How do you incorporate that ocean-size fish tank so it doesn’t destroy your million-dollar living room interior design? How can you put an end to tripping over the dog’s food bowls? Where’s the best place to hide the litter box?
The growing trend of creating pet-friendly spaces was the topic of a sold-out meeting recently hosted by the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. Last week, the chapter welcomed nearly 70 guests at a standing-room only presentation exploring how to build more business by designing for Man’s Best Friend(s).
The chapter pulled out all the stops to promote and theme the 0.1 CEU presentation, titled “Design Unleashed: Adapting Interiors for People and their Pets.” And, according to Renee Riddick, Manhattan Chapter President, the program was so successful that five attendees approached her about joining the chapter.
The program was spearheaded by Chris Prince, Manhattan Chapter VP of Programs; and host and speaker Dave Burcher, CKD, with In House Kitchen Bath Home. “Clients often consider their pets as the “other” child and designers are now being asked to adapt their spaces to accommodate these new family members,” says Prince.
Once Prince created the concept, she partnered with Bideawee, a local animal shelter that arranged for several “adoption-ready” dogs to join the event’s cocktail and networking hour.
“The no-kill shelter seemed the perfect fit for the event, and things began to snowball after that,” recalls Prince. Burcher and his team took the lead on bringing the pet-friendly theme to life by coordinating personalized gourmet “doggie-bag” dinners (complete with dog bone cookies), wine and beverages from “Chateau La Paws,” and donations to a pet-rescue organization.
“We also had tremendous vendor support for raffle prizes that ranged from a complementary veterinary visit and in-home grooming session to an $800 designer dog bed and Grohe hand-held shower that’s ideal for a pet wash station.”
Underwritten by Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, the seminar required space in two showrooms at the New York Design Center building to accommodate the overflow crowd.
“These types of innovative chapter meetings showcase the extraordinary talent and expertise of our very own volunteer leadership,” says Suzie Williford, NKBA Director of Industry Relations, who attended the event on behalf of the NKBA National Board of Directors.
Burcher, who played both seminar host and presenter, confirms the popularity of pet-friendly spaces among his upscale clientele. “Pets are often viewed as family members and, as such, designers are called upon to incorporate functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces where these four-legged family members can be part of the action.”
Research from our 2016 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Research Report found that 50% of the NKBA members surveyed added pet spaces to their kitchen projects. Burcher’s hour-long presentation briefly highlighted recent pet research and explored such areas as:
- Materials and surfaces
- Furnishings
- Cleaning
- Storage
- Feeding, bathing, grooming, and sleeping
- Exercise and play
- Rethinking spaces
To learn more or to view additional event photographs, visit the NKBA Manhattan Chapter’s Facebook page.
