Pets: The Best Accessories
This wasn’t supposed to be my second blog post. My second blog post was going to be about Pantone’s Colour of the Year, but the Fates intervened and inspired me otherwise (which happens sometimes.)
My beautiful cat, Molly, passed away yesterday. My husband & I had to make the terribly difficult choice to euthanize her, and now I am in the early stages of grief wherein I keep looking for her around the house, expecting to see her in all her favourite spots. As I ache yet again over the emptiness she has left behind in every room, it occurs to me how much pets become a fixture in our home’s design landscape, simply by claiming their own space (which, let’s face it, probably used to be yours.)
Photo: dogcare.dailypuppy.com
So instead of a piece on Pantone’s “Marsala” (next time) I’ve decided to write about pets and their significant place in our homes — how we accommodate them, decorate around them, and forgive them when they claw the hems of our curtain panels or pee on our duvet.
All you really need to know about creating a beautiful space is this: fill it with things you love. And pets are all about that; they pretty much sum it up. Your sofa may not be designer-quality, but if it’s comfortable enough for your big bundle of unconditional dog-love to sit on, chances are, you love that sofa, too. And you may have pretended to buy that cute little blanket for the end of your bed to coordinate your linens, but your cat knows it’s really hers. Admit it, you probably gave up lint-rolling that thing months ago.
My cat was quite frankly the best home accessory I ever had. She was soft and cozy. She was beautiful. She matched with everything and harmonized every room. Now she is gone, and my guest room bed doesn’t look the same without her lolling in the throw pillows. Her corner of the couch is empty, and now it seems like the couch itself is somehow “off.” Basically, my house is a mix of furniture I can afford (but don’t necessarily love), furniture I inherited from others, and IKEA. Molly was the conversation piece, the key feature, pulling it all together… the pièce de résistance. Because I loved her, she made my home lovely, too, and I will miss her.
How do your pets complement your home? Here are some great inspiration pics of pets who are rocking the world of interior design right now.
Photo: decordesignreview.tumblr.com
Photo: yvonnetoader.com
Photo: kittenhoods.tumblr.com
Photo: pinterest.com
Photo: freshome.com
Photo: curbly.com
Photo: countryliving.com
Photo: ww2.praktyczneipiekne.com
Photo: designsponge.com
10 Comments
LeRoy Payne Peach
Dear Dana: You and I are the same age, 39. Love you. I am a cat lover, too. My wife and I lost both our cats; but they are waiting for us at the rainbow bridge. Hope you build up a nice portfolio and your new concept blossoms into flowers of love and and satisfaction and commerce.
dana
Thank you so much, Mr. Peach. I really appreciate your kind words. Only… I am 42 now! 🙂 I was 39 when I went back to college three years ago, and now I am almost finished the program. But yes, we are truly the same age in spirit!
Carolyn Martini
Great blog, Dana! So sorry to hear about your cat, Molly:( I have 2 cats and they definitely make our house a home. I love all the beautiful pet pictures you posted above… The last one looks just like my cat, Winston!
Best of luck with your new venture!
dana
Thanks, Carolyn. It’s tough right now and things are going to take a little time. Cherish your kitties and give them an extra pat for me. Thank you for checking out my new blog!
Elizabeth
Dear Dana, firstly, congratulations on your site and blog (I love the name). Secondly, our condolences on the loss of your cat Molly. Knowing you, she was loved well and had a great life. I understand your grief as we lost our cat Cindy a year ago this past Fall. She was 18 when she passed away and I always called her my second daughter. She and I had a special bond and I still miss her lying on my chest while reclining on our couch. Take care and all the best.
dana
Thank you, Elizabeth. I really appreciate your kind words & support! We never forget our lost pets… they are family. 🙂
Deborah
Wonderful blog , Dana. You really are a natural at this ( loved your comments about Marsala too).I’m so sorry about your cat. Your pictures of Jack Russells have a special meaning for me. We lost Annie in the fall, but like you, we are so grateful for the time we had with her. All the best.
dana
Thanks so much, Deborah. I’m so sorry you lost a pet recently, too. It takes time to adjust, but we never really stop missing them, do we? Pets are family. 🙂
Jeff Penn
Hey Dana, stumbled on your blog today, Its great, I will have to pass it along to my wife as I think its right up her alley. PS we know each other from many years ago and reconnected a few years back. I am off most forms of social media now but I thought of you recently and wondered how you were doing. Hope all is well, please feel free to send me an email if you like. All the best.
dana
Hello, Jeff! Sorry for the delayed reply. I didn’t receive notification about this comment, possibly because it was an older post. It’s great to hear from you! I am well, and so happy that you found my blog. 🙂 I don’t have your email address, but you can reach me at dana@hearthandgable.com. Thanks for your support! I hope you and life are good!