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Whether you’ve got a sleepy spaniel, a mischievous moggy or a pair of mud-loving Labradors, your kitchen is probably their favourite spot. It’s warm, it smells amazing, and it usually leads to the back door.
With wet paws, scattered kibble and the odd chewed corner, designing a pet-friendly kitchen can feel like a bit of a juggle. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style to create a space that works for both you and your four-legged friends.
Here’s how to strike the balance this winter.
If you’ve ever tried to mop up muddy paw prints from a fussy floor, you’ll know how important the right flooring is. For a truly pet-friendly kitchen, go for something that’s both durable and easy to clean. Tiles are always a solid choice, but luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has become a winter favourite thanks to its warmth and slip resistance.
It’s worth considering anti-scratch finishes too, especially if you’ve got excitable pups or pets who like to chase each other around the island. A smooth, sealed surface also makes cleaning up after accidents or spills much quicker (because it happens to the best of us).
Winter tends to mean more wet towels, coats, leads and those dog jumpers we swore we’d never buy. A well-thought-out pet zone in your kitchen can keep the chaos under control.
This could be a pull-out drawer for food and treats, a hidden feeding station, or even a designated nook with baskets for toys and towels. If you’re planning a renovation, we can help you build this into your cabinetry so it all feels seamless and part of the design.
Having a dedicated space also makes it easier to keep your kitchen clean, no more tripping over bowls or digging through drawers for poo bags when you're rushing out the door.
High-gloss cabinets might look dreamy until your dog noses them every morning after a walk. A pet-friendly kitchen usually benefits from a more forgiving finish like matt, shaker-style, or wood grain, which hides marks better and is easier to wipe down.
You might also want to consider integrated appliances with flush handles (no tails knocking things over!) and wipeable paint or splashbacks in areas where your pets are most active.
If your pets like to snooze in the kitchen, think about washable, soft mats near a warm spot (just not in the middle of your cooking zone). Add a cosy touch with a soft fleece or underfloor heating, they’ll thank you for it.
Think about bin placement, can curious noses get into it? Are your cleaning products stored somewhere secure? Even your tap style might come into play if you’re regularly filling water bowls or rinsing muddy boots. These are all tiny tweaks that make life easier when you’ve got pets in the mix.
You could also consider a dog-washing station or boot room area if your pets love a soggy walk, a brilliant way to keep mud out of the kitchen completely.
A pet-friendly kitchen doesn’t mean compromising on style. With thoughtful design, clever finishes, and practical touches, you can have a beautiful space that’s as ready for biscuit crumbs and wagging tails as it is for dinner parties.
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As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.
A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.
Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000
© 2026 Kitchens by Emma Reed Limited. Company number: 11451277. Registered office address: 1-2 Valley Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, United Kingdom, SA6 8QP.
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