7 Genius Pet-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas From HGTV's Jenny And Dave Marrs

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We all know that our fur babies are an integral part of our family. Creating a pet-friendly home is essential, whether you have one or several furry friends. Dave and Jenny Marrs of HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" are no strangers to having animals around. The couple's pets include an alpaca, several sheep, camels, and five dogs. Because of their unique expertise, they have tons of tips to make your living space more pet-friendly.

Throughout the seasons of "Fixer to Fabulous," Dave and Jenny have had to accommodate tons of unique requests, and they always try to personalize the space to suit each client's lifestyle. In addition to maximizing functionality, they also prioritize the longevity of the home and resale value. Pets can be hard on an interior, which means selecting the right materials and designating certain areas is essential. You don't have to sacrifice a modern, stylish home for your pets, and Dave and Jenny are proof that the two can go hand-in-hand. Keep your pets happy and your living space looking fresh with these home improvement ideas.

Jenny and Dave came up with a creative solution to the eternal dilemma: Where should you put your dog bowls? In Season 3, Episode 16, of "Fixer to Fabulous," they created a designated nook underneath the countertop at the end of the lower kitchen cabinets. To top it off, they added an integrated pot filler to refill the dog's water bowl without having to take it to the sink. Dave said, "You want me to run plumbing for a pot filler for a dog?" In the end, the addition was a huge hit with the clients.

A pet feeding station is a great way to discreetly store food and water bowls. Although Dave and Jenny's technique may require custom cabinetry, there are other ways you can modify this low-profile idea. If you have a large dog, you can create a feeding station simply by hiding the bowls in a bottom drawer. Another option is to store them in the bottom of a side table. This is ideal if your pup prefers to eat somewhere other than your kitchen. Or, purchase something like the Roomfitters Modern Pet Feeding Station for a similarly sleek setup.

In Season 6, Episode 5, the clients were regular foster fur parents to litters of kittens. Because cats were such a fundamental part of their lives, they requested a catio. So, Dave and Jenny designed an enclosed patio/sunroom with plenty of accessories for the kitties to enjoy. The catio included climbing trees, scratching posts, cat beds, and other integrated elements tailored to the cats. Although a typical catio is a wired enclosure for cats to play outside, they decided to enclose this space in order to add value to the overall floor plan of the home.

If you want to build a true catio that allows your cats to have some outside time, you can build your own using wood beams and grid wire. However, make sure your catio is dig-proof, as wild animals can work their way in underneath the foundation while you aren't looking. You can also buy a FunXplore Catio Cat House Outdoor Enclosure if DIY isn't your style. If you already have an enclosed patio you want to make more cat-friendly, try adding easy upgrades like these playful Purrch Designs Cat Shelves or these Pet Savvy Wall Mount Cat Hammocks.

In Season 5, Episode 9, Jenny and Dave focused on creating a streamlined, functional space for a single mom, her son, and their family dog. In addition to adding pantry storage under the staircase, Jenny and Dave added a second storage space for the client's little pup. They carved out a cozy space for the dog to sleep, relax, or simply store its toys. An arched door, reminiscent of a fairy door or oversized mouse hole, opened up to reveal the integrated doghouse. Upon the reveal, Jenny exclaimed, "And I saw, Pierce, you noticed the doggy door!" The clients were thrilled.

Designing a dog den is a great way to create a cozy nook for your furry friend. Plus, you can use the area to store unsightly toys, bones, and other doggy accessories. There are several clever ways to repurpose unused under-stairs space, and a dog-friendly cave is undoubtedly one of the most useful. If you need a designated space for your dog when guests are over, you can also add a gate across the opening so that your dog can stay in the nook while strangers are in the house. 

If you want your home to maintain its value post-renovation, consider the wear and tear that your pets can have on certain materials. In Season 6, Episode 12, Dave and Jenny helped a mother-son duo create a personalized space that will still hold value for years to come. One of the ways they ensured future longevity is by installing engineered hardwood floors. Jenny dubbed this alternative to wood "pet-friendly" due to its durability.

Wood is risky when you have pets with paws and claws, but there are a few manmade alternatives to consider. Although Dave and Jenny recommended engineered hardwood, there is still a risk of scratching. Luxury vinyl, however, is ideal for scratch resistance and easy maintenance. If you already have hardwood floors and replacing them isn't an option, luxury vinyl tiles can often be installed over the top of existing hardwood. For more resilient ideas, these are the best pet-friendly flooring materials you should know about. 

When Dave and Jenny renovated a local animal shelter in Season 3, Episode 5, they wanted to create a well-designed space that was very animal-friendly. In one room, they built a ramp and play space for cats in a spot usually reserved for crown molding. Dave explained, "I built something that was up high that would be fun for the cats and kittens to hang off of, but we wanted something that didn't take away any of the floor space." It also didn't detract from the rest of the eye-catching additions, making it the perfect place to add a pet-friendly touch to a stylish space.

Mounting your "cat condo" or jungle gym to the top of your walls can help save space and keep the cat toys out of your direct eyeline. If you don't want to build the playspace from scratch, try purchasing a set that includes several different elements like a ladder, bridge, hammock, and hutch. You can then arrange the pieces to fit your unique space. The MeowHomm Cat Condo Set is a highly-rated option. To take this concept a step further, paint the wooden pieces the same color as your wall so that they blend in seamlessly.

Dave and Jenny prioritized dog-friendly additions in Season 4, Episode 7's low-maintenance transformation. The clients wanted to focus on enjoying their new life as empty nesters with their pets. Jenny decided that adding a dog washing station in the laundry room was a valuable addition for simplifying their lives. She explained, "The dogs are going to be outside and they're going to need rinsing off." The client exclaimed, "I didn't get to shower last night for 10 minutes because we had dogs in there!" So, they were thrilled with the new spot.

A dog bathing station is an excellent addition if your dog is always tracking mud and dirt across your living space. Dogs are meant to play outside, so you don't want to forbid your pup from rolling in the mud just to save your textiles. A dog washing station is the perfect compromise for you and your adventurous furry friend. If you don't have space in your laundry or mud room, you can also add a dog wash just outside your back door. Before you get started on installation, these are the must-haves for the perfect pet shower in your home.

Another brilliant, pet-friendly idea comes from the episode where Dave and Jenny renovated the animal shelter. They painted the fence in a light-to-dark blue gradient, creating an ombre effect. The color choice goes beyond just aesthetics. Jenny explained in the YouTube clip, "We read that blue is a calming color for animals!" It's no secret that this is the best paint color if you're seeking tranquility, and the same goes for your four-legged friends.

Although Dave and Jenny created an eye-catching gradient, a single shade of blue will have the same soothing effect. For example, try this Mekiy Orthopedic Dog Bed in navy to give your pup a restful sleep. You can also combine this color theory with the concept mentioned earlier, the built-in dog house under the stairs. Simply paint the interior of the nook to enhance the calming, cave-like atmosphere. To give your pets an equally serene exterior, the stars of "Fixer to Fabulous" say this is the perfect paint shade for your outdoor space.