Today is National Love Your Pet Day – the perfect excuse to show a little extra appreciation for the animals who make our houses feel like home. 

They greet us at the door, curl up beside us after long days and bring warmth, personality and companionship into our everyday lives. Pets aren’t just part of the household – they’re part of the family. And increasingly, the way we design our homes and gardens reflects that.

At the Ideal Home Show, in partnership with Selina Finance, we're embracing this shift towards pet-conscious living with a feature that proves great design and dog wellbeing can go beautifully hand in paw. 
 

Discover The Bark Yard – Where Garden Design Meets Dog Wellbeing

Introducing The Bark Yard, a brand-new garden feature at the Ideal Home Show.

Created as a thoughtfully designed outdoor space inspired by the needs of dogs, The Bark Yard blends trend-led garden inspiration with practical functionality. While our four-legged friends won’t be attending the show itself, their wellbeing has been front and centre in every design decision.

    

Visitors can explore clever ideas including:

• Sensory planting zones to stimulate curious noses
• Chic shaded rest areas for warmer days
• Smart cooling solutions and water features
• Secure, considered layouts for safe play
• Dog-friendly planting inspiration

It’s contemporary garden design that balances style with purpose — proving you don’t have to compromise aesthetics to create a space your dog will love at home.

In Proud Partnership with Dogs Trust
 

The Bark Yard has been created in partnership with Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, and styled by The Style Makers. This collaboration brings genuine expertise in responsible dog ownership into a design-led setting, ensuring every feature reflects both beauty and wellbeing.

From safe planting choices to enrichment-focused layouts, the space demonstrates how thoughtful garden design can support happier, healthier dogs – long after your visit.

Because Loving Your Pet Means Designing With Them in Mind

Pet ownership continues to shape home and garden trends, with more households prioritising practical, pet-friendly solutions. From built-in feeding stations indoors to secure, shaded zones outdoors, modern design is evolving to consider every member of the family.

National Love Your Pet Day is a reminder that love isn’t just about treats and toys – it’s about creating spaces where our pets can thrive.

Join us at Olympia, London from 10–19 April and discover how The Bark Yard at the Ideal Home Show can inspire a garden that works beautifully for you – and brilliantly for your dog.

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