World of Design: 10 Pampered Pets and Their One-of-a-Kind Homes
Fall in love with these critters and their clever living spaces, from a cat playground in France to a chicken house in the U.S.
One in a new series from Houzz international editors on how our lives shape home design around the globe
From pampered pooches to cosseted cats, these happy pets are living the high life. We’ve taken a look inside the homes of 10 pets (and their owners) from all over the world and been amazed by the creative spaces they inhabit. From dedicated catwalks in Japan to a bespoke bed in Denmark and even an indoor ‘winter garden’ in the UK, these animals are living in luxury.
From pampered pooches to cosseted cats, these happy pets are living the high life. We’ve taken a look inside the homes of 10 pets (and their owners) from all over the world and been amazed by the creative spaces they inhabit. From dedicated catwalks in Japan to a bespoke bed in Denmark and even an indoor ‘winter garden’ in the UK, these animals are living in luxury.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much do Margherita, Gelsomino, Pinuccia and Mimma love it?
I’ve always loved cats. But in our previous garden they were always digging up everything I planted, as well as doing the same to the neighbours’ gardens, so I decided to find a way to make my garden more interesting and playful for them. After a few months, the garden was so cat-friendly that other cats from the area started coming to visit; they love to play in the trees and rest in the shade.
Once I’d adapted the garden, my cats stopped destroying everything I’d planted, so I learned that cats like to play. That’s why one of the first things I did when we moved into this new house was to build a playground for them. And now they love it! In the morning, they run out into the garden – it’s a race to get the best spot in the basket.
I’ve always loved cats. But in our previous garden they were always digging up everything I planted, as well as doing the same to the neighbours’ gardens, so I decided to find a way to make my garden more interesting and playful for them. After a few months, the garden was so cat-friendly that other cats from the area started coming to visit; they love to play in the trees and rest in the shade.
Once I’d adapted the garden, my cats stopped destroying everything I’d planted, so I learned that cats like to play. That’s why one of the first things I did when we moved into this new house was to build a playground for them. And now they love it! In the morning, they run out into the garden – it’s a race to get the best spot in the basket.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
They love to sit in the garden watching the cats play and jump around.
What was it like before?
A normal terrace. I brought the plants with me when we moved.
What’s next?
I want to add more observatory baskets and stairs, and maybe in the future a winter garden, so they can play outside even during colder months.
They love to sit in the garden watching the cats play and jump around.
What was it like before?
A normal terrace. I brought the plants with me when we moved.
What’s next?
I want to add more observatory baskets and stairs, and maybe in the future a winter garden, so they can play outside even during colder months.
2. Dream Case for a Little Dog in Denmark
Pet: Chilli, aka Miss Ross
Owner: Anna Pilo
Occupation: Owner of online vintage interiors shop Hos Anna
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why did you need this?
My sweet dog, Chilli, aka Miss Ross, loves her naps and spends a lot of time in her bed. So I created a special place for her to dream! She has always loved jumping into our open suitcases whenever she got the chance, so I decided to make a dream case just for her.
Pet: Chilli, aka Miss Ross
Owner: Anna Pilo
Occupation: Owner of online vintage interiors shop Hos Anna
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why did you need this?
My sweet dog, Chilli, aka Miss Ross, loves her naps and spends a lot of time in her bed. So I created a special place for her to dream! She has always loved jumping into our open suitcases whenever she got the chance, so I decided to make a dream case just for her.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much does Miss Ross love it?
I created the space with things I thought she would want to bring if she was going on an adventure. I found pictures of her mum and dad, images and figures of all her friends and boyfriends and, last but not least, her crown, since a queen always needs her bling…. She, of course, loves it.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
She used to sleep in a regular dog bed, but it just wasn’t quite her. Miss Ross is a little bit of a diva, but always very funny and therefore her space needed to have a sense of humour as well. She always makes visitors laugh sitting in her special bed.
I created the space with things I thought she would want to bring if she was going on an adventure. I found pictures of her mum and dad, images and figures of all her friends and boyfriends and, last but not least, her crown, since a queen always needs her bling…. She, of course, loves it.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
She used to sleep in a regular dog bed, but it just wasn’t quite her. Miss Ross is a little bit of a diva, but always very funny and therefore her space needed to have a sense of humour as well. She always makes visitors laugh sitting in her special bed.
What was it like before?
A plain old suitcase from the 1920s, found at a vintage market in Paris.
What’s next?
She loves her suitcase but, to make it perfect, she would probably add a treat dispenser or two.
A plain old suitcase from the 1920s, found at a vintage market in Paris.
What’s next?
She loves her suitcase but, to make it perfect, she would probably add a treat dispenser or two.
3. Bespoke Cat Tree in France
Pets: Litchi and Bench
Owners: Fannie Verdu-Imbert and Ulysse Rousselet
Occupations: Architects at Full Animaux Urbains
Location: Paris, France
Why did you need this?
Our cats didn’t have a specific space where they could play, so we wanted to create an area of their own to enable them to have fun without taking over the entire living room.
Where did you get the idea for this?
We were looking for a cat tree, but we couldn’t find one we liked anywhere. Plus, we needed something that wasn’t too invasive, because we didn’t have a lot of space to put it. So we decided to make it ourselves by varnishing recycled wooden boxes and branches from a family member’s garden and arranging them on the wall between the living room and our bedroom. We decided to mix storage and playful elements to optimise the small space.
Pets: Litchi and Bench
Owners: Fannie Verdu-Imbert and Ulysse Rousselet
Occupations: Architects at Full Animaux Urbains
Location: Paris, France
Why did you need this?
Our cats didn’t have a specific space where they could play, so we wanted to create an area of their own to enable them to have fun without taking over the entire living room.
Where did you get the idea for this?
We were looking for a cat tree, but we couldn’t find one we liked anywhere. Plus, we needed something that wasn’t too invasive, because we didn’t have a lot of space to put it. So we decided to make it ourselves by varnishing recycled wooden boxes and branches from a family member’s garden and arranging them on the wall between the living room and our bedroom. We decided to mix storage and playful elements to optimise the small space.
How much do Litchi and Bench love it?
Thanks to toys we put on it, Litchi used the tree very quickly, but Bench, who is much shyer, needed about two months. Now they’re both happy to have their own space from where they have an overview of the flat. Litchi in particular loves to lie on the top section when friends are visiting us to keep an eye on all that’s going on! When they run after each other and play in the flat, they always head for the tree.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
They love it. In fact, they basically spend a good part of the evening playing with the cats in the tree!
What was it like before?
There was nothing there before, because it was too small for proper furniture. We were thinking of putting a shelf up, but we really prefer this option.
Thanks to toys we put on it, Litchi used the tree very quickly, but Bench, who is much shyer, needed about two months. Now they’re both happy to have their own space from where they have an overview of the flat. Litchi in particular loves to lie on the top section when friends are visiting us to keep an eye on all that’s going on! When they run after each other and play in the flat, they always head for the tree.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
They love it. In fact, they basically spend a good part of the evening playing with the cats in the tree!
What was it like before?
There was nothing there before, because it was too small for proper furniture. We were thinking of putting a shelf up, but we really prefer this option.
What’s next?
The advantage of this kind of cat tree is that you can make it bigger and bigger and adapt it to your space. We would love to extend it around the entire flat. We might extend it onto the wall of our bedroom, so Litchi and Bench can easily walk around.
See more of this project
The advantage of this kind of cat tree is that you can make it bigger and bigger and adapt it to your space. We would love to extend it around the entire flat. We might extend it onto the wall of our bedroom, so Litchi and Bench can easily walk around.
See more of this project
4. Stylish Parrot Perch in Spain
Pets: Two parrots (unnamed)
Owner: Pedro Ochando
Occupation: Designer and teacher at the local university
Location: Valencia, Spain
Why did you need this?
I love birds and ever since I can remember I’ve had them as pets. At the moment I have two: The male is yellow-green and the female is blue. This species of bird, called Forpus coelestis, belongs to the parrot family. They are calm and very quiet birds; they don’t chirp very much. I also have a big black dog called Manolo and the relationship between them is very friendly. In fact, the birds often perch on him.
I like to have them free from the cage whenever I’m at home. They don’t fly very much, so I thought they maybe needed a bit of encouragement. I created this object I call ‘the hanger’ for them to play and exercise. And it works. The first time they used it, they loved the rocking movement of the whole hanger, not just the swing. I suppose for them it was like being on a branch. I was very careful to include branches of different thicknesses, as they would find in nature, so their legs can exercise properly, as it forces the muscles to be more active. I also included a removable olive tree branch as a toy for pecking.
Pets: Two parrots (unnamed)
Owner: Pedro Ochando
Occupation: Designer and teacher at the local university
Location: Valencia, Spain
Why did you need this?
I love birds and ever since I can remember I’ve had them as pets. At the moment I have two: The male is yellow-green and the female is blue. This species of bird, called Forpus coelestis, belongs to the parrot family. They are calm and very quiet birds; they don’t chirp very much. I also have a big black dog called Manolo and the relationship between them is very friendly. In fact, the birds often perch on him.
I like to have them free from the cage whenever I’m at home. They don’t fly very much, so I thought they maybe needed a bit of encouragement. I created this object I call ‘the hanger’ for them to play and exercise. And it works. The first time they used it, they loved the rocking movement of the whole hanger, not just the swing. I suppose for them it was like being on a branch. I was very careful to include branches of different thicknesses, as they would find in nature, so their legs can exercise properly, as it forces the muscles to be more active. I also included a removable olive tree branch as a toy for pecking.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much do your parrots love it?
I had actual branches before, but they used to eat them, so I stopped it. I found similar products on the market for perching, but they were all static. I wanted something with movement and that I could easily change from one place to another, so I made it myself. They spend a lot of time on it, just sitting there or swinging, pecking the olive branch. I change it from time to time; I get the wood from wild olive trees.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
My friends know I’m a fan of birds, so they’re not very surprised to see something like this.
I had actual branches before, but they used to eat them, so I stopped it. I found similar products on the market for perching, but they were all static. I wanted something with movement and that I could easily change from one place to another, so I made it myself. They spend a lot of time on it, just sitting there or swinging, pecking the olive branch. I change it from time to time; I get the wood from wild olive trees.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
My friends know I’m a fan of birds, so they’re not very surprised to see something like this.
What was it like before?
Pretty much the same, but they eventually spoil it by pecking, so I have to make a new one every three years. It’s very easy: I buy natural wooden rods and make holes with a drill, so I don’t use glue or toxic vanish. This is very important, because they peck it all the time.
What’s next?
I want to build a really large cage for them, but I still haven’t found the time to start.
Pretty much the same, but they eventually spoil it by pecking, so I have to make a new one every three years. It’s very easy: I buy natural wooden rods and make holes with a drill, so I don’t use glue or toxic vanish. This is very important, because they peck it all the time.
What’s next?
I want to build a really large cage for them, but I still haven’t found the time to start.
5. Portable Dog Bed in Russia
Pet: Zoe
Owners: Anna Nikitina and Oleg Kovalev
Occupations: Product designers at Smart Balls
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why did you need this?
When we were getting a dog, we knew she was going to be with us all the time. We take her with us when we go to work, to visit friends, to a restaurant or bar, even shopping! And when we are travelling, of course. So now she has a mobile house where she can rest or take a nap whenever she wants. When it’s not possible to go somewhere with a dog on a leash, a carrier is a great solution. Sometimes people don’t even notice her at first, that’s how well she behaves.
Pet: Zoe
Owners: Anna Nikitina and Oleg Kovalev
Occupations: Product designers at Smart Balls
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why did you need this?
When we were getting a dog, we knew she was going to be with us all the time. We take her with us when we go to work, to visit friends, to a restaurant or bar, even shopping! And when we are travelling, of course. So now she has a mobile house where she can rest or take a nap whenever she wants. When it’s not possible to go somewhere with a dog on a leash, a carrier is a great solution. Sometimes people don’t even notice her at first, that’s how well she behaves.
Where did you get the idea for this?
You go to a bar, sit at the counter – what can your dog do? We needed an individual portable ‘nest’ for her. Because she isn’t small – she is a Jack Russell terrier; 8 kilos of pure happiness – regular slings don’t work for us. Also, it’s quite hard to find something decent design-wise. We have our own tailoring industry, so sewing a custom dog carrier was a natural solution. The difficult part was coming up with the shape and getting the size right.
How much does Zoe love it?
She’s happy as she’s traveling all the time, getting to know new people and other animals; she visits friends with us and goes shopping. All in all, everyone is happy.
What do other people think of it?
When we were making the first one, we weren’t thinking about manufacturing them, but now we understand there are many people just like us who want a similar product to carry their dog around. Strangers on the street have asked us where we got the carrier and people tend to remember us wherever we go, thanks to Zoe. In fact, now we call to reserve a table and introduce ourselves as, “Hey, it’s Oleg and Anna, Zoe’s owners. Can we get a table for tonight?” It’s really useful.
You go to a bar, sit at the counter – what can your dog do? We needed an individual portable ‘nest’ for her. Because she isn’t small – she is a Jack Russell terrier; 8 kilos of pure happiness – regular slings don’t work for us. Also, it’s quite hard to find something decent design-wise. We have our own tailoring industry, so sewing a custom dog carrier was a natural solution. The difficult part was coming up with the shape and getting the size right.
How much does Zoe love it?
She’s happy as she’s traveling all the time, getting to know new people and other animals; she visits friends with us and goes shopping. All in all, everyone is happy.
What do other people think of it?
When we were making the first one, we weren’t thinking about manufacturing them, but now we understand there are many people just like us who want a similar product to carry their dog around. Strangers on the street have asked us where we got the carrier and people tend to remember us wherever we go, thanks to Zoe. In fact, now we call to reserve a table and introduce ourselves as, “Hey, it’s Oleg and Anna, Zoe’s owners. Can we get a table for tonight?” It’s really useful.
What was it like before?
At home, Zoe has a bed we made ourselves. Oleg originally designed it as a sofa bed for our collection in 2008 and called it ‘Chushka.’ (It was the most square and angular of our models back then.) We changed the shape a little bit for dogs, so it’s a ‘Dog’s Chushka’ now.
What’s next?
We call Zoe our PR manager as a joke: She’s working for us personally, our brand and our products. (You could never find a better model to photograph on poufs and sofas.) And now she’s going to be a star of Smart Balls’ new line for animals. We are planning to make carriers and beds for dogs, as well as toys.
See more of this flat
At home, Zoe has a bed we made ourselves. Oleg originally designed it as a sofa bed for our collection in 2008 and called it ‘Chushka.’ (It was the most square and angular of our models back then.) We changed the shape a little bit for dogs, so it’s a ‘Dog’s Chushka’ now.
What’s next?
We call Zoe our PR manager as a joke: She’s working for us personally, our brand and our products. (You could never find a better model to photograph on poufs and sofas.) And now she’s going to be a star of Smart Balls’ new line for animals. We are planning to make carriers and beds for dogs, as well as toys.
See more of this flat
6. Contemporary Coop for Chickens in the U.S.
Pets: Paper, Genghis ChiKhan and Attila
Owners: Aislin and Tim Gibson and their sons, Caedon and Gavin
Occupations: Aislin is a freelance designer; Tim works in business development for a clinical research company
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Why did you need this?
We wanted a coop for our new flock of chickens that fitted the mid-century modern lines of our house and garden. Everything we saw was either affordable but not attractive or gorgeous but not affordable. Tim and I gathered ideas for a few months, I sketched out a final design on paper and later in Google SketchUp, and we built it together with our kids.
More than half of the coop is ventilated, so fresh air flushes out ammonia buildup, and it also keeps the chickens cool on hot days. We designed lots of space for them, creating two levels. This way, they don’t pick on each other when they get overcrowded.
Pets: Paper, Genghis ChiKhan and Attila
Owners: Aislin and Tim Gibson and their sons, Caedon and Gavin
Occupations: Aislin is a freelance designer; Tim works in business development for a clinical research company
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Why did you need this?
We wanted a coop for our new flock of chickens that fitted the mid-century modern lines of our house and garden. Everything we saw was either affordable but not attractive or gorgeous but not affordable. Tim and I gathered ideas for a few months, I sketched out a final design on paper and later in Google SketchUp, and we built it together with our kids.
More than half of the coop is ventilated, so fresh air flushes out ammonia buildup, and it also keeps the chickens cool on hot days. We designed lots of space for them, creating two levels. This way, they don’t pick on each other when they get overcrowded.
Where did you get the idea for this?
We saw a cedar-pine chicken coop at Pistils Nursery in Portland, Oregon, while on vacation, and it was the best design I had seen. When Tim’s parents were tearing apart their old redwood deck, we had a source of low-cost, high-quality salvaged wood. We factored in the shallow footprint we had in the back of our yard, and came up with our coop design.
Our boys love animals and science, so choosing to have chickens was largely because of them. We put the egg hatch at a young child’s height, and every latch on the coop is easy for small hands to twist or pull. It’s also a walk-in coop, so we enter it without hunching over, which makes it easier for the boys to help clean.
How much do Paper, Genghis ChiKhan and Attila love it?
Our chickens seem pretty happy. They are safe and secure and have plenty of room to loll around in the sun or snuggle in the shade. We like that they are secure. We poured a concrete base, and stapled hardware cloth to 5-by-10-centimetre frames, which at first I thought was overbuilding it – until one night we saw a huge raccoon push every single panel of the coop trying to find a way in. He gave up after a good 10 minutes. It’s a really solid structure.
We saw a cedar-pine chicken coop at Pistils Nursery in Portland, Oregon, while on vacation, and it was the best design I had seen. When Tim’s parents were tearing apart their old redwood deck, we had a source of low-cost, high-quality salvaged wood. We factored in the shallow footprint we had in the back of our yard, and came up with our coop design.
Our boys love animals and science, so choosing to have chickens was largely because of them. We put the egg hatch at a young child’s height, and every latch on the coop is easy for small hands to twist or pull. It’s also a walk-in coop, so we enter it without hunching over, which makes it easier for the boys to help clean.
How much do Paper, Genghis ChiKhan and Attila love it?
Our chickens seem pretty happy. They are safe and secure and have plenty of room to loll around in the sun or snuggle in the shade. We like that they are secure. We poured a concrete base, and stapled hardware cloth to 5-by-10-centimetre frames, which at first I thought was overbuilding it – until one night we saw a huge raccoon push every single panel of the coop trying to find a way in. He gave up after a good 10 minutes. It’s a really solid structure.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
It’s the first place the boys take their friends when they come to visit. Their friends think it’s cool they have chickens, and the ones who already have chickens really like the coop.
What was it like before?
When we moved into our home, we had an overgrown bush that grew into a 9-metre-tall tree that blocked the sun completely on our neighbour’s yard. Our neighbours were so thrilled when we cut it down that they didn’t mind us building a chicken coop. In fact, they love the sound of the chickens. When they hear the girls clucking together, they know an egg has been laid and we’ll hear them say, “Sounds like you’ve got an egg!” We have the best neighbours.
What’s next?
We’re planning on building a run for the chickens. We’ve been letting them free-range on our lawn and under the bushes, but unfortunately they like to help themselves to our vegetables.
I designed the coop to have as low a carbon footprint as possible, and even better, a positive carbon footprint: We used salvaged, old-growth redwood whenever possible and the chickens recycle our garden waste by eating weeds and bugs, and their manure is composted for our organic garden. What we haven’t yet built in is a rainwater-harvesting system. The corrugated, pitched-angle metal roof is perfect for gathering rainwater.
See more of this home
It’s the first place the boys take their friends when they come to visit. Their friends think it’s cool they have chickens, and the ones who already have chickens really like the coop.
What was it like before?
When we moved into our home, we had an overgrown bush that grew into a 9-metre-tall tree that blocked the sun completely on our neighbour’s yard. Our neighbours were so thrilled when we cut it down that they didn’t mind us building a chicken coop. In fact, they love the sound of the chickens. When they hear the girls clucking together, they know an egg has been laid and we’ll hear them say, “Sounds like you’ve got an egg!” We have the best neighbours.
What’s next?
We’re planning on building a run for the chickens. We’ve been letting them free-range on our lawn and under the bushes, but unfortunately they like to help themselves to our vegetables.
I designed the coop to have as low a carbon footprint as possible, and even better, a positive carbon footprint: We used salvaged, old-growth redwood whenever possible and the chickens recycle our garden waste by eating weeds and bugs, and their manure is composted for our organic garden. What we haven’t yet built in is a rainwater-harvesting system. The corrugated, pitched-angle metal roof is perfect for gathering rainwater.
See more of this home
7. Indoor ‘Winter Garden’ for a City Cat in the UK
Pet: Fluffy Bandit
Owners: Edward Walker and Julia Kleinsteuber
Occupations: Account manager and client relationship manager
Location: London, England
Size: 24 square metres
Why did you need this?
Bandit couldn’t see the outside world and was getting very lethargic. We really needed a space for him with lots of sunlight and a little sleeping area to call his own. He’s now happy, lively and energetic. He’s more playful, but he can also nap in the sun with a little purr.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much does Bandit love it?
As Bandit is a house cat, we really wanted to create an outside space, inside. We read an article explaining how house cats need lots of sunlight and enjoy watching the world go by. Because cats like their own space and love different levels, we had a shelving unit built for him to climb and also to hold his basket. Bandit will spend hours either in his basket, or sitting at the top of the unit looking out at the world (and a few pigeons) going by!
Pet: Fluffy Bandit
Owners: Edward Walker and Julia Kleinsteuber
Occupations: Account manager and client relationship manager
Location: London, England
Size: 24 square metres
Why did you need this?
Bandit couldn’t see the outside world and was getting very lethargic. We really needed a space for him with lots of sunlight and a little sleeping area to call his own. He’s now happy, lively and energetic. He’s more playful, but he can also nap in the sun with a little purr.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much does Bandit love it?
As Bandit is a house cat, we really wanted to create an outside space, inside. We read an article explaining how house cats need lots of sunlight and enjoy watching the world go by. Because cats like their own space and love different levels, we had a shelving unit built for him to climb and also to hold his basket. Bandit will spend hours either in his basket, or sitting at the top of the unit looking out at the world (and a few pigeons) going by!
What do friends and visitors think of it?
They all love it. The space is not only great for the cat, but for us as well. It’s amazing having lots of different plants indoors – it really adds colour and life to a small London flat. Visitors can also tell that Bandit loves it as he’s usually lounging in his basket when they arrive.
What was it like before?
In our previous flat, Bandit had no space of his own, so when we moved into our new flat we were determined to create a little paradise for him. Our old flat had no south-facing windows and the ones we did have were very small and high, so he couldn’t get any sunlight. He didn’t have a space he could really call his own and he certainly didn’t have his own homemade climbing frame!
They all love it. The space is not only great for the cat, but for us as well. It’s amazing having lots of different plants indoors – it really adds colour and life to a small London flat. Visitors can also tell that Bandit loves it as he’s usually lounging in his basket when they arrive.
What was it like before?
In our previous flat, Bandit had no space of his own, so when we moved into our new flat we were determined to create a little paradise for him. Our old flat had no south-facing windows and the ones we did have were very small and high, so he couldn’t get any sunlight. He didn’t have a space he could really call his own and he certainly didn’t have his own homemade climbing frame!
What’s next?
As Bandit has already made the winter garden his mini kingdom, we think bigger and better is the way forward. We want to add more plants, as well as shelving on the walls for him to climb. We might even include a cat water fountain feature!
Certain plants and cut flowers – specially lilies – can be harmful to cats. Please seek expert advice and consult your vet if your cat displays signs of irritation. For more information go to icatcare.org
As Bandit has already made the winter garden his mini kingdom, we think bigger and better is the way forward. We want to add more plants, as well as shelving on the walls for him to climb. We might even include a cat water fountain feature!
Certain plants and cut flowers – specially lilies – can be harmful to cats. Please seek expert advice and consult your vet if your cat displays signs of irritation. For more information go to icatcare.org
8. Contemporary ‘Catwalk’ and Glass Floor in Japan
Pets: Toto and Suzu
Owners: Shizuma and Yukie Sasaki
Occupations: System administrators
Location: Osaka, Japan
Size: 67.07 square metres
Architect: Saito Architectural Office
Why did you need this?
Our maisonette house has open ceilings above the living room and the far top of the stairway. Our cats enjoy walking along the beams, which are made of Japanese cedar. However, we were a little worried they might fall off the beams, because the ceilings are so high. The architect’s suggestion was to put glass panels across the beams, which was really a brilliant idea. The cats can walk there safely now, and when they lie down on the glass and we look up from the stairway, we can see their cute bellies and paws through the glass above! It’s great fun.
Pets: Toto and Suzu
Owners: Shizuma and Yukie Sasaki
Occupations: System administrators
Location: Osaka, Japan
Size: 67.07 square metres
Architect: Saito Architectural Office
Why did you need this?
Our maisonette house has open ceilings above the living room and the far top of the stairway. Our cats enjoy walking along the beams, which are made of Japanese cedar. However, we were a little worried they might fall off the beams, because the ceilings are so high. The architect’s suggestion was to put glass panels across the beams, which was really a brilliant idea. The cats can walk there safely now, and when they lie down on the glass and we look up from the stairway, we can see their cute bellies and paws through the glass above! It’s great fun.
How much do Toto and Suzu love it?
They are now much more active than ever before. They enjoy running up the catwalks on the wall, across the beams and to their glass-floored loft many times a day. They enjoy the view from their own low windows too.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
When friends come to our house, they are surprised at first. Then they laugh and say, “Oh, what crazy cat lovers you are – lucky cats!” Somebody once asked us, “Whose house is this, yours or theirs?” We were pleased to hear that – it sounds like our ideal home.
They are now much more active than ever before. They enjoy running up the catwalks on the wall, across the beams and to their glass-floored loft many times a day. They enjoy the view from their own low windows too.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
When friends come to our house, they are surprised at first. Then they laugh and say, “Oh, what crazy cat lovers you are – lucky cats!” Somebody once asked us, “Whose house is this, yours or theirs?” We were pleased to hear that – it sounds like our ideal home.
What was it like before?
We were worried the cats would get out of the front door. (They were always waiting by the door for us to come home.) So we consulted with the architect, who is also an ardent cat lover, and now we have another inside door to prevent them running away, as well as their spacious indoor playground. As everything in this house is designed to be both human-friendly and cat-friendly, we are now living together very happily.
What’s next?
We are so happy with everything in this house that we don’t have any plans at the moment. Maybe we should ask the cats…
See more of this project
We were worried the cats would get out of the front door. (They were always waiting by the door for us to come home.) So we consulted with the architect, who is also an ardent cat lover, and now we have another inside door to prevent them running away, as well as their spacious indoor playground. As everything in this house is designed to be both human-friendly and cat-friendly, we are now living together very happily.
What’s next?
We are so happy with everything in this house that we don’t have any plans at the moment. Maybe we should ask the cats…
See more of this project
9. Cleverly Hidden Dog Bed in Australia
Pet: Luna
Owner: Alison Turnbull
Occupation: Marketing consultant
Location: Victoria, Australia
Why did you need this?
I was tired of tripping over a rather unattractive dog bed in our laundry. Our golden retriever, Luna, is like our third child. About 18 months ago, we moved into our 1910 Federation Heritage home in Kew. The existing laundry was small and dark and didn’t have space for a dog bed. When we briefed our architect on our wish list for our new home, one of the key items was a sleeping area for Luna. We redesigned the floor plan to make a much larger laundry, and when our architect, my husband and I sat down to have a brainstorming session about the laundry design, I came up with the idea of a pull-down bed. Our architect was momentarily stunned, but then said, “We can do that!”
The idea has proven to be a winner! Luna now has her special nighttime sleeping quarters with her comfy pull-down bed and easy access to the doggy door. During the day, her bed is easily folded away, and my laundry is neat and tidy without the trip hazard of her bed.
Pet: Luna
Owner: Alison Turnbull
Occupation: Marketing consultant
Location: Victoria, Australia
Why did you need this?
I was tired of tripping over a rather unattractive dog bed in our laundry. Our golden retriever, Luna, is like our third child. About 18 months ago, we moved into our 1910 Federation Heritage home in Kew. The existing laundry was small and dark and didn’t have space for a dog bed. When we briefed our architect on our wish list for our new home, one of the key items was a sleeping area for Luna. We redesigned the floor plan to make a much larger laundry, and when our architect, my husband and I sat down to have a brainstorming session about the laundry design, I came up with the idea of a pull-down bed. Our architect was momentarily stunned, but then said, “We can do that!”
The idea has proven to be a winner! Luna now has her special nighttime sleeping quarters with her comfy pull-down bed and easy access to the doggy door. During the day, her bed is easily folded away, and my laundry is neat and tidy without the trip hazard of her bed.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much does Luna love it?
I had seen pull-down wall beds on home-renovating TV shows and online and thought they were a great idea for multipurpose rooms. So when it came to designing our laundry and realising we had a long bank of cupboard space down one wall, I thought we could use this idea for Luna’s bed. Our architect said this was definitely a first for him. It was also a first for our cabinetmaker too, but they both thought it was a great idea they would use again.
Luna loves her bed. Initially she was a little suspicious, but a doggy treat soon sorted that out. Now when we retire for the night, we only have to say, “Bedtime,” and she runs and jumps into her bed. I think she knows it’s her special spot.
I had seen pull-down wall beds on home-renovating TV shows and online and thought they were a great idea for multipurpose rooms. So when it came to designing our laundry and realising we had a long bank of cupboard space down one wall, I thought we could use this idea for Luna’s bed. Our architect said this was definitely a first for him. It was also a first for our cabinetmaker too, but they both thought it was a great idea they would use again.
Luna loves her bed. Initially she was a little suspicious, but a doggy treat soon sorted that out. Now when we retire for the night, we only have to say, “Bedtime,” and she runs and jumps into her bed. I think she knows it’s her special spot.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
Luna’s pull-down bed is one of the first things we show new visitors to our home. They think it’s amazing and such a novel but practical idea. They are always surprised at how easily it drops down and pops away. Anyone who knows our family knows Luna is very special to us and are not surprised we included her in the design of our home.
What was it like before?
Prior to this redesign the laundry was small and dark. Luna’s bed took up a quarter of the floor space and I couldn’t even open the cupboards without dragging her bed into the hallway. It was annoying and inconvenient having her bed just lying on the floor all the time.
What’s next?
Part of our next phase of renovations includes the kitchen and family room extension. My wish list for this area includes a mud room in which everyone has their own space to hang their bags, coats and shoes as they come in the back door. Of course, Luna is included in this concept and she will have a matching space for her lead, toys and bits and pieces.
Luna’s pull-down bed is one of the first things we show new visitors to our home. They think it’s amazing and such a novel but practical idea. They are always surprised at how easily it drops down and pops away. Anyone who knows our family knows Luna is very special to us and are not surprised we included her in the design of our home.
What was it like before?
Prior to this redesign the laundry was small and dark. Luna’s bed took up a quarter of the floor space and I couldn’t even open the cupboards without dragging her bed into the hallway. It was annoying and inconvenient having her bed just lying on the floor all the time.
What’s next?
Part of our next phase of renovations includes the kitchen and family room extension. My wish list for this area includes a mud room in which everyone has their own space to hang their bags, coats and shoes as they come in the back door. Of course, Luna is included in this concept and she will have a matching space for her lead, toys and bits and pieces.
10. Flat Designed for Cats in Germany
Pets: Oscar and Mieps
Owner: Zoë Beck
Occupation: Publisher, writer and translator
Location: Zehlendorf, Berlin, Germany
Size of the flat: 140 square metres
Why did you need this?
I wanted my cats to feel as comfortable as I do in my home, so I asked my vet for advice. She looked around my apartment and advised me to create different places where the two can sit and play. They needed the opportunity to be apart when they felt like it – both from each other and also from me. I now have seven different cat spots in my flat! But in fact, most of the time they are wherever I am.
Pets: Oscar and Mieps
Owner: Zoë Beck
Occupation: Publisher, writer and translator
Location: Zehlendorf, Berlin, Germany
Size of the flat: 140 square metres
Why did you need this?
I wanted my cats to feel as comfortable as I do in my home, so I asked my vet for advice. She looked around my apartment and advised me to create different places where the two can sit and play. They needed the opportunity to be apart when they felt like it – both from each other and also from me. I now have seven different cat spots in my flat! But in fact, most of the time they are wherever I am.
Where did you get the idea for this and how much do Oscar and Mieps love it?
I found the oddly formed scratching furniture – especially loved by Oscar – in a small shop in Berlin. It’s made of cardboard and available from the Berlin manufacturer Cat-On, among others. I do have several of them in different versions throughout the apartment. My other cat, Mieps, has several favourite places. Very often, it’s the sushi armchair “JouJou” from Moroso or a patchwork dog basket, which is also ideally suited for cats.
I found the oddly formed scratching furniture – especially loved by Oscar – in a small shop in Berlin. It’s made of cardboard and available from the Berlin manufacturer Cat-On, among others. I do have several of them in different versions throughout the apartment. My other cat, Mieps, has several favourite places. Very often, it’s the sushi armchair “JouJou” from Moroso or a patchwork dog basket, which is also ideally suited for cats.
What do friends and visitors think of it?
My guests often respond with positive curiosity. While people who have no cats wonder what the moulded things made of cardboard might be, a lot of cat owners understand.
What was it like before?
Before I had the scratch pieces, the carpets and furniture often fell victim to cats’ claws.
What’s next?
Even more dedicated cat spots in my flat.
TELL US
Do you have a special home or play space for your pampered pet? Please share a photo in the Comments and tell us which city, region or country you live in.
My guests often respond with positive curiosity. While people who have no cats wonder what the moulded things made of cardboard might be, a lot of cat owners understand.
What was it like before?
Before I had the scratch pieces, the carpets and furniture often fell victim to cats’ claws.
What’s next?
Even more dedicated cat spots in my flat.
TELL US
Do you have a special home or play space for your pampered pet? Please share a photo in the Comments and tell us which city, region or country you live in.
Pets: Margherita, Gelsomino, Pinuccia and Mimma
Owner: Maria A. Mammarella
Occupation: Employee
Location: Rome, Italy
Size: 60 square metres of outdoor space
Why did you need this?
My cats are very adventurous and they like to see things from above. So I built a basket on the olive tree and a ladder to climb up to it. It works both as a fun place for them but also as a lookout point. I wanted to make my garden interesting for them, so I added some cushions in the shade of trees, too, as they like to sleep there. I also built some other covered places where they can play hide-and-seek.