Outdoor living spaces are mostly for you and your family, but if you have a pet, there's no doubt your furry friend is included in that family category.
So why not design your backyard paradise in a way that benefits your dog or cat as well? With a backyard living space that pleases your pets, you'll be able to enjoy the space that much more!
Here are some ideas for pet-friendly design elements worth incorporating in your outdoor living area.
Doggy Door
Doggy doors aren't just for dogs. They can also be used for cats! If your backyard and outdoor patio area are both enclosed, you may consider installing two doggy doors — one that goes from the house to the patio and another that goes from the patio to the backyard.
Tree-Encompassing Deck
While dogs may not care that much about having a tree to climb, cats will be all over this one — literally! Not only that, but using a tree as a central design element for your outdoor patio looks incredibly beautiful.
Water Features
A pet's gotta drink! You can go all-out with something like a fountain with a cascading waterfall, or you can keep it simple and have a trickling basin installed. Either way, a water feature serves two purposes by adding aesthetic appeal and hydrating your pets.
If you want to keep your pet cool as well, consider installing a larger water feature that's designed for taking a dip.
Something Cushy
Whether it's a pillow, a hammock, or a love seat, give your dogs and cats a comfortable place where they can nap while you relax in your outdoor living space. Providing them with their own bed will also keep them from climbing on your patio seats and getting hair all over your furniture.
Shade
Make sure your backyard has a pergola or some other structure that provides shade for your furry friends. A custom pergola will provide you with shade as well, but it will also look lovely in your backyard.
A Lookout
Animals love to be up high where they have a good view of their surroundings. Talk to a designer about building a lookout into your backyard design. Consider incorporating materials such as stepping stones rocks, or bricks. You could also build a catwalk out of wood or metal.
The possibilities are endless, and the final result gives you an outdoor living area that's truly unique in design.
A Dining Area
Nothing pleases a pet quite like eating. To ensure that your cat or dog is content in your backyard living area, you had better give them some food and a place to eat it. After all, you're going to be doing your own fair share of cooking and grilling in your outdoor kitchen, so it's only fair that your pet gets to indulge as well.
Inspired? Let's get to to work!
Now that you're full of outdoor kitchen design ideas, you're ready to talk to one of our experts. Not only will they be able to guide you through the design process, but they'll also bring some of their own ideas that you're sure to love! Click on the banner below to get started today!
