Fun Houzz: What Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design
Who knew these tiny dogs could be such a huge source of design tips? Houzzers did
I have two Chihuahua mixes and, well, they rule. They fit in just about anywhere. And I do mean anywhere - in a bag, burrowed under the covers or curled up amazingly on the smallest cushion you’ve ever seen.
But Chihuahuas have another hidden talent: They’re a great source for interior design tips. Perhaps it’s because these dogs can be so versatile in looks and personality. I know, I know, all dogs are unique to some degree, but I really think Chihuahuas are special. No two ever seem to be alike. I grew up with a collie, and to this day every time I see a collie, I think I’m staring right down the mosquito-nose face of my old Molly.
“Chihuahuas have their own mind,” says Tanya King, who photographs dogs frequently for Modern Dog magazine. “They’re unpredictable and have a lot of different looks. Some dogs just have one look. Chihuahuas’ expressions are a little more different- tongues stuck out all the time, bigger head, little snout - you don’t know what you’re going to get.”
Chihuahuas can teach you how small things can bring you big joy. For now let them demonstrate some basic home design tips.
But Chihuahuas have another hidden talent: They’re a great source for interior design tips. Perhaps it’s because these dogs can be so versatile in looks and personality. I know, I know, all dogs are unique to some degree, but I really think Chihuahuas are special. No two ever seem to be alike. I grew up with a collie, and to this day every time I see a collie, I think I’m staring right down the mosquito-nose face of my old Molly.
“Chihuahuas have their own mind,” says Tanya King, who photographs dogs frequently for Modern Dog magazine. “They’re unpredictable and have a lot of different looks. Some dogs just have one look. Chihuahuas’ expressions are a little more different- tongues stuck out all the time, bigger head, little snout - you don’t know what you’re going to get.”
Chihuahuas can teach you how small things can bring you big joy. For now let them demonstrate some basic home design tips.
Embrace symmetry
This household is undoubtedly happier with two pups running around rather than one. A good rule of thumb when approaching design is to use symmetry to balance your design. A lamp on either side, two white cushions, two blue ones, two rectangular pieces of art and two Chihuahuas create harmony in this bedroom.
This household is undoubtedly happier with two pups running around rather than one. A good rule of thumb when approaching design is to use symmetry to balance your design. A lamp on either side, two white cushions, two blue ones, two rectangular pieces of art and two Chihuahuas create harmony in this bedroom.
Be a big softie
Don’t write off soft colours and neutral palettes as just playing it safe. Lightening tones and opting for in-between colours is a small effort with big bite, just like a Chihuahua.
Discover inspiring ways to work with neutrals
Don’t write off soft colours and neutral palettes as just playing it safe. Lightening tones and opting for in-between colours is a small effort with big bite, just like a Chihuahua.
Discover inspiring ways to work with neutrals
Contrast styles
Just like these black and white Chihuahuas, this room mixes contemporary features, like polished concrete floors, with a more rustic style. By combining two seemingly disparate styles, you often arrive at something more than the sum of the parts.
Just like these black and white Chihuahuas, this room mixes contemporary features, like polished concrete floors, with a more rustic style. By combining two seemingly disparate styles, you often arrive at something more than the sum of the parts.
Use brown to create warm, rich interiors
Brown as an entire palette is tough to pull off. But give it your love and attention, and it will reward you with the same. (I totally ripped that off from Marley & Me.)
Here the Ralph Lauren Bridle paint colour pulls in the wood furnishings for a look that celebrates - and elevates - the tricky colour.
Brown as an entire palette is tough to pull off. But give it your love and attention, and it will reward you with the same. (I totally ripped that off from Marley & Me.)
Here the Ralph Lauren Bridle paint colour pulls in the wood furnishings for a look that celebrates - and elevates - the tricky colour.
When in doubt, go with classic white
It’s easy to feel pressured into choosing vibrant colours - thanks, Anna Wintour - but classic white and soft creams can set the stage for the most colourful personality.
It’s easy to feel pressured into choosing vibrant colours - thanks, Anna Wintour - but classic white and soft creams can set the stage for the most colourful personality.
Be one of a kind
You won’t meet another pup like Lola here. Too special for mass production. The decorating scheme follows suit. A CD player that looks like a vintage radio, a reupholstered wingback chair and an old photograph of the homeowner make this space truly personalised.
You won’t meet another pup like Lola here. Too special for mass production. The decorating scheme follows suit. A CD player that looks like a vintage radio, a reupholstered wingback chair and an old photograph of the homeowner make this space truly personalised.
Above all, choose what’s comfortable
Picking a complicated style and trying to execute it might not be your thing. No worries. Just stick with what makes you comfortable. Soft linens and well-worn leather are a good place to start.
TELL US…
What does your pet teach you about design? Share yours in the Comments!
Picking a complicated style and trying to execute it might not be your thing. No worries. Just stick with what makes you comfortable. Soft linens and well-worn leather are a good place to start.
TELL US…
What does your pet teach you about design? Share yours in the Comments!
It’s important to juxtapose large items with little ones to bring balance to your decorating scheme. If you’ve got a big sofa, add some cushions - or a Chihuahua - to help bring it back down to size within the overall scheme of the room.
Learn how to experiment with scale and proportion