Creating a Zen Home Office Experience for You & Your Dog!
by Jen Appel
As work-from-home culture becomes the new norm, pets have become full-time companions – and sometimes, full-time distractions. In this article, business mentor and entrepreneur Jen Appel explores how thoughtful, design-forward pet products can create a more peaceful, stylish, and functional home environment. Drawing from her own experiences navigating the balance between professional life and pet parenthood, she offers practical tips for transforming chaos into calm, and making your space work for both human focus and canine comfort. Her two companies can be found here https://www.16-paws.com/ and https://www.viplistclub.com/ and the film endeavor she is trying to produce is here https://www.somewhereiread.com/
“From chaos to calm.”
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For many professionals, working from home has redefined the rhythm of daily life. We’ve traded commutes for coffee walks, boardrooms for Zoom rooms, and for a growing number of people, we’ve gained a new full-time co-worker: our dog.
And as every pet parent knows, while dogs bring joy, calm, and companionship to our workday, they can also bring… chaos. Pee pads in the hallway. Slippery food bowls. Dog toys underfoot. Not to mention the sudden barks during a client call.
This friction between how we want our homes to feel and what our pets actually need has quietly opened the door for innovation and reimagining pet care as part of a beautiful, functional, well-designed life. For this entrepreneur it led to an entire new business. Each new point of needless friction led to launching a company based on creating solutions to elevate the pet homeowner experience and support the sacred bond between owner and pet. Nothing mundane should be getting in the way of our precious moments with our most treasured and beloved fur babies!
The Rise of Design-Forward Pet Living
The reality is, most pet supplies were never designed with aesthetics or daily flow in mind. They were created for utility – disposable, brightly colored, and often tucked in a corner you hope no one notices on Zoom.
But as more people blend their personal and professional lives under one roof, the demand for home environments that are peaceful, cohesive, and stylish, for humans and pets alike, is growing.
This shift sparked a realization for me: what if our pet products didn’t just “fit” into our homes, but elevated them? What if we really incorporated our pets’ needs into our daily routines and style?..and even our home decor plans?
The Inspiration Behind a Better Solution
The turning point came during a stretch of back-to-back meetings when I found myself apologizing, yet again, for a clunky-looking pee pad in the background. That tiny moment made something clear: if we care about design in our furniture, lighting, and work tools, why not in the items we use for the living beings we love most?
It wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about quality of life. A more intentional design could make pet care more seamless. A pad that stayed put. Materials that felt soft underfoot. Patterns that matched the room. Solutions that worked with our home, not against it. Because every point of friction had the negative potential to impinge on my relationship with my animals too. They can feel our frustrations. So this was no longer acceptable to me…and I was going to do something about it. That, in essence, is entrepreneurship to me.
That insight became the foundation for an entire line of products built around one core question: What would it look like to create a peaceful, beautiful experience for dogs and their humans, every single day?
Tips for a Harmonious Home Office with Pets
Whether you’re redesigning your space or just looking to reduce stress, here are a few simple principles for making your home office more dog-friendly and human-harmonious:
- Make their needs a part of your design plan. Don’t treat pet pads, bowls, or beds as afterthoughts. Integrate them thoughtfully. Make sure the bowls are something YOU want to look at. I have pretty pink ceramic ones and even ramekin dishes sometimes. And if I’m feeling really stressed, the pink sequins come out!
- Invest in high-quality materials. Waterproof doesn’t have to mean plasticky. Durable can still be soft. Function and form can coexist. And if you don’t see what you like – make it! That’s what I am up to!
- Create a “dog zone.” Just as you have a workstation, create one for your pup – whether it’s a cozy corner or a window perch. My 4 dogs know their spots when I get on Zoom. It’s their cue for nap time. And I always keep a dog bed by my desk if someone is feeling particularly needy that day.
- Build routines. Structured potty breaks and play windows reduce mid-meeting meltdowns (for both of you!) We love to go outside for ten or fifteen minutes between meetings. Sneaking in 5 minutes of gardening or a quill walk is a great way to shift gears and transition to the next agenda. And the pups love it and are ready for nap #2 or 3!
- Think in textures and tones. When your dog’s accessories match your decor, the entire space feels more intentional and relaxing. Put the fresh flowers on the vase on your desk and get the dog bed that matches the couch. Your environment matters. Serotonin decor* is now a thing! Ha!
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about making your living room prettier. It’s about recognizing that how we live affects how we work, think, and feel. When your home feels calm and beautiful, you perform better. When your dog is comfortable and secure, they behave better, and you are happier and more content.
It’s not indulgent. It’s intelligent design for real life.
After all, our homes are no longer just where we live. They’re where we lead. And our pets?
They’re not just along for the ride, they’re part of the team.
*“Serotonin décor” is a playful, modern term that refers to interior design elements that spark joy, calm, and emotional well-being – essentially, design choices that boost your mood and feel good to be around.
Think of it as decorating with the intention of increasing your serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness, relaxation, and stability.
Hallmarks of “Serotonin Décor” include:
- Soft, cozy textures (think plush throws, warm lighting, natural fibers)
- Uplifting colors like sunny yellows, soft pastels, warm neutrals, or mood-boosting blues
- Personal touches – items that trigger nostalgia or joy, like framed photos, travel mementos, or art made by loved ones
- Nature elements like houseplants, wood finishes, and plenty of sunlight
- Playful details – from whimsical mugs to animal-shaped pillows or art with personality
- Simplicity and order – uncluttered spaces that help you feel in control and at ease
In short, serotonin décor isn’t a strict design style. It’s about curating a space that genuinely feels good – emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
