Melrose Street, Newton MATransitional Kitchen

In the KitchenThis clever setup lets the dogs hunker down for a nap in a favorite room. Built under a counter, it fits in with ease. Style note: Designer Betsy Bassett recommended that her clients create the dog den by using base cabinets that matched the rest of the cabinetry in the kitchen. That way they can easily switch out the wire mesh for cabinet doors if they ever want to.

5. Dog crates, or kennels, can be an excellent housetraining aid, and act as a temporary “special retreat” rather than an all-day cage, according to the American Humane Association. But their boxy, chain-link ugliness is a design challenge. Not for lucky rescue dogs Maxie and Scout, though, who get to hang out in a custom-designed pen in this Newton, Massachusetts, kitchen by Betsy Bassett. The pups open the gate with their noses. The dog den can be replaced with a base cabinet later if desired. Cabinets: Brookhaven, Wood-Mode; countertop: Jet Mist honed granite; backsplash tile: Desert Sand Stripe, Akdo

Rescue dogs Maxie and Scout like to nap in their kitchen den after long walks with their owners. They open the door with their noses. Betsy Bassett designed the dog den for maximum flexibility. “I recommended to my client to purchase a base cabinet that matched existing cabinetry so that in the future it could be retrofitted back to a base cabinet,” Bassett says. Cabinets: Brookhaven, Wood-Mode; countertop: Jet Mist honed granite; backsplash tile: Desert Sand Stripe, Akdo

Can’t sacrifice storage? Build a cozy cuddle zone for multiple pets by enclosing a space, as this homeowner did by fencing in a seldom-used breakfast nook.

Not in kitchen, but I like the built in look

I like built in pet room for dogs. Separate pet room off of pantry, small with window and one counter for cats.