For many families, pets are a big part of daily life. So when building homes, I try to combine their needs with homeowners' desires for great designs and functional layouts.

High-gloss hardwood floors can be a nightmare — tough to keep clean and difficult for dogs to walk or play on. Low-gloss or naturally distressed hardwood is much more user-friendly. And natural slate is another excellent solution to those dirt-tracking paws.

In the kitchen, you might want to dedicate some cupboard space to your pet's needs.

Consider a rollout, covered bin to store dog food. You'll also need a home for treats, extra collars and medicine.

Where will you bathe your mutt? Whichever bathroom becomes the pet bathing station should have a shower wand with a long extension so you can easily wash and rinse your pet.

Our dog Malibu loves to look outside so I built the front windows close to the floor to allow her an ample view of the yard.

Consider your pet's favourite hangout in your current home. How will this translate at your new home? We are all creatures of habit and your pet's favourite spot in the old house will likely be a similar spot in the new home.

I fell in love with a vibrant and very affectionate parrot named Patrick on my last trip to Singapore. The designer in me knew that an old-fashioned birdhouse would not fit in with our ultra modern decor so I am designing stainless steel perches that will be incorporated into the window frames.

Cat lovers can think creatively and design climbing trees or posts around support beams. If your cat is a climber, you may want to design a large shelf that runs around the room, hung at about 2 metres, with a ramp that runs from floor to shelf for access (this can be made to look like part of the architecture).

As for the kitty litter box, it should be hidden, yet with easy access. Perhaps the box can go into a designated closet with a special kitty door. Carpet should be avoided in this area.

Your pet's needs should also be taken into consideration when you meet with the landscape designer. So, let the house go to the animals — everyone will thoroughly enjoy the new space.

Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist and an eRenovate.com Expert.