Five Finds goes to the dogs

I move. A lot. It’s a constant battle between feeling settled in and satisfying my constant desire to create a new space; the challenge of taking all my furnishings and treasures and reconfiguring the vibe to suit a new pad is one of my most favourite endeavours. My latest move brought me home to a cool East Side loft, which presented the task of making a family space out of 1,000 square feet of open concept living. While that was definitely an undertaking, the biggest décor challenge came in an unexpected form: my dog, Pretty.

After months of searching for a four-legged addition to the home, the Victoria-based rescue group RainCoast Dog Rescue facilitated a meeting between an underweight California shelter dog and my family. True to her name, Pretty captured our hearts and joined us in our new abode. The transition was easy – however, the challenge I discovered was how to create a welcoming space for the pooch without sacrificing my freshly-updated interior design.

As I began the hunt for a stylish dog bed, food bowls and all the accessories a modern urban dog seems to require, the designer in me was horrified: the majority of pet products in the mainstream market were not my taste and, worse yet, generic. Especially in an open concept loft space, there is nowhere to hide unsightly doggy items. While I wondered how could I possibly handle having an oversized fleece donut bed in my living room (maybe Pretty would like my hot pink CB2 floor pouff instead?), I began to think outside the traditional realm of pet stores and seek out designer-and-dog approved digs for Fido. 

Once I started digging deeper, I was super stoked at my success: there are a number of local (or at least locally- sold) stellar finds that allow doggy comfort with high style. From beds to bowls to leashes, I found a Five Finds-worthy collection of goods for Pretty that would not only suit, but add to, my new décor.

Garcia’s Tie Dyed Bed, $150-$190. Available from Dog and Crow

This was my most favourite find: the Dog & Crow line was founded by fellow designer Kate Horseman and has developed into a collection that “integrates flawlessly with a contemporary décor aesthetic”. This super chic, bohemian-inspired dog bed allows for maximum canine comfort with hotel-quality cushioning, yet is a perfect style fit for a free-spirited feminine décor. Hand-dyed indigo with a neon pink trim and the line’s signature leather patch, this bed is handmade locally in Vancouver, with partial proceeds going to the SPCA. This is definitely a brand after my own heart.

FOUND MY ANIMAL rope leash and collar, prices vary. Available at Barking Babies, 1188 Homer 

Another brand with core values surrounding beautiful design and animal welfare, FOUND MY ANIMAL began their line of nautical rope leashes and collars for their own rescue dogs in 2006. So many people stopped them in the street to admire the leads that the duo decided to create a complete collection and thus, FOUND was born. The three strand, hand-spliced and whipped rope leash designs are visually unique in style, but are ultimately functional: the rope offers grip comfort for you, with an easily adjustable lead length for Fido. With a variety of colour ways and an ombré effect pattern, these were definitely created for the style conscious – having these hanging by your door in between walks is sure to make a décor statement. 

Fort Standard Standing Bowl, $139. Available at Provide Home, 529 Beatty

Style suited for even the most discerning kitchen, this bowl is the designer alternative to a standard dog dish. The Brooklyn-based design is fabricated from sand cast aluminum and is raised from the floor (or tabletop) on architecturally-inspired planar legs. Designed to serve to a human audience, the minimalist dish is perfectly sized to carry over into the canine culinary realm; available in a salmon toned food safe powder coated finish. 

Hugo Guinness dog prints, $325. Available at The Cross Decor & Design, 1198 Homer

In a well-designed space, every niche is considered. There’s no exception for Fido’s (or Pretty’s) corner. To address the area and showcase your well-thought style, hang a chic doggy inspired print above the pet bed. It’s adds an element of whimsy and is a fun excuse to bring in another art level to your decor. I’m loving these graphic Hugo Guinness prints from The Cross; hand printed in India ink on Italian paper, each print is unique and signed by the Brooklyn-based artist. 

L:A Bruket 085 Dog Shampoo, $52. Available at Örling & Wu, 28 Water 

Nothing ruins a beautiful décor like the underlying smell of eau de dog; if a stylish space is also home to canine companions, keeping them odour-free is essential. This natural shampoo offers a nourishing, antibacterial and moisturizing effect for their skin and fur, while providing an inviting scent with essential oils from lime, tea tree and mint. With the chic L:A Bruket packaging, this posh pet product can be left out in eye’s sight without shame.