The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : The Pet Room

Written By Kayla Wright

PET ROOM — FULL SHOPPING LIST

Purpose: Feeding, containment, litter management, transitions to yard, calm animal regulation
Vibe: Clean, calm, organized, low-odor, low-noise, low-friction

1. ROOM IDENTITY

  • Room name: Pet Room

  • Primary purpose:

    • Pet feeding (food + water)

    • Crate space for dogs

    • Litter box management for cats

    • Transition zone to Pet Yard

  • Secondary purpose:

    • Pet supply storage

    • Paw cleaning after outdoor use

  • Who uses this room:

    • Dogs

    • Cats

    • Humans briefly (care, cleanup, refills)

  • Energy goal: Calm, predictable, neutral, not stimulating

2. FLOORING & WALLS (FOUNDATIONAL — DO NOT SKIP)

Flooring

  • Sealed tile, LVP, or waterproof flooring

  • Non-slip finish

  • Seamless transition to yard door

Rugs & Mats

  • Washable feeding mats (multiple)

  • Paw-cleaning mat at yard entry

  • Rubber-backed runner (if room is long)

Walls

  • Scrubbable paint or wall panels

  • Corner guards (optional)

  • Baseboard protection strips

3. FEEDING STATION (PRIMARY FEEDING ZONE)

Food

  • Airtight food storage bin (cabinet or drawer-based)

  • Food scoop (mounted inside cabinet)

  • Treat jar (sealed)

  • Measured feeding containers (if needed)

Bowls

  • Elevated dog bowls (height appropriate)

  • Separate feeding bowls if needed

  • Cat food bowls (separate from dogs)

  • Washable feeding mats under all bowls

Water

  • Primary water station (auto-refill or heavy ceramic)

  • Splash mat under water bowls

  • Secondary backup bowl (stored)

Placement rules

  • Food and water away from litter closet

  • Bowls not in direct traffic path

  • Enough space to prevent guarding

4. LITTER BOX CLOSET (ENCLOSED, VENTED)

Closet Structure

  • Dedicated closet with door

  • Door flap installed at bottom for cats

  • Magnetic or soft-close door hardware

  • Interior fully wipeable

Inside the Closet

  • 2 automatic litter boxes

  • Litter mats (tracking control)

  • Litter storage bin (sealed)

  • Scoop + backup manual scoop

  • Trash can (lidded, odor-control bags)

  • Deodorizer (pet-safe)

Ventilation

  • Quiet vent fan OR charcoal filter system

  • Air purifier nearby (HEPA + carbon)

5. DOG CRATE ZONE

Crates

  • Dog crates (appropriately sized)

  • Crate mats or beds (washable)

  • Crate covers (optional, calming)

Layout

  • Crates against one wall

  • Space between crates if multiple dogs

  • Clear visual boundary from feeding area

Comfort

  • Soft lighting near crates (no overhead glare)

  • White noise option (very low volume)

6. PET YARD TRANSITION ZONE (INSIDE)

Door to Yard

  • Secure exterior door

  • Easy-clean handle

  • Weather stripping

Paw Cleaning Station

  • Paw wiping area or mat

  • Towel hooks (washable towels)

  • Small shelf for wipes

  • Optional paw washer device

  • Storage bin for muddy gear

7. STORAGE (THIS IS WHERE SANITY LIVES)

Cabinets / Shelving

  • Closed cabinets for:

    • Extra food

    • Supplements

    • Medications

    • Grooming tools

  • Shelving for bins (labeled)

Organization

  • Label maker + waterproof labels

  • Inventory bin (backup supplies)

  • Hooks for leashes & harnesses

8. LIGHTING (CALM, FUNCTIONAL, NOT STIMULATING)

Overhead

  • Dimmable ceiling light

Task Lighting

  • Bright task light near feeding & litter areas

Ambient

  • Small wall or table lamp

  • Fairy lights or pebble lights:

    • Warm white only

    • Along shelving or cabinet tops

    • Timer-controlled

Bulbs

  • 2700–3000K only

  • No flicker

  • Spare bulbs stored nearby

9. SOUND, SMELL & SENSORY CONTROL

  • Air purifier (quiet, continuous)

  • Odor-neutralizing spray (pet-safe)

  • Fabric wall art or panels (sound softening)

  • Door sweep to contain smells

  • Felt pads on furniture

10. JOY & CALM (YES, EVEN HERE)

  • One framed photo or art piece

  • Plant (pet-safe or faux)

  • Decorative storage bins

  • Neutral, soothing color palette

  • Fairy or pebble lights present and soft

This room should feel kind, not clinical.

11. POWER, HARDWARE & FINISHING

  • Surge protector (hidden)

  • Cord concealment

  • Light plate covers

  • Plug-in plate covers

  • Outlet safety covers

  • Wall anchors

  • Screw assortment

  • Door hardware for flap

  • Floor protectors

12. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE (BUILT IN)

  • Cleaning cloths

  • Disinfecting spray

  • Paper towels

  • Trash bags

  • Vacuum attachment

  • Lint roller

  • Mop or floor wipes stored nearby

FINAL CHECK — PET ROOM IS DONE WHEN:

✔ Food & water are centralized and calm
✔ Litter is contained, ventilated, and private
✔ Dogs have safe, comfortable crate space
✔ Yard transitions are clean and easy
✔ Smells are controlled
✔ Lighting is gentle
✔ Fairy or pebble lights are glowing
✔ You don’t dread using this room

✅ PET ROOM: FULLY DESIGNED & LOCKED

This room now:

  • supports your pets

  • protects your living spaces

  • reduces daily stress

  • integrates perfectly with the Pet Yard

Next best rooms to do (in order of impact):

  1. Pet Yard (auto paw-wipe, flow, fencing, patio)

  2. Fish / Aquarium Room

  3. Preteen Girl’s Book Nook / Reading Nook

  4. Laundry / Utility Area

  5. Entryway / Landing Zone

What Comes Next

If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:

Learn more about my interior design services in Bend & Portland, Oregon
Kayla Wright

Hi, I’m Kayla Wright - a designer based in Oregon, serving clients locally in Portland and Bend and worldwide via Zoom and email.

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