Steal Hilary Farr's Stunning Idea To Hide The Eyesore Of Pet Bowls In Your Home

Pets are certainly part of the family. But for many homeowners, keeping your home stylish when you have pets can be a struggle. It can feel like there's no good spot in the kitchen to put your furry friend's food and water bowls where it isn't constantly getting in the way, or disrupting the aesthetic of your home. Sure, you can feed your pets in a tucked-away space like your sunroom, but what you gain in design by moving the dishes out of your kitchen — you lose in convenience. Although some recommend feeding pets in a separate space like your laundry room or mudroom, this isn't very convenient for folks feeding their pups and cats a raw food diet and filtered water, or for refilling water dishes if your laundry room or mudroom doesn't have a sink. And, pardon their table manners, but pets can also be messy eaters so cleanup is also a major consideration. 

Thankfully, HGTV's Hilary Farr has a way to hide pet bowls and keep your home stylish. On season 17, episode 4 of "Love It or List It," she shared a custom-made pet bowl kitchen cabinetry insert that opens up for easy feeding and then slides closed to blend in with the rest of your cabinetry. Below, we break down this hack, list the pros and cons, and discuss whether it's right for your home. 

For her clients, Michael and Becky, HGTV's Hilary Farr used her design skills to transform their lackluster 1970s home into a modern masterpiece. Known for her ability to seamlessly merge beauty and function, it's not a surprise that Farr remembered to consider her clients' two four-legged friends in the kitchen remodel. To maintain the sleek look of the open-concept kitchen dining room while also designating a spot for the two pups to eat, she incorporated a pull-out feeding station in the built-in custom cabinetry. When closed, it looks like a simple, thin cabinet drawer near the bottom of the kitchen cabinet, but when opened, it reveals two food dishes that can easily be accessed and then closed to hide the bowls.

 "That's a great idea," Beck said (via Youtube). "They're going to love that," Michael responded. However, this design tip isn't just aesthetically pleasing. It's a win-win because it makes both you and your pet happier and more comfortable. You get to hide your furry friends' feeding station as needed, and, elevated bowls are better for dogs' posture and digestion, and are known to reduce the risk of choking. Because these cabinets are custom-built, you'll be able to customize the height based on your pet's size to ensure they get the healthiest dining experience.

Sure, Hilary Farr's pet bowl hideaway hack is a design-forward dream for hiding your pet's feeding station. But, is it practical? First, you'll want to consider whether feeding your pet in the kitchen is the best plan. Some people find it's wise to feed dogs away from areas with high foot traffic, especially if they're prone to anxious tendencies, as the hustle and bustle around them may cause them to snap at someone walking by. As such, a feeding station located in the kitchen may not be the safest route for pets with prior behavioral issues. Similarly, if you have more than one pet, feeding them next to each other is not always safe, as some pets may become territorial around food. Or, if you free-feed your pets (leave food and water out throughout the day) instead of feeding them on a fixed schedule, a permanent station may be a more functional option for you.

It's recommended that pet feeding stations be in areas that can be easily cleaned. Dogs especially can be messy eaters and prone to spilling food and water, so this may not be the right hack if you have porous wood cabinets or are not up for consistently washing bowls and wiping down the feeding station after use. This hack is design-savvy, but before you dish out the cash on custom cabinets, you'll want to make sure it's practical and fits in with the daily lifestyle for both you and your pets.