This Mudroom Is All About The Pups

The pet-friendly space leans on built-in features and durable, easy-to-maintain materials.

As an animal lover and pet owner, Jennie Holland of J Holland Interiors in Ocala, Florida, always keeps furry friends top of mind when designing homes. So in this multipurpose laundry area and mudroom, she knew that her light and bright style choices needed to be dog-friendly and a breeze to clean.

First order of business? Rethinking the usual unattractive and clunky metal kennel. Instead of lower cabinetry, Holland designed a doghouse custom built to fit beneath the countertop—complete with a sliding door that seamlessly blends in. She made comfort a priority, too, taking measurements to ensure there was plenty of room for the pup to sit.

“The goal was for the space to be pretty but also welcoming for dogs,” notes Holland. This meant selecting materials that could stand up to mud and water while still looking good. Inside the bespoke crate, she used oversize subway tiles for the walls and extended the room’s concrete flooring; she omitted wooden baseboards, though, to avoid possible damage from chewing and scratching. The cozy nook is also outfitted with a washable bed and a bowl connected to the plumbing to keep the water fresh. “It’s truly the dog’s room,” says Holland.

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