At Early Birds Renovations, we believe that great homes are made in the details. While large-scale renovations and ambitious projects often grab the headlines (and our hearts), the little touches—those thoughtful, innovative solutions—are what truly make a house feel like home. One perfect example? Our custom-built dog shower became an unexpected highlight of a recent double-storey extension and renovation of an older property.

The Origin of the Idea

This project involved transforming a period property, blending heritage with modern design while maintaining its unique character. As part of the renovation, the homeowners requested a boot room, a practical space to help keep their home tidy. However, as we planned the layout, it became clear that this high-traffic area could be even more functional.

Stuart, our Founder and MD, explains:
 “We knew the boot room would be a busy space, especially with pets coming in from the garden or after muddy walks. That’s when we suggested incorporating a dedicated dog shower—an easy way to keep paws clean before they reached the rest of the house.”

A Practical and Stylish Solution

The idea of a dog shower quickly became a game-changer for the family. Located just off the boot room, it allows for easy washing of pets before they track dirt through the house. And let’s face it—four muddy paws are easier to clean than entire floors, sofas, and carpets!

Beyond its immediate practicality, the dog shower adds several other benefits:

• Pet Care Made Simple – No more lifting dogs into baths or battling with hoses in the garden.
• A Cleaner, Tidier Home – The boot room and dog shower create a buffer zone, stopping dirt in its tracks.
• Added Property Value – Unique, functional features like this make homes stand out.

“We love how much thought went into the design of this space. The dog shower has made a huge difference—it’s one of our favourite features!”

Blending Old and New: Innovation in a Heritage Home

While the dog shower stole the spotlight, this project included many other innovative solutions. Balancing modern convenience with the charm of an older property required careful planning and creativity:

• Making the most of a compact space – The entrance leads into a small boot room, with the dog shower positioned off it, a utility space tucked behind a sliding door, and a pocket door concealing the snug and office area.
• Working with characterful quirks – Uneven floors, non-standard door heights, and out-of-square doorways meant every detail had to be custom-considered.
• A hidden utility area – The home’s surface-level electrics and pipework posed a challenge, so we installed wall panelling in the snug and utility area. This complemented the period features while discreetly hiding wiring and pipes.
• Bringing light into a darker home – Older homes often feel dim and enclosed. To create a more open, airy feel, we used large glazing panels to connect the house to the garden.
• Preserving history with a modern twist – The original staircase was restored, with a rope handrail added as a stylish, functional feature.
• An unexpected feature in the garden – The property has a working well, which was reduced to patio height. The homeowners plan to install lighting and glazing to turn it into a stunning focal point.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Little Things Matter

This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design transforms a house into a home. While the extension provided more space, it was the attention to detail—from the dog shower to the hidden utility solutions—that made it work seamlessly for the homeowners’ lifestyle.

At Early Birds, we love creating practical, beautiful spaces tailored to how people live.

If you’re planning a renovation and want to enhance your home with innovative, thoughtful design, we’d love to hear from you.

Because in the end, it’s all about the little things.

Together, we build dreams.