Pet-Friendly Remodeling Ideas
Pet-Friendly Remodeling Ideas: Creating Spaces That Work for the Whole Family
If you’re a pet owner in Germantown, Cedarburg or anywhere across Waukesha County, you know our furry friends are part of the family. But let’s be real, pets can also bring their fair share of mud, hair and wear and tear to a home. The good news? With the right remodeling ideas, you can make your kitchen, mudroom or basement more durable, functional and pet-friendly without sacrificing style.
At Kettle Moraine Kitchen and Bath, we’ve helped plenty of Wisconsin families create spaces that both humans and pets love. Here are some of our favorite pet-friendly remodeling tips to consider for your next kitchen remodel, bathroom update, or home improvement project.
Built-In Feeding Stations
Tired of tripping over food and water bowls? A custom built-in feeding station is a simple but game-changing remodel feature. We’ve designed clever solutions into kitchen islands, mudroom cabinets and even under stair storage. Not only do these stations keep your pet’s dining area neat and contained, but they also blend seamlessly into your home’s design.
Pro tip: In Oconomowoc and Grafton homes, we often raise feeding stations slightly off the ground, this makes cleanup easier and gives pets a more comfortable eating height.
Mudroom Add-Ons
If you live in Wisconsin, you know muddy paws are a year-round reality. Adding pet-friendly features to your mudroom can save you a lot of mess (and stress). Consider:
Pet wash stations: A walk-in shower designed just for dogs makes rinsing off paws after a snowy walk or summer hike so much easier.
Storage for leashes and toys: Built-in hooks and cubbies help keep everything organized and within reach.
Durable flooring: Tile or luxury vinyl holds up better than carpet when wet paws come running in.
We’ve helped families in Mequon and Richfield create mudrooms that double as functional entryways and pet-cleanup zones, making daily routines smoother for everyone.
Durable, Easy-to-Clean Flooring
When it comes to pets, not all flooring is created equal. Hardwood can scratch, and carpet traps fur and odors. For a family- and pet-friendly remodel, we often recommend:
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): Water-resistant, scratch-resistant and available in wood-look styles that keep your space cozy.
Tile: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms where messes are more likely. Plus, tile is easy to wipe down and super durable.
Engineered hardwood: If you love the real wood look, engineered options tend to hold up better against moisture and wear.
In Glendale and Germantown homes, these flooring upgrades not only stand up to daily pet life but also add value to your space long-term.
Built-In Nooks and Cozy Corners
Your pets love to be close by, so why not carve out a little spot just for them? We’ve created custom built-in crates under counters, window seats with storage and cozy alcoves in finished basements. These spaces keep pet beds and crates from taking over the room while giving your four-legged family members their own retreat.
Finishes That Hold Up
Beyond the big remodel features, it’s smart to think about finishes that are more pet-friendly. Low-VOC paints are better for your pets’ health (and yours). Matte finishes on cabinetry can hide smudges and paw prints better than glossy ones. And washable fabrics for window treatments or furniture in adjacent spaces can make life a lot easier.
Final Thoughts: Homes Built for Everyone in the Family
Remodeling your Wisconsin home doesn’t just mean making it beautiful, it means making it functional for the way you actually live. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel with a built-in feeding station, a mudroom add-on with a pet wash or durable flooring throughout your home, these thoughtful touches create spaces that support your whole family, pets included.
At Kettle Moraine Kitchen and Bath, we’d love to help you design a home that works as well for your furry friends as it does for you.
Ready to start planning a pet-friendly remodel? Let’s chat…we’ll help you find the perfect balance of style, function and durability.