In a classy way, of course (because the Internet is already full of tacky ideas). And FUN (because that’s something you can never have too much of).
Pillows make a simple but striking statement and are easy to change out when we tire of them (or our pets destroy them).
You might be able to find one that resembles your special furball. This brown tabby pillow looks like my Maisie, for instance.
Or just celebrate with a stylized facsimile. I love how the pop of color in this cartoon cat intensifies the coral/pink in the room beyond.
Sometimes less is more, but sometimes more is better. You get to be the judge when it’s your home. Feature your dog’s particular breed, or all the breeds you love.
Don’t be afraid to make the grouping a little oddball. Chances are if you’ve read this far, you are too! This elegant French settee was crying out for something to bring it down to earth.
2. State your case outright
There are pet pillows for readers.
As well as signs that do the barking for pillows gone mum.
Customize a special-use space with simple letters from a craft store.
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| Jones Bridge Animal Hospital |
Or cook up something more complex. This has a great mid-century vibe going, don’t you think?
Or possibly cat draperies, fabric available from
Sanders.
To say it once and in a BIG way, try a mural. I love how this kitty’s white fur ties into the white furniture and carpet in this home office. And the purple seems to pick up on the shades of pink around her mouth, ears and nose. Sweet! I could work here. I bet it keeps the mice away!
4. A little decal will do too
Not ready for a big commitment? No problem. Just peruse the plethora of peel, stick, and easy-to-remove decals out there.
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| Wanelo |
Go sweet and make your guests go aww.
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| Wanelo |
Go humorous to make your guests smile.
Or just leave the guests guessing. The ones you want to stay will think it’s cool, but it will push those who have overstayed their welcome out the door and into a hotel (especially if you plant a speaker under the bed that makes howling and scritch-scratch noises).
5. Build a room around mass-produced art
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| Found on House of Turquoise |
Something tells me the primitive pooch art inspired this whole kitchen.
The pair of dogs in the print echoes the pair of chairs and brings levity to an otherwise seriously formal rooom.
A collage of offbeat cat prints gives this room some kick. I like the black-and-white color scheme broken by the yellow chair and just one yellow print.
6. Move to 3 dimensions
This pair of whippet statues flank a fireplace and add a bow-wow touch to an oh-so-stately living room.
Who wouldn’t love a sunny dachshund (as well as that cute furry elephant) watching over baby?
Cardboard and ceramic animal trophy heads are mega-popular, but I’d prefer this cool bird-sitting kitty, wouldn’t you? Or is it a cat-sitting bird? Either way, I love it.
Something tells me this homeowner love black labs, and her décor is better for it.
And this homeowner has surely reflected on keeping kitty occupied while she works. The credenza has lots of room for kitty to pace, as well as places to stop and admire her whiskers.
7. Go custom
You only have to look as far as the Internet or your vet’s office to find artists advertising custom pet portraits. Many will turn a favorite photo into a painting.
Or take a favorite photo to a copy shop and have it super-sized. The pink flowers in this photo pop against this pooch, who puts some pugnacious pop into the entire pink living room.
I love how this cat photo seems to leap off the dark wall. The intensity of his eyes gives us a window into his wild ancestry.
Consider a photo cropped oddly or taken from an unusual angle.
Or double up to tell a story.
If you don’t want your dog or cat to get a big head over all the attention, perhaps a simple sketch would suit best.
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| Better Homes and Gardens |
Or a silhouette—one for every special canine and feline you can count, custom snipped in black, matted and framed.
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