Who Says the Humans Are in Charge? Us Dogs Always Know a Good Design Choice When We See One

From the chicest built-in dog beds to clever feeding stations, A Dog Lives Here is our weekly tour of the beautiful homes, clever corners, and thoughtful details that make life better for four-legged residents

Listen up, humans. For thousands of years, you’ve assumed you were running the show, and we’ve let you believe it. But now, finally, interior design is catching up with the reality of the household: we have strong opinions. About the sofa. The flooring. Where we sleep. And, obviously, where we eat.

Welcome to A Dog Lives Here, our weekly peek inside beautiful homes that understand one simple truth: good design should work for us, the family member who’s at home most, who sheds, sleeps 16 hours a day and has never once paid the mortgage. Expect clever feeding stations, built-in dog beds, dog-proof fabrics, hard-working floors and luxury washing facilities. Just for us.

We’ve already taught you that the fridge means food, the lead means walk, and the empty bowl is a crisis, but we know humans can take a little while to understand how things really work. Now we’re teaching you about the finer points of interior design. Please take a seat. Preferably not ours.

'I Won the Super Bowl. Sort Of.'

Apparently, I was the prize in a rather high-stakes family wager. When my humans were desperate for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they struck a deal with Dad: if the Patriots could come back from a halftime deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl, they could have me. The Patriots duly delivered, and the rest, as they say, is history. Naturally, my human brother Jack insisted I be named Tom Brady. These days, I prefer to spend my time reclining on beautifully wallpapered staircases rather than winning games. Frankly, I think the Patriots made a very good investment in me.

'I’m Not Wandering Around. I’m Conducting My Nightly Inspection'

I take my responsibilities as wardrobe inspector very seriously, which is why I make regular visits to fashion-guru-slash-mom Erica Davies’ dressing room – usually in the middle of the night. When Neville Johnson designer Simon installed motion-sensor lighting, it seemed like a 'sensible modern touch', until I discovered that every late-night visit would switch on the lights and wake anyone snoozing in the master bedroom. The humans called this a “problem”; I prefer to think of it as keeping the household on its toes. The system has since been changed, but I stand by my nightly inspections. You can never be too careful with a closet this impressive.

'Let Me Know When You’re Ready for My Close-Up. This is My Good Side'

Here I am in my new puppy bath in the laundry room of my home in Bowral, Australia. My owner, Sarah Parry-Okeden from Wild Orchid Spaces, puts great store in ensuring I look as beautiful as the spaces she designs, even practical ones like this. Unsurprisingly, I’m often the star of every shoot she does. I’m not a fan of bathtime, obviously – it took some effort to get that fox scent well worked into my coat – but I’m not averse to the grandeur of the setting; the marble and gold combination makes me feel like King Louis XIV of France in his Apartment of the Baths. If you know, you know.

'Darling, I Have a Quinceañera to Attend'

Bug has never been one for blending into the background. Since being rescued, she has cultivated a wardrobe that includes hand-knit Polish sweaters, her own custom quinceañera dress, and can even boast a runner-up in Vogue’s DOGUE cover contest to her name, so naturally her home needed a little personality, too. Owner Nicole of Balin PR embraces color throughout the house – there isn't a scrap of white in sight – and makes sure every dog gets their own oil portrait. And Bug, naturally, has dressed for the occasion.

'This Is My Kingdom – I Just Let Them Live Here'

Agnes may technically share Maison Bodega with her family, but designer Liz Gardner considered her three Siberian Huskies throughout every aspect of the renovation, sourcing that antique Juliet balcony that soon became Agnes' favorite spot to bask in the sun and survey her kingdom. And her influence didn't stop there: the exterior trim was painted a soft pink to 'match her sweet features'. It’s not every dog who gets a say in the paint colors, but someone had to keep the designers in check.

'Please Respect the Royal Bloodline When You Address Me'

Remy may be the smallest member of this household, but he's clearly the one in charge. This soft blue mudroom, designed by Ling Interiors, was created with the family's three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in mind, with a dedicated pot filler for their water bowls and a generous drawer for food and accessories. Remy, the family's 'soul dog', is known for following his owner everywhere and once even tunneled into the neighbor's backyard with his sister, Aurora. A little palace rebellion, perhaps?

'Do You Have a Reservation?'

Bowie is waiting to check you in – and with his own built-in crate, feeding station and tiled shower, this might just be the most 5* room in the house. Designer Audrey Scheck proves that practical pet design can be playful and polished, too. Although judging by the look on his face, we're fairly sure Bowie is the one deciding who gets through the door.

'I Don't Drink Water, I Redecorate With it'

Some dogs sip politely. Kobe, an Instagram-famous Basset Hound, prefers a more... enthusiastic approach. Knowing his impressive talent for sending water in every direction, Lindsay from Cornerstone Design & Build created a dedicated quartz feeding station tucked into the pantry, giving plenty of room for the 'canine king' to slurp without soaking the rest of the kitchen. Sometimes the smartest design decision is accepting that the dog was always going to win.

'I Think You Know I Requested Fox Bath Scent, Not Lavender'

This isn't just a utility room – it's a luxury dog spa. Some furry friends get a quick rinse with the garden hose. More pampered pooches get their own freestanding tub. This thoughtfully designed wash station keeps muddy paws firmly contained, while the built-in crate below offers a cozy place to dry off before rejoining the rest of the household. Designer Kelsey Leigh says the secret is weaving these details seamlessly into the home rather than treating them as an afterthought. Safe to say this pup's post-walk routine is considerably nicer than ours.

'Be a Love and Draw My Curtain. I'm Lacking Opposable Thumbs''

Everyone needs somewhere to escape family life – even the dog. Here, designer Laura Stephens created a bespoke bed complete with a curtain that can be drawn for a little peace and quiet for Lulu after an exhausting day of looking like butter wouldn't melt. Laura believes the best pet-friendly designs 'balance practicality with beauty' and judging by this cozy little hideaway, we'd say Lulu got the most stylish spot in the house. Room service, sadly, is not included.

'I Chose These Prints With My Footprints in Mind...'

Basil may not have been part of the original design brief, but that certainly hasn't stopped him from acting like he was. Shortly after moving in, he decided a freshly hung stretch of Soane wallpaper was worth a taste test before appointing himself permanent overseer of the best seat in this gorgeously layered living room. Emma Sherlock says the real secret to designing with dogs in mind isn't precious finishes, but a hardworking boot room complete with built-in beds for when your furry friend needs their own space. Think of it as damage limitation for the rest of the house (sofas included).

'This Is One Elaborate Kitty Door'

Forget chic dog beds – this fluffy resident has already found the best seat in the house. While designer Lea Schein cleverly chose fabrics that disguise the inevitable tumblewood of white fur, it's the cool stone floors that have become Maverick's destination of choice for an afternoon snooze. He's only walked into the glass doors once, which we'd call an impressive record.

'Be a Dear and Hurry Along with My Waffle Towel'

The Dog Room from London’s WOW!house 2025 proves that even the 'back of house' can live its best life. As Sims Hilditch Studio Lead Christina Bull puts it, it’s where high design meets high maintenance – because yes, your dog now has a dedicated water station, a proper tap, and a tiled wash zone for post-mudfield emergencies. It's muddy paws meet spa treatment, all grounded by a brick herringbone floor, so timeless it probably judges your muddy Labrador a little less than it should.

'Excuse Me? I Ordered Sparkling Water'

In one recent project designed by House of Hive, the dog bowls were officially upgraded from ‘floor accessory’ to full kitchen resident, designer Kailee Blalock explains. Rather than being tucked away like a guilty secret, the feeding station was fully embedded into the design with tile, intention, and the confidence of a feature that absolutely belongs there. The tiled backsplash isn’t just for aesthetics either. It’s there to handle the inevitable splash zone, especially when a Husky is involved, a breed known for treating a water bowl like it’s a personal splash park.

'My Coat as Inspiration for the Color Scheme? De Rigueur'

A stylish dog needs a stylish surrounding, and in this project, designer Hollie Velten-Lattrell of SPACES by Hollie Velten noted her client's furry friend had a favorite spot right in front of the window. Of course, the layout therefore needed to be based around this, with the sofa under the window providing the perfect perch for the girl of the house. Even the window treatments were considered, so the shades could be open during the day and closed when it was finally time to settle down.

'What the...? You Said It Was Going to Be a Double Tub'

Muddy paws be gone with a dog shower as chic as your own in the ideal spot for a spa treatment as soon as they walk into the house. Sherrell Neal of Sherrell Design Studio let 'the materials do the work with sealed stone, glazed tile, and painted cabinetry, all of which hold up beautifully while still feeling refined'.

'I Think Maroon Might Really Be My Color, Darling'

Forget squeezing a dog bed into the corner of the utility room – these pups have permanent bedrooms built right into the cabinetry. Equal parts practical and charming, the bespoke sleeping nooks free up valuable floor space while making the dogs feel like fully fledged members of the household (as if they needed any more encouragement). It's a win-win, according to Neptune's Design Director, Fred Horlock, who explains that the darker-painted cabinetry cleverly disguises muddy paw prints. These four-legged friends might have landed the comfiest spot in the house.

'No, I Am Not Going to Chew Up That Pillow As Soon As You Leave the House'

Dogs don't tend to worry about preserving your pristine floorboards, so the secret is choosing materials that don't mind a little wear, either. Instead of chasing perfection, designer Kara Childress embraces reclaimed wood and antique stone – finishes that are designed to mellow, soften, and collect character over time. After all, as Kara says, a few muddy paw prints and the odd scratch aren't flaws to hide; they're just evidence of a house that's being properly lived in.

'Okay, We Can Pretend I Am Not Getting Straight in Your King Bed'

Every dog owner knows the post-walk journey home doesn't end at the front door. There's the lead to hang up, the muddy paws to contend with, and your raincoat to dry. This mudroom by Kelly Deck has thought of it all, with clever storage solutions and textiles that camouflage the inevitable dirt – 'even though we all know that the pups aren't supposed to be on the bench' – woven so seamlessly into the joinery you'd almost miss they're designed with the dogs in mind.

'No One Puts Baby in the Corner'

A dog's favorite place is usually wherever everyone else happens to be, so it makes perfect sense to give them a front-row seat to family life. This bespoke nook transforms an underused alcove into a cozy retreat, allowing the family dog, Heidi, to stay close to the action without taking over the living room floor. By building the bed into the joinery, designer Laura Stephens ensures it feels like an 'intentional part of the architecture' – because if the dog is going to spend all day following you anyway, they might as well do it in style.

'Welcome Home! And No, It Wasn't Me Who Ate the Defrosting Chicken...'

Every street has a self-appointed neighborhood watch (mine included), and in this Toronto home, it's a dog called Walter. Rather than disrupting his daily routine, the renovation was carefully designed around it, ensuring he could keep an eye on every passing dog walker, delivery driver, and friendly neighbor from the comfort of his own custom-built window seat. As Lindsay Thornton of Cornerstone Design & Build explains, Walter's favorite perch was considered so important that it was written into the renovation plans from the very beginning – 'complete with custom cushions, so he could still maintain his neighborly vigilance.'

'So Where Are You Going to Sit Then?'

Dogs have a habit of choosing the nicest seat in the house, so you might as well make sure it's upholstered in the right fabric. Here, a durable linen and forgiving mid-tone color help disguise muddy paw prints, while the skirted sofa cleverly conceals 'a multitude of sins at paw level while still looking beautiful.' Jodie Hazlewood from The House Upstairs knows exactly which fabrics earn top place in a dog-friendly home. The teeny tiny Roy Dandy clearly approves.

A Dog Lives Here is the Homes & Gardens series showcasing beautifully designed homes where dogs are considered from the very beginning of the design process. Each week, we step inside a stylish home to spotlight one clever idea, chic pet space, or thoughtful design detail that proves great interiors can be created for every member of the household – paws included.

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