how to: DIY pet bed nook and feeding station

If you have a pet, you’ll know they are very much a part of the family. We’ve got a couple of practical and stylish DIY hacks to incorporate your pets’ feeding and sleeping areas seamlessly into your kitchen or laundry designs.

If you have a pet, you’ll know they are very much a part of the family. Just like us, they take up room and need space to eat and rest. We’ve got a couple of practical and stylish DIY hacks to incorporate your pets’ feeding and sleeping areas seamlessly into your kitchen or laundry designs for a pet friendly space.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to create an integrated pet bed nook or feeding station that will keep your space organised and tidy, and most importantly that your pet will enjoy!

feeding station - configuration one:

This configuration is best suited to larger dogs.

you will need:

how-to:

step 1: Find a pet bowl that has a large flat lip to hang from, we recommend this bowl from Bunnings.

step 2: Trace the shape of the bowl onto the drawer base in the location you want the bowl to sit. The bowl will need to be at least 35mm in from the edge to avoid the assembly screws.

step 3: Measure the width of the bowl rim to calculate how much smaller the cut out will need to be to support the bowl, then draw a new circle that distance in from the larger one.

step 4: Use a jigsaw or router to cut the circle into the base panel.

step 5: Seal the cut edge using a coating of PVA glue or silicone.

step 6: Instead of installing the base of the drawer in place using the existing pre-drilled holes, drill a matching set of holes 10mm down from the top edge of the drawer back, front and side panels.

step 7: Screw the base panel in place.

step 8: Install the drawer runners and slide in your handy draw with bowl attachment.

step 9: Follow the instructions provided to install the bin, where you can conveniently store pet food in a sealed, secure and accessible spot right above feeding bowls.

pet bed nook

Pictured: Roman enjoying a rest.

You can also choose to leave a gap in you row of cabinetry and place your pet’s bed there to create a cosy nook. In the laundry above, a custom open shelf was fitted beneath the benchtop to create a convenient and easy access spot for leads or treats.

feeding station - configuration two:

This configuration is best suited to smaller dogs and cats.

you will need:

how-to:

step 1: Trace the outline of the top of the bowl and feeder onto the base of the microwave box and mark.

step 2: Cut two holes in the base of the microwave box slightly smaller than the outlines, so that the rim of the bowl and fountain will sit over the lip of the cutout.

Please note: Be sure to factor in the position of the legs when cutting out the holes. You may want to position the legs below the microwave box in locations that will allow for your desired bowl configuration. The cutouts will also need to be at least 35mm in from the sides to avoid assembly screws.

step 3: Seal the cut edge using a coating of PVA glue or silicone and drop the bowl and fountain into place.

Please note: The fountain will need access to a power point in order to function.

Instead of a feeding station, f you have a cat or smaller dog, a roughly 500mm x 580mm pet bed will fit this space perfectly. Or, you could even use this space to keep your pets’ toys all in the one spot.

These DIY hacks were incorporated into laundry and kitchen designs. As such, additional products such as end panels, benchtops and kickboards would be required if you would like to create a standalone unit. You can book a Bunnings consultation to get expert advice and help with your plans.

If you'd like to see more of these complete spaces, you can view the full vibrant modern laundry gallery and contemporary charm kitchen gallery .

For more inspiration and ideas, visit our design blog and image gallery, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.