If you visited the Ideal Home Show recently, we hope you didn't miss the wagging tails at ‘Bark Yard’. This standout feature - a collaboration with The Dogs Trust and the Style Makers - proved that you don’t have to ditch the "chic" to make a space "dog-friendly."
The space was spotlighted by Alice Beer on ITVX’s ‘This Morning’ and commended by animal lover, Claire Balding, and celebrity DIY-er Nick Knowles who gave their seal of approval alongside enthusiastic four-legged friends.
This project was personal for the Protek team – we are passionate about animals and many of our team have their own beloved dogs, so we know exactly how important it is to create a space that’s both beautiful and bark-approved.
We grabbed the opportunity to be the official exterior wood care partner to turn a practical canine playground into a high-end design statement. Our Miami hued exterior woodcare was used to unify the zones, adding a splash of uplifting colour and a practical finish for pooch-play.
Safe for paws, kind to nature, and effortlessly stylish. What’s not to love?
This concept garden at the Ideal Home Show proved that you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics to create a space that works for every member of the family—including the four-legged ones.
In this post, we’re breaking down the zones of The Bark Yard and showing you how to recreate this stylish doggy retreat in your own back garden using Protek Royal Exterior, which is made with environmentally considerate processes, minimal VOC’s and, when dry, is pet and wildlife friendly.
Fuchsia Pink | Lemon Yellow | Miami Vibes
Ready to bring that doggy-designer glow to your own back garden?
Our Royal Exterior range is the ultimate "good boy" of wood paints for you furry friends and garden wildlife.
Let’s dive into the top-selling Protek shades and expert tips to help you recreate the zones from this stylish retreat at home with a totally clear conscience.
Pick a palette from Royal Exterior shades to create that iconic Bark Yard look and your very own dog-friendly retreat:
1. Yappy Hour: The Ultimate Hydration & Treat Station
Every good garden party needs a refreshment hub, and the Yappy Hour station was designed as a playful spot for dogs to refuel. The setup featured raised feeding stations with ceramic bowls and stylish accessories like bone-rope feeding mats.
Get the Look
To create a dedicated "snack zone," consider building or upcycling a wooden pallet into a feeding station. To match the Bark Yard’s warmth, we recommend using Protek Royal Exterior in Fuchsia Pink. These high-quality finishes are water-resistant and hard-wearing, perfect for a splash-prone water station.
Design Tip
Use a contrasting trim on the legs of your feeding station using Protek Royal Exterior in Snow for a crisp, clean finish.
2. The Doggie Gym: Play & Enrichment Area
Movement and mental stimulation are at the heart of a happy dog’s life. The Doggie Gym at the Ideal Home Show was packed with features to support natural instincts: a wooden agility set, a ball pit, and a variety of snuffle mats and textured toys.
The challenge with agility equipment is that it often looks a bit... "plastic." The Bark Yard solved this by using timber equipment unified by a sophisticated Protek colour palette.
Get the Look
You can build your own mini-agility course using timber hurdles and tunnels. To ensure the wood is protected against the British weather (and muddy paws), apply a coat of Protek Royal Exterior.
Design Tip
Be adventurous with coloured stripes on the bars of the wooden training structure for a bold finish using Protek Royal Exterior in alternating colours.
3. Pooch Parlour: The Grooming & Care Zone
After a session in the gym, every dog needs a bit of pampering. The Pooch Parlour focused on everyday care, featuring "The Incredible Dog Shower" for rinsing off after outdoor play.
This zone highlighted that grooming doesn't have to be a chore tucked away in the utility room; it can be a beautiful, integrated part of your garden design.
Get the Look
Create a "Grooming Nook" by installing a wooden backsplash behind your outdoor tap. Protect the timber from constant water contact with Protek Royal Exterior, which is UV resistant and has superior water repellence.
Colour Palette
For that spa-like feel, try Protek Royal Exterior in Silver Grey or Egg Shell Blue.
4. Paws & Relax: The Rest & Comfort Zone
Even the most energetic pups need a "quiet time" spot. The Paws & Relax zone was a calm retreat featuring wooden garden benches layered with striped cushions, bouclé blankets, and - the star of the show - a shaded wooden daybed reimagined from a children’s sandbox!
Get the Look
The key to this look is "layers." Take a standard wooden garden bench and give it a fresh lease of life with a warm, inviting tone.
Protek Pick
Royal Exterior in Somerset Blue paired with Rose Pink accents creates a classic, "coastal-cool" vibe that feels incredibly relaxing.
The shaded daybed is a fantastic DIY project. By using a wooden frame and a simple fabric canopy, you provide your dog with a cool place to escape the summer sun.
Why Protek? The Science of Safe Colour
When designing for pets, their happiness, health and safety is the number one priority. All Protek products are:
- Water-Based & Minimal VOC: Suitable for use around animals and plants.
- Pet Friendly: Once dry, our stains and paints are non-toxic
- Highly Durable: Our formulas are designed to withstand the wear and tear of claws, paws, and the Great British weather.
Bringing It All Together
The Bark Yard was unified through thoughtful design details, specifically the use of a carefully chose palette of coloured exterior wood paint to add warmth and personality. By choosing a consistent colour theme - like the Miami beach style seen at the show - you can link different zones of your garden together, making the dog-specific areas feel like an intentional part of your landscaping rather than an afterthought.
A Partnership for Good
The collaboration between the Ideal Home Show and Dogs Trust (working for dog welfare since 1891) is a match made in heaven. At Protek, we are proud to support this vision of a home and garden that is truly "ideal" for every inhabitant.
Whether you’re building a full-scale "Doggie Gym" or simply want to refresh your pup's favourite garden bench, our range of exterior wood care products provides the professional finish you need with the confidence it offers the protection not only your wood, but your dog deserves.
Ready to start your own Bark Yard project?
Protek is a trusted supplier of timber treatments for animal housing, with our popular Stable Coat range chosen by both professionals and private owners alike. Whether you’re protecting a large stable block, kennels, catteries, field shelters or smaller timber buildings, Stable Coat is relied on by horse, dog and cat owners for long-lasting colour, weather protection and durability.
Browse the full Protek Royal Exterior Range here and find your perfect shade. Don't forget to tag us in your garden transformations—we love seeing your stylish, dog-friendly spaces!
Which zone of the Bark Yard is your favourite? Let us know in the comments, or contact our team for advice on the best products for your specific project!
