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Home base: Blending pets and decor

February 9, 2010

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.

 


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