Around Your Home: Doggone Cute

Walk Time

Corral all of that pet gear at the back door with this playful piece (from $59) from New Orleans company Quality Time. It’s crafted of rusted tin and reminiscent of vintage advertising signs. www.qualitytimedesigns.com

We also love the leash and collar collection (starting at $18) from South Carolina company Harry Barker. With so many fun color and pattern options, you’d never guess they’re made of recycled plastic. www.harrybarker.com

Fresh Idea

No one will be able to tell there’s a dog in the house, thanks to Refresh, Dutch Boy’s new line of paint. Equipped with Arm & Hammer technology, this wall and ceiling paint actually absorbs odors―great for those heavily trafficked pet spaces. It’s also VOC free! www.dutchboy.com

Doggone Cute
While perfect for the frivolous task of holding dog outfits, Ladybug Art’s adorable hand-painted wood hangers (3 for $36) would also be great in a kid’s room. Made in Richmond, Virginia, the dog-themed hangers come in 3 colors with 10 different breed silhouettes. Other designs are also available. www.ladybug-art.com

Stylish Seats

Problem:
We want our dogs to be comfy, but available pet beds are often eyesores.

Easy Solution:
Go ahead and buy that unattractive dog pillow, choose a durable outdoor fabric that coordinates with your decorating scheme, and make a simple slipcover (or have it made). You’ll get a custom look for the price of fabric and labor. The team at Calico Corners fashioned this pillow using Dotted Batik in Indigo with a trim of Bamboo Check in Ocean, both from Tommy Bahama. www.calicocorners.com

Clean Sweep

Pet features are the newest trend in vacuums, so we put two recent introductions to the test. Dyson’s DC25 Animal with Ball technology (pictured at right) was a clear winner. With its light and easy maneuvering, extreme suction, and multitasking extension wand, this powerful machine put one of our graphic designers and her husband in a cleaning frenzy―floors, furniture, curtains, you name it. At $549.99, it’s definitely an investment but well worth it.

Eureka!

A good option at a fraction of the cost (around $150) is Eureka's Boss 4D Pet Fresh vacuum (pictured at left), equipped with an Arm & Hammer enhanced HEPA filtration system and a power brush. It’s a little more cumbersome and noisy than the Dyson, but our tester was amazed at the suction power. She also loved the telescopic self-cleaning duster.

Not ready to make the commitment? Give the Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover ($9.99) a try. Its Microtrap grippers provide a quick and convenient step up from a roll of tape.

Doggone Cute Home Accessories

Walk Time

Fresh Idea

Stylish Seats

Clean Sweep

Eureka!