Other than a fish, which died
much too soon, and a bird that my husband ended up giving away, I have
never had a pet. So, I think it's time for a puppy — one that blends
with my decor.
ECO NAPS FOR YOUR DOG
If you're going to place doggy beds or accessories
in plain view, they have got to complement your furniture. Otherwise,
you're hampering your own style — and your dog's. Eco Naps (starting
at $29) and Organic Bumper Beds (starting at $68) are made using
recycled plastic soda-bottles and Intelliloft fibers (recycled fiber
fill), and come in several colors and sizes. Ditto for Eco Toys, which
include Bones, Dodo and Turtle, and other pet accessories. Now Fido's
bed and toys can match your decor. Details: WestPawDesign.com.
A PET HOUSE THAT GOES WITH YOUR HOME
The Multi-function Pet House goes with any style in
any room. Suitable for cats or small dogs, the house can be used in
the bathroom (as a litter-box cover) or in the bedroom or living room
(as a warm and cozy area for your pet's bed). Its magnetized door
stays shut during regular use and swings wide open for easy access on
housekeeping days. Oh, and don't worry, it serves you well, too. It
can be used as a console in the bathroom, a side table in the living
room or a nightstand in the bedroom. You'll have extra storage space
with the added shelf or an extra towel bar (included), which can be
attached to either side of the cabinet. Its design is classic with
wainscot paneling and a stainless-steel door knob. Cost is $99.95.
Details: Brookstone.com.
MAKE YOUR PET PART OF THE DECOR
We've all seen them before: pets and owners that
look like identical twins. (OK, maybe not quite but you know what I
mean.) More impressive, however, are homes that look like they belong
to the pet instead of the owner. (At least I think so.) They look that
way because the pet's belongings blend so well with the decor. Here
are a few suggestions I gathered with research:
Instead of a standard nail, hang a decorative hook
for your dog's leash. It just looks better even if your dog can't
tell.
Serve pet food in stylish bowls and cups from your
own collection or finds from garage sales and thrift stores.
Create a special pet zone and store toys in a
decorative storage box, rather than throwing pet belongings
everywhere.
Whenever possible (and it isn't always easy), choose
colors that blend with your pet's hair, especially if Fluffy sheds.
