Decorating Doggie Style
Decorating when you have pets can provide unique opportunities
to express your own personal style and taste. Here
are some tips I'd like to share:
1. Bare floors, without carpet or throw rugs, can give
a nice open feeling to a room. It can provide a soothing
balance when you have any art objects that reflect
your love of animals.
2. Paw prints and nose smudges on glass doors and windows
break up glare and soften the light in a room.
3. Dog crates, when stacked three high, can add height
to a room and pull the eye up. If fastened securely
to the wall, the top can provide a safe and dramatic
place for exotic plants or statuary that otherwise
might be molested by your pets. An up light can make
it a real focal point. Cats love to inhabit the upper
crates, leaving the lower ones for the dogs.
4. Old towels and blankets thrown casually on upholstered
furniture can add a wonderful homey, country-quilt
look to an otherwise bland room.
5. Common smooth upholstery fabrics can look almost
velvety when lightly textured with pet hair.
6. Vari-kennels, placed end to end and topped with
plate glass can create an unusual coffee table, one
your friends will really remember.
7. Doggie beds, randomly placed around a room, can
add color and texture, much as throw pillows do.
8. Shredded or chewed books and magazines send a message
to guests that they are free to relax and feel at
home.
9. Dog crates can make versatile end tables, and can
be slip covered to match any room decor.
10. There is absolutely nothing that makes a guest
feel as welcome as three friendly dogs hopping in
his lap as soon as he sits down.
So throw away those videos by Martha and others, and
express your own unique tastes. Your home should
reflect what YOU like!
