I don’t know about your pup, but mine somehow takes up more space than a teenager on a sofa. And while I love the chaos of toys, chewed-up balls, and biscuit crumbs in every corner, I also love giving them their own little space—somewhere calm, roomy (but still compact), and kind of cute too.
That’s where these open, airy dog houses come in. They’re not all tiny cabins or Pinterest-perfect cottages—just good, solid little homes that feel breathable, bright, and thoughtful. Whether you’re after something outdoors with room to stretch, or a stylish setup that blends into your living room, these ideas keep it simple without being boring.
Some are built with light wood and soft colours to keep things summery and relaxed. Others sit neatly in shady corners of the yard, catching a breeze. But all of them feel like something your dog would actually enjoy using (instead of ignoring for the nearest laundry pile).
1. A Pale Wood Outdoor Dog House with a Slanted Roof
This one’s a classic—simple slatted pine wood, pale and slightly weathered, with an open front and slanted roof for rain runoff. The front stays completely open—no door, no flap—so it feels airy and not boxed in.
It sits on a small gravel patch under a tree near a wooden fence, with some ferns and a shallow water bowl beside it. It’s nothing fancy, but it looks like it belongs there—peaceful, shaded, and ready for summer naps.
2. A Soft White Indoor Dog House That Blends In With Minimalist Homes
If your dog’s kingdom is the living room, try a low-profile house painted in soft white or creamy beige. This version is made from light MDF with a wide square entrance and clean angles.
There’s a flat wooden roof, perfect for stacking a plant or a woven basket of toys. It’s set near a pale linen armchair and a round jute rug, tucked into a bright corner where the sunlight hits in the morning.
3. A Matte Black Outdoor Dog House with Ventilated Sides
For a slightly edgier look, go for matte black painted wood with slim horizontal slats along the side walls to let air in. It’s sleek and modern, but still cozy.
This one sits on a square of large outdoor pavers next to a raised garden bed, with a bowl tucked just outside and a few wild daisies growing nearby. It’s like a little outdoor studio apartment—but for dogs.
4. A Light Birchwood Dog House Inside a Kids’ Playroom
If your dog follows your kids around like a shadow, this dog house tucks into a playful corner of the house. The birchwood frame is smooth and lightly sealed, with an arched entry and no doors.
A grey linen dog bed inside keeps it comfy. Around it: a few kids’ bookshelves, a cotton teepee, and wooden blocks scattered across the floor. It’s soft, cheerful, and kind of looks like it came with the furniture set.
5. A Natural Cedar Dog House With a Wide Front Porch
For pups who love to people-watch, a front porch setup is ideal. This version is made of natural cedar wood and sits in a back garden corner on a patch of bark mulch.
The house itself is square and open at the front with a covered roof and a small platform extending out like a porch. You can add a cushion or outdoor mat, but it looks good even without. A few flower pots nearby make it feel like a tiny cabin retreat.
6. A Soft Grey Indoor Dog House with an Open Side Wall
This one’s made for dogs who like options—there’s an open front and a side cut-out, giving them multiple exits and better air circulation.
It’s painted soft grey with warm wood trim, and it sits under a big window in a sunroom with sheer curtains and hanging plants. Inside is a striped cushion and a couple of chewed toys, obviously. It’s simple, cozy, and blends right into a boho-style home without fuss.
7. A Clay-Toned Outdoor Dog House on a Wooden Deck
This one’s for the pup who’s basically part of your patio setup. Built from painted plywood in a soft terracotta clay tone, this house sits right on your back deck, facing the garden.
The roof is flat with a subtle overhang, and the whole thing has just one wide front opening with no doors or windows. It looks like a small modern cube, but warm and welcoming. A leafy potted plant next to it gives it that extra design-y touch, even if your dog just uses it for shade and nap breaks between zoomies.
8. A Whitewashed Pine Dog House with an Arched Roofline
This design’s got a bit of cottagecore energy. Made of soft pine wood, lightly whitewashed so you still see the grain, with an arched roof that curves gently over the body of the house.
There’s no door—just a big round opening—and the whole structure is raised slightly off the ground with wooden feet. It sits on crushed shell or pale gravel in a quiet garden bed near hydrangeas. Honestly, I’d live in it if I could shrink down to size.
9. A Sand-Coloured Dog House Inside a Mudroom Nook
This one’s ideal if your dog likes to flop by the door but you’d rather not trip over them every morning. Built into the mudroom corner, this sand-toned wooden house is simple, with one large front entrance, no doors, and smooth edges.
There’s a big cozy mat inside and hooks on the wall above for leads and towels. It’s practical but soft, and it gives your pup their own zone without taking up extra space. (Bonus: it’s really easy to sweep around.)
10. A Sleek Charcoal Dog House Under an Outdoor Staircase
If you’ve got a weird bit of dead space under an outdoor stair or deck, this is the one. The house is made of dark charcoal wood panels, clean-lined with no fuss. It’s fitted snugly beneath the stairs, with just the front left open, and a slim raised platform inside so it stays off the ground.
You can throw a soft mat or small dog bed in there, but even empty, it feels modern and functional. Plus, it makes great use of a space that usually just collects leaves.
11. A Neutral-Toned Dog House with Built-In Storage
This idea’s for the organised pet parent. The dog house itself is a pale taupe cube with a large open entry and a low roof. But attached to the side is a little built-in cubby or shelf—perfect for hiding toys, dog bags, or folded blankets.
It lives inside, maybe in your hallway or a quiet living room corner, and manages to feel intentional, not cluttered. I’ve seen it styled with books and a tiny plant on top. Who knew dog houses could double as decor?
12. A Minimalist Wooden A-Frame Dog House with Light Trim
This one’s outdoors and looks like it was designed by an architect. A simple A-frame style made of smooth light wood, with a pale trim that catches the sun.
The front is totally open—no gate, no screen—just a wide triangle opening that makes it feel airy and open. It’s set up in a shaded garden spot next to some low shrubs and a little log pile. Inside? Just a soft padded mat and the occasional muddy pawprint. Dreamy, in the most dog-approved way.
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s house doesn’t have to be a castle—but it should feel like home. Whether you go for a modern cube, a rustic porch-style cabin, or a sweet indoor nook that actually fits your style, what matters most is that your dog loves it. These designs are open, calming, and a little bit charming—perfect for pups who need a little space of their own, without shutting them away.