Fun Houzz: No pet? No problem. Faux Dogs and Pets That Add Woof Factor
Faux dogs and a whole menagerie of companions can still bring animal magic to your home. No walkies required…
Jo Leevers
22 February 2015
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines and newspaper supplements. Recent work at www.joleevers.com
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines... More
Everyone loves a puppy, a cute kitten or maybe something a little wilder. But if you work full time, live in a flat or just want to keep your home unchewed and free from paw prints, fluff and fur, there is another way. Fake it with an equally handsome or quirky pet. You’ll just have to find your slobbery good-morning kisses elsewhere…
Walk this way
A whole pack of wooden hounds is a creative way to add life and soul to an entrance hall. And, what’s more, go for rough-hewn timber versions and your guests won’t have to discreetly wipe doggy slobber from their clothes or avoid those embarrassingly over-intimate muzzles.
A whole pack of wooden hounds is a creative way to add life and soul to an entrance hall. And, what’s more, go for rough-hewn timber versions and your guests won’t have to discreetly wipe doggy slobber from their clothes or avoid those embarrassingly over-intimate muzzles.
Bed down with four-legged friends
At some point, pet-owners have to face a tricky dilemma: on the bed or off the bed? (Some even welcome them under the duvet, but, hey, we’re not here to judge.) Sidestep all such quandries with stylish dog-, cat- or even, as here, fox-themed bed linen. Stick to graphic shapes and retro shades and skip Disney-esque motifs to keep your bedroom from looking like a nine-year-old’s.
At some point, pet-owners have to face a tricky dilemma: on the bed or off the bed? (Some even welcome them under the duvet, but, hey, we’re not here to judge.) Sidestep all such quandries with stylish dog-, cat- or even, as here, fox-themed bed linen. Stick to graphic shapes and retro shades and skip Disney-esque motifs to keep your bedroom from looking like a nine-year-old’s.
Wow with wacky wall art
Dogs look super-cute, but getting up for a 6am walk and poop-scoop in the rain can feel a tad less uplifting. Keep in touch with your fun side by adding canine quirkiness in a 2D form, like this colourful cutie.
Dogs look super-cute, but getting up for a 6am walk and poop-scoop in the rain can feel a tad less uplifting. Keep in touch with your fun side by adding canine quirkiness in a 2D form, like this colourful cutie.
Go with the colour flow
Hooked on a rich shade, such as purple? No problem – if you go for a faux pet, it can be totally coordinated with your scheme. And if you update with a brighter pastel, not a problem – just check which other shades your furry statuette comes in first.
Hooked on a rich shade, such as purple? No problem – if you go for a faux pet, it can be totally coordinated with your scheme. And if you update with a brighter pastel, not a problem – just check which other shades your furry statuette comes in first.
Keep it cool for cats
You know that knowing, supercilious stare cats have? In real life, is can be a little disconcerting. Avoid the temptation to enter into pointless staring competitions with a real feline (you’ll always lose) and opt for a Rory Dobner designed cushion. This chap is every bit as distinguished as a furry friend, but one hundred per cent easier to please.
You know that knowing, supercilious stare cats have? In real life, is can be a little disconcerting. Avoid the temptation to enter into pointless staring competitions with a real feline (you’ll always lose) and opt for a Rory Dobner designed cushion. This chap is every bit as distinguished as a furry friend, but one hundred per cent easier to please.
Celebrate the year of the horse
Of course, animal statuary and sculpture is nothing new, so investing in an oriental antique is a rather cultured way to work the faux pet trend. A piece like this brings British Museum-style kudos to even the humblest abode.
Discover how to work antiques into a modern scheme
Of course, animal statuary and sculpture is nothing new, so investing in an oriental antique is a rather cultured way to work the faux pet trend. A piece like this brings British Museum-style kudos to even the humblest abode.
Discover how to work antiques into a modern scheme
Indulge in an outdoor pet
The faux taxidermy deer trend has been around for a while, but we’re of the opinion it could be revived as a garden feature. This cool companion keeps watch over a Mediterranean-tiled outside space, adding just the right amount of doe-eyed softness.
Explore more cool city outside spaces
The faux taxidermy deer trend has been around for a while, but we’re of the opinion it could be revived as a garden feature. This cool companion keeps watch over a Mediterranean-tiled outside space, adding just the right amount of doe-eyed softness.
Explore more cool city outside spaces
Stretch yourself
If you want to induce a reach-back-and-relax kinda vibe in your living space, just enlist the help of a sinuous whippet statue. If your guests start to contort themselves into yoga-like poses, you’ll know the magic is working. And if you want to keep things formal, this shiny fido will obey the command to ‘Stay!’ outside, too.
If you want to induce a reach-back-and-relax kinda vibe in your living space, just enlist the help of a sinuous whippet statue. If your guests start to contort themselves into yoga-like poses, you’ll know the magic is working. And if you want to keep things formal, this shiny fido will obey the command to ‘Stay!’ outside, too.
Go easy, tiger
Even if you’re Mike Tyson, caution is advisable when interacting with big cats – tigers, lions, cheetahs etc. A shiny version is (slightly) less alarming, but at least you’ll be able to eat your chicken mayo wrap without having to keep checking over your shoulder. Oh, hang on, scratch that…
Even if you’re Mike Tyson, caution is advisable when interacting with big cats – tigers, lions, cheetahs etc. A shiny version is (slightly) less alarming, but at least you’ll be able to eat your chicken mayo wrap without having to keep checking over your shoulder. Oh, hang on, scratch that…
Join the pony club
Pamper your princess by caving in to that inevitable demand, “I want a pony!” No mucking out, no stable expenses, but a fab focal point for a child’s bedroom. Just don’t mention ‘horses’ and ‘beds’ around fans of The Godfather – it could end badly for all concerned…
Pamper your princess by caving in to that inevitable demand, “I want a pony!” No mucking out, no stable expenses, but a fab focal point for a child’s bedroom. Just don’t mention ‘horses’ and ‘beds’ around fans of The Godfather – it could end badly for all concerned…
amorybrown.co.uk
Walk on the wild side
Mother nature was a big fan of monochrome stripes, giving the zebra the coolest colourway on the plains, and making the badger the badass of the bracken. But fab fake versions can also kick up a storm in a bedroom, here adding a wilder wrinkle to the zingy red of Vivienne Westwood’s Squiggle wallpaper.
TELL US…
Could a faux pet be the answer for you – or will only the real thing do? Join in the debate in the Comments below.
Mother nature was a big fan of monochrome stripes, giving the zebra the coolest colourway on the plains, and making the badger the badass of the bracken. But fab fake versions can also kick up a storm in a bedroom, here adding a wilder wrinkle to the zingy red of Vivienne Westwood’s Squiggle wallpaper.
TELL US…
Could a faux pet be the answer for you – or will only the real thing do? Join in the debate in the Comments below.
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As well as the excellent Mr Fox fabric, wallpaper and rugs, Scion have also produce a range of matching kitchen ware
We sourced a dog sculpture covered in original Beano comics for a clients' project. He was called Spencer and had to be carefully introduced to the clients' Weimaraner in order that she didn't feel it necessary to 'mark her territory' on Spencer !