements of your chosen material.
Cabinetry needs a little thought, too. Smooth, easy-to-clean finishes are useful when wet noses and dirty paws are part of daily life. Choosing colours and finishes that complement the rest of your home will also help the laundry feel connected to your overall interior design.
For flooring, look for a surface that’s easy to clean and offers good grip when wet. This is important around a dog-wash station, where a slippery floor can become dangerous.
The size of the tub should suit your dog.
A small dog won’t need the same setup as a large breed, so think about how much room your pet needs to stand comfortably and turn around. The height matters as well, a raised tub can save you from constantly bending over, but it needs to be easy and safe for your dog to get into.
A handheld showerhead is a useful addition, giving you more control when rinsing while proper drainage and waterproofing help protect the surrounding area. Good ventilation helps the space dry out between washes.
Don’t have room for a separate tub? A laundry sink with a handheld spray attachment may be enough for washing smaller pets. You can still create a dedicated pet-washing area without taking over the whole room.
A pet-friendly laundry can be practical without looking purely functional.
The cabinetry, benchtops and finishes should feel like they belong in your home, rather than looking like an afterthought added for the dog.
For a modern look, consider streamlined cabinetry, a stone benchtop and simple hardware. If you prefer a softer feel, timber finishes and warm neutral colours can bring a little warmth to the room.
A tiled splashback behind the wash station is another useful detail. It protects the wall from splashes and gives you an opportunity to introduce colour, texture or pattern.
The layout is just as important as the finishes. You’ll still need easy access to your washing machine, dryer and laundry sink, so make sure the pet area doesn’t get in the way. In a smaller room, custom cabinetry can help you make better use of the available space.
Create a laundry that works for everyone.
A good laundry should make everyday jobs easier, and that includes looking after your pets.
If you’re planning laundry renovations in Perth, Hollywood Kitchens can help you create a layout that suits your home and the way you use it. With practical storage, carefully chosen finishes and benchtops that bring the design together, your laundry can work harder without losing its style. Contact us today online or call (08) 9302 1156 to speak with our friendly team.
