The rise of “Barkitecture”

Step aside guest rooms, Fido prefers style. Today’s luxury interiors are no longer just people-friendly; they’re pet-first, even pet-exclusive. From pet-dedicated suites to hidden nooks and lawns turned playgrounds, the rise of Barkitecture is both whimsical and heartfelt.

- — By Indu Joshi —

Luxury homeowners are no longer just accommodating pets—they’re celebrating them. From celebrity-designed mini suites to custom pet furniture, the latest trend is dedicated rooms and bespoke pet wings within high-end houses. These spaces range from discreet builtin dog nooks to full-size dog shower salons, snazzy feeding stations, and pampering parlours. Architects call it ‘barkitecture’—a design movement where pets are integral to the spatial planning and aesthetic of a home.

There was a time when a pet-friendly home meant stain-resistant floors and nontoxic cleaning supplies. Now, it could be used to describe a new phenomenon in interior design: Pet rooms. From pandemic-inspired pet adoption to the rise of dogs as emotional support, pets now drive design choices. Residential buildings in the U.S. and India feature dog wash zones, pet lounges, and wellness rooms. It’s not just luxury—it's lifestyle.

In Florida, Corey Moriarty converted a spare bedroom into a dog-only suite for his four pups—complete with bunk beds, a TV setup, treat-packed walls, and even a ball pit. The space blew up online with 24+ million views on TikTok. “There's a continuing movement toward including pets more fully in people's lives—as real family members,” he says. “Social media has poured gas on the fire. Everyone's showing off these amazing pet spaces, and it’s inspiring others to level up.” The result is a growing “barkitecture” trend, where design for pets isn’t an afterthought— it’s part of the floor plan from day one.