We love a DIY project here at Style Curator. We also love our office mascot, Gina’s beloved pup Hulk. So today we’re combining the two to bring you our favourite DIY projects for dogs.
Whether you’re looking to build a stylish DIY dog bed, create a clever feeding station, spoil your pup with homemade toys or even tackle a luxury outdoor dog kennel, there’s something here for every skill level. Many of these DIY dog projects are surprisingly affordable, and they’re a great way to create custom pet furniture and accessories that suit both your dog’s needs and your home’s style.
Pamper that pooch of yours and show them just how much you love them by creating one (or two!) of these fun dog DIYs. From beginner-friendly weekend projects to more ambitious builds, we’ve rounded up our favourite ideas from around the web, along with a few Style Curator originals, to inspire your next pet project.
Related article: How to create a stylish, pet-friendly home
Related article: $5 5 minute pet portrait art tutorial
DIY dog bed ideas
Upcycle furniture into a stylish double dog bed
Not all dog beds need to look like dog beds. This clever design repurposes a furniture-style cabinet into a double dog bed, complete with built-in drawers for storing leads, treats, toys and other pet essentials.
Admittedly, this particular piece was professionally made, but it offers plenty of inspiration for confident DIYers. You could achieve a similar look by upcycling an existing sideboard, console or cabinet, removing the lower doors and shelves, then adapting the interior to create comfortable sleeping spaces for your dogs.
We especially love how this custom dog bed blends seamlessly into the traditional kitchen rather than looking like an afterthought. It’s practical pet furniture that elevates your home.
Create your own dog teepee or pet tent
We all need a little personal space at times… including our four-legged friends! Give your pup a cosy retreat with this sweet dog tent. Perfect for dogs who love curling up in their own quiet space, a dog tent creates a comfortable place to relax, nap and feel secure.
It’s a relatively easy DIY project that could be a great solution for dogs with anxiety. The original tutorial is in German, so you’ll need to use Google Translate or check out our DIY play tent tutorial which follows a similar method.
Build a Scandi dog bed
Long-time Style Curator readers may remember this Scandi-inspired dog bed Gina made for her beloved Rottweiler, Arnie. As a rather particular sleeper — and a very large, heavy dog — Arnie needed a sturdy bed with plenty of space, so Gina created this simple timber frame to suit his size while still looking stylish in the home.
You’ll need a few power tools to complete this DIY dog bed, but the construction is relatively straightforward and the tutorial includes easy-to-follow instructions. Although it was designed for a large dog, the frame could be resized to create a custom pet bed for a smaller dog, cat or any other house pet who appreciates a comfortable place to nap.
The clean, pared-back design still holds up years later, but if we were making it again today, we’d give it a more contemporary update with curved corners, a scalloped timber edge or a coat of paint in a bold, on-trend colour.
Build a classic dog kennel
Who says a dog kennel has to look like… well, a dog kennel? Instead of the traditional plastic or timber box, take inspiration from this beautiful farmhouse-style outdoor dog house that’s designed to complement the home rather than detract from it. Painted in a soft sage green with a pitched roof and even a tiny upstairs window, it’s a luxury outdoor dog kennel that both you and your four-legged friend will love.
Give your dog a boost with pet stairs
Whether you have a dachshund with tiny legs, a senior dog who’s slowing down or a pet recovering from surgery, a set of DIY dog stairs can make it much easier for them to safely reach their favourite spot on the bed or couch. This simple project features a stylish timber staircase finished with a rug runner, adding both grip and a designer touch.
Kelsi made this stairs for her dog Boomer after he underwent two surgeries, and says these pet stairs became the most practical and well-used DIY project she completed that year. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest projects make the biggest difference to everyday life. Get the tutorial here.
Make your own dog bowl or feeding station
Create an outdoor dog water station that doubles as a planter
Let’s be honest… dog bowls are rarely a stylish addition to your outdoor space. But in Australia where the days are long and hot, giving your pup access to fresh water all day long is essential. This clever DIY project transforms an ordinary water bowl into a beautiful planter, creating a gorgeous outdoor dog water station that blends seamlessly into your outdoor space. See how easy it is to make by following this tutorial.
Build a raised dog bowl that doubles as a feeding station
Many vets suggest raising your dog’s bowl to help minimise strain and potential bloating. Rather than just building a raised dog bowl, why not try this DIY feeding station for your dog which has the added bonus of storage below to keep dog supplies out of sight?!
This pet project takes a little more DIY know-how and a few power tools, but we think it’s seriously clever and oh so stylish.
Make a personalised concrete dog bowl
Ditch brightly coloured food bowls and make your own concrete one! Tanja from miDoggy shares all the steps on how she made this personalised pet bowl. You will need to use Google translate to convert the tutorial from German to English or just follow along from the pictures.
Organise treats with stylish labels
You know how much we enjoy perfectly labelled spaces (like Gina’s pantry, fridge or under-sink area) so why not extend this same level of stylish organisation to your pet’s supplies?!
Plenty of online stores sell vinyl script labels like the image below but one of our favourite styles has got to be this Etsy store with minimalist labels.
Stylish dog accessories you can make yourself
Sew a stylish dog bandana
If your canine is a fashionista who craves a stylish wardrobe, try your hand at sewing a cute dog bandana using this free pattern from Spoonflower.
This project requires some basic sewing skills, but once you’ve master those, you’ll be making one for all their puppy social events!
Homemade pet grooming and care products
Make your own dog soap
Let’s be real. Dogs don’t always smell the nicest, so this DIY is sure to get a lot of use — dog soap! These recipes use essential oils and with 4 different scents to try, you’re sure to find a fave.
This would also make a great gift for anyone with a dog, or perhaps a gift if you’re ever invited to a puppy birthday party!
Mix up a batch of dry shampoo for dogs
Another DIY we can make for our dogs when they’re on the smelly side is this dry shampoo for dogs! Using a simple recipe of corn starch, baking soda and optional essential oil to fragrance, this quick and easy DIY can be used in moderation to keep them looking and smelling good between baths.
Make your own pet deodoriser spray
Ok, so by now you’ve probably cottoned on to the idea that as much as we love dogs, we don’t always love their smells! This DIY pet deodoriser spray is perfect for when your dog has been digging in the garden or gotten their paws onto something they shouldn’t have. A few spritzes of this and they’ll be smelling sweet in no time!
DIYs to organise dog stuff
Create a dog leash holder
Fresh air and daily exercise is all part of life with a pup. A great project to try is this stylish dog leash holder. Hang up your pet’s leash and other bits and pieces you need when going out and about. You could use a silhouette of your own dog to personalise this pet DIY and make it even more special.
Make a toy storage box
Speaking of IKEA hacks, another thing you can do with those crates is to make a dog toy storage box. Hester from Handmade Home has created a video taking you through all the steps to whip up one of your own! While you’re at it, you can also make homemade dog toys using old jeans, plastic bottles and socks. Find plenty of DIY dog toy ideas here.
Ultimate dog zone
Transform your under-stair area into a pet cubby
Turn an un-used or awkward under-stair space into a special pet paradise hang out. Either a place for them to sleep, or somewhere to hide all their pet paraphernalia, this is a DIY your pet is sure to adore and appreciate.
DIY dog ramp, cubby, watering station and more!
This final dog DIY will either make you say ‘Good God’ or ‘Genius’! For the seriously dog obsessed, why stop at just a dog bed or a dog ramp, when you can combine everything into one and create the ultimate dog ramp house?! This owner even managed to add a pot filler with running water to create a watering station. Impressive!
Dedicated dog room
If your dogs are truly part of the family, why not create a space that’s designed especially for them? Self-confessed ‘crazy dog people’ Elise and her family transformed an underused room into a beautiful dog room, complete with custom-built dog crates, clever storage and thoughtful details that make life with pets easier.
Look a little closer and you’ll discover plenty of clever ideas, from a built-in bar fridge for storing fresh dog food and treats to stylish dog-themed décor that gives the room personality without compromising on style. It’s proof that a pet-friendly home can be every bit as beautiful as it is practical.
So there you have it! 16 of our fave DIY projects for dogs. Which one do you love? And will you give any of them a go? Tell us in the comment section below! Or better yet, SHOW us by tagging us on Instagram with your doggy DIY, and of course, we’d love to see a pic of your pooch too!
Discover more DIY projects here
Disclaimer: This post was first published in May 2021 and continues to be updated with the latest dog DIYs.
