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The latest issue of House of Fifty’s online magazine has an article that grabbed my attention. It’s about the way we adapt our homes and decor to make pet-friendly homes that cater to and work with – not against – our four-legged family members.
The article was written by Kim Myles – remember her? She won HGTV’s Design Star and has her own show on the network called Myles of Style.
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Keeping your Grandmother’s stemware displayed high and away from happy wagging tails is a pretty obvious adjustment, but one thing that I find challenging to deal with is all of the hair. I know I’m not alone here and it really is a losing battle, but Kim had a wonderfully simple idea. She upholstered (but you could slipcover) the sofa in a low nap linen which makes vacuuming up hair a two minute job. Linen can stand up to the abuse – thank goodness – because I need to do this every day.
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Hardwood or tile floors are a low-maintenance option and Kim says her Roomba was a great investment. I have carpet and am forever grateful for my Pet-Approved Hoover upright.
Drapes are another thing. Somewhere I saw a suggestion for making them in two parts. The top portion remains unchanged, but the bottom portion could be removed with hidden snaps or buttons to be thrown into the wash (or dry cleaner bag) at a moments notice. And how easy they would be to colorblock…
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Once I read House of Fifty’s article, I realized that I had already started collecting ideas for people with four-legged children. Neighbors of mine were seriously considering incorporating a doggy bed into their island just like this one…
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And disappearing dog bowls are a an amazing idea for pups with a definite dinner hour. All of the dogs I’ve ever had could nibble at will, which means their buffet must be kept presentable at all times – kind of a pain. Stylish though since they have a framed black and white silhouette of a Scottie to admire between bites.
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I never thought I’d use the words “cat box” on this blog, but cabinetry built to hide one is so brilliant I can’t stand it. A litter box hidey-hole! If ever you need one of these, come on over to Kent Kitchen Works – I’ll set you up. Deep turquoise paint optional.
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Space for dog beds and crates with storage nearby is genius for a mud-room, don’t you think?
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And, wait!! There’s one more. I WILL have this in a home/garage of mine someday…
… probably just in time for my Great Dane. Brilliant!!
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Do you have any brilliant ideas for a pet-friendly home? I’d really like to hear them!
Really. I really would!!
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Yes, that is an integrated sink.
I love how the slab mirrors the lines of the hood and then continues to be stunning all the way down. We don’t have a hood so this is out of the question, but it caught my eye and I wanted to share. I do wish they’d skipped the tile and used the slab throughout. The bowed front sink and cabinet are pretty wonderful, though.
This sink and backsplash are in a home just outside of Paris. How appropriate. This happens to be the same faucet I have drawn in. More on that later.
I’d stretch out the high arch part for this one and leave just a few inches of the lower backsplash. Simple yet effective.
