Barndominiums—those modern, rustic homes that blend the utility of barns with the comfort of traditional houses—are gaining popularity for their unique look, open floor plans, and customizability. But what many people overlook in the design phase is how well these homes can cater to all family members—including the furry, four-legged ones.
Whether you’re building a new barndo from the ground up or renovating an existing space, integrating pet-friendly features can make a significant difference in your lifestyle. With thoughtful design, your barndominium can become a haven not just for you but also for your dogs, cats, and other animal companions.
In this article, we’ll explore pet-friendly features you can incorporate into your barndominium that enhance comfort, convenience, and care for your pets—without sacrificing style or function.
Why Pet-Friendly Design Matters
More than ever, pets are being treated as part of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 70% of U.S. households own a pet. As such, the architecture and interior design industries are beginning to reflect this shift by incorporating pet-focused amenities into residential planning.
For barndominium owners, the open layouts, durable materials, and customizable floor plans make it easy to build pet-friendly features right into the core design. Doing so can:
- Improve cleanliness and reduce damage from claws, accidents, or fur
- Promote your pet’s health, mobility, and happiness
- Reduce stress for both you and your animals
- Add functionality and long-term value to your property
1. Scratch-Resistant Flooring Options
Pets—especially dogs—are tough on floors. From muddy paws to nail scratches, a pet’s activity can quickly wear down certain types of flooring.
Best Flooring Options for Pets:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): This is one of the most durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant flooring options available. It mimics the look of wood without the upkeep.
- Stained Concrete: Very popular in barndos for its industrial-chic aesthetic, concrete can be sealed for stain resistance and textured to prevent slipping.
- Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tile is easy to clean and virtually impervious to water and scratches.
- Engineered Hardwood (with matte finish): If you want the warmth of wood, engineered hardwood with a matte or distressed finish can help mask scratches.
Tip: Avoid high-gloss wood floors or soft materials like pine and bamboo, which can scratch and dent easily.
2. Built-In Pet Spaces
Designating spaces specifically for pets adds convenience and keeps your home organized. Barndominiums offer ample square footage and design flexibility to include custom features like:
Pet Nooks and Dens
Create a cozy corner or under-stair retreat for your pet to sleep or relax. Custom cabinetry or built-in crates can seamlessly integrate into your mudroom, laundry, or kitchen area.
Feeding Stations
Elevated food and water bowls built into cabinetry or drawers can help keep feeding areas tidy. Add a water line to create a built-in pet water fountain for easy hydration.
Litter Box Cabinets
For cat owners, a concealed litter box tucked into a laundry room cabinet or closet with an access door helps contain odors and keeps the box out of sight.
3. Durable, Pet-Safe Materials
Chewing, licking, scratching—pets interact with their environment constantly. Choosing safe and durable materials for furniture, walls, and décor can protect both your pets and your investment.
Interior Materials to Consider:
- Stain-resistant fabrics for couches and chairs, like microfiber or Crypton
- Wipeable paints like satin or semi-gloss finishes for easy cleaning
- Wall guards or wainscoting in high-traffic areas to prevent scratching and dents
- Non-toxic finishes for wood, paint, and flooring to protect pets from harmful chemicals
Outdoor Materials:
- Composite decking that resists splinters and doesn’t absorb pet odors
- Pet-safe landscaping with non-toxic plants and durable fencing materials
- Pet Washing Stations
One of the most popular features in pet-friendly barndos is the dog wash station. Whether your pets are large or small, having a dedicated space to clean them off after outdoor adventures is a game changer.
Ideal Dog Wash Design Includes:
- A walk-in, raised tub or tiled shower with a hand sprayer
- Non-slip flooring
- Storage for shampoos, towels, and brushes
- Drainage and waterproofing for easy cleanup
Locate the wash station in the mudroom, laundry room, or even just off the garage to prevent dirty paws from making it into the main living area.
5. Secure Outdoor Access
Barndominiums often sit on large, rural lots, which can be both a blessing and a concern for pet owners. Ensuring safe, secure outdoor access is essential.
Ways to Provide Outdoor Freedom Safely:
- Dog Doors: Install high-quality, locking pet doors that give your animals access to a fenced yard or enclosed porch.
- Pet Enclosures: Create a fenced run or “catio” (an enclosed outdoor patio for cats) where pets can get fresh air without risk.
- Invisible Fences: Use electronic perimeter systems to train pets to stay within bounds, particularly useful on large properties.
Combine these features with smart home integration to monitor pet activity through cameras or apps.
6. Climate Comfort and Ventilation
Animals can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as humans, making climate control vital—especially in large, metal-constructed barndos, which can heat up or cool down quickly.
Temperature Management Tips:
- Install zoned HVAC systems so you can adjust temperature in pet-occupied rooms.
- Use ceiling fans and vents to promote airflow.
- Add radiant floor heating for cozy sleeping areas, especially helpful for older pets with joint issues.
- Ensure adequate insulation in walls and floors to maintain consistent temps.
7. Noise and Stress Reduction
Rural living comes with its own set of noises—from wildlife to machinery—that can startle or stress pets. Likewise, large, open spaces inside a barndo can cause sound to echo, which may be jarring for sensitive animals.
Design Strategies:
- Use soundproofing panels or rugs to dampen indoor noise.
- Install white noise machines or low-volume music systems in pet spaces.
- Provide safe zones where pets can retreat during loud events (like thunderstorms or fireworks).
8. Smart Home Tech for Pets
Integrating technology into your barndominium makes caring for pets even easier when you’re away or multitasking.
Useful Tech Features:
- Pet cameras to monitor animals when you’re not home
- Automatic feeders that dispense food on a timer
- Climate monitors to alert you of extreme temperatures
- Motion sensors that track pet movement inside and outside
9. Designated Play and Exercise Areas
Whether indoors or out, pets need room to stretch their legs and engage their brains.
Indoor Options:
- Create a playroom or corner with chew toys, agility structures, or climbing walls (for cats).
- Use open-concept spaces to create obstacle courses or fetch lanes.
Outdoor Enhancements:
- Add agility equipment or tunnels in the yard.
- Build shaded lounging areas with beds and water access.
- Incorporate sandbox digging pits or wading pools for enrichment.
Final Thoughts
Your barndominium isn’t just your home—it’s your pet’s, too. By thoughtfully incorporating pet-friendly features into the design and functionality of your space, you’re not only improving their quality of life but also creating a smoother, more joyful daily routine for yourself.
The best part? A well-planned pet-friendly barndo doesn’t have to compromise aesthetics. With durable materials, modern designs, and clever integrations, you can have a home that’s as stylish as it is functional—for every member of your family.
Interested in building a pet-friendly barndominium? Let us help you design a space tailored to your lifestyle—with all the features your pets will love. Contact us today to start planning your dream barndo.