When all dogs go to heaven, we imagine it will look something like Barking Hound Village’s newest Dallas location. The luxe dog boarding and daycare facility enlisted local interior designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 to transform a warehouse by Southern Methodist University into a variable puppy paradise. From the bone-shaped pools to the dog-centric artwork, Barking Hound Village appeals to its clients and their owners equally.
We caught up with Fenimore for a little insight on designing for dogs and mixing durability with a touch of glam.
How did you have to approach this design process differently when creating a space for dogs instead of humans?
We approached the design of Barking Hound Village in the same manner that we’d approach any project, even though we ultimately had two clients: the dogs and their owners. When you’re designing for dogs, functionality takes precedent, and so we chose elements that are durable, could be easily cleaned, would not absorb odors, and were comfortable. Dogs don’t care about color, pattern, texture or the overall design aesthetic, so those decisions were made to suit the owners. As the decision makers, we wanted Barking Hound Village to appeal to owners as a super luxe dog hotel, something unlike anything they’ve seen before combining the comforts of home with unique, high end design.
When you sat down to design this at first, what was one of the most important aspects you thought needed to be present in a doggy daycare/boarding house?
From the get-go, the lobby, VIP Suites, Presidential Suites and manager’s office were the most important spaces for us to design. We loved mixing and matching cheeky doggy design elements throughout the space. The “Best In Show” wallpaper by Osborne and Little was our jumping-off point for the design of the lobby. It paired perfectly with the barnwood panels on the custom reception desk and accent wall, while adding tons of personality and a little bit of shimmer.
The most challenging part of the design process was selecting pieces that would withstand heavy traffic while still looking high end and chic. We spent quite a bit of time searching for well-designed pieces that wouldn’t cost a fortune, look cheap or need to be replaced frequently, though we know elements may need to be updated or replaced due to wear down the road.
What is something that stays consistent throughout any of your designs?
You can always find a bold mix of color, pattern and unexpected texture in our designs. In the design of Barking Hound Village, we mixed metal finishes, unique dog art, and grasscloth elements with wallpaper and glam light fixtures to give the space just the right amount of chic for both dogs and humans to enjoy.
Being a “dog mom” yourself, what is something that you knew you had to have at Barking Hound Village?
My husband and I have been taking our dogs, Ivy and Caddo, to Barking Hound Village for 10 years now, so as a “dog mom,” I knew that I above all I wanted the design to be comfortable for the dogs. I want my girls to have the same luxuries that they would get at home: a place to run around, play, rest, and of course, be pampered, but in a completely chic environment. I love that the Barking Hound Village staff posts regularly on social media so we’re able to check in with my girls when we’re away, and it’s even more fun to see them in now in this chic space!
