Owney Melrose

For Owney’s first location and flagship on Melrose Avenue, the design brief started with an unusual client: the dog. Every decision was considered through the lens of canine health and comfort—from sightline and a color palette dogs could perceive, to acoustic and scent control, moisture management, and careful selection of non-toxic materials and finishes.

At the same time, the plan needed to maximize grooming capacity within a compact footprint and create an experience that felt bright, open, and fun for pet parents. The result balanced two very different perspectives: a highly-considered wellness environment for dogs and a sunny, upbeat storefront designed to make grooming feel like something worth looking forward to.