Choosing Pet Products with Form & Function
It’s official! We’ve added our very own mascot to represent us here at Swatts & Co! Introducing Tootsie Roll Watts, a miniature golden mix. After much back and forth on the right time to add a canine to our family, we decided “more is more” so why not take the plunge? Like, now. And I’m happy to report we are several weeks in with no regrets.
With that said, puppies come with a long list of gear that will take over your house. In the spirit of pets, family and good design, we’ve put together a few ideas for the tasteful pet parent (or just those wary of tin bowls and oversized dog beds). Some are pretty, some save space - but the curated items below were selected to prevent your home from being mistaken as a PetSmart return hub.
Food & Water Dishes
If you’ve ever had to fill water bowls, you know there’s a 78 percent chance some of it will spill over before it makes it to the floor. If it does make it to the floor - by some acrobatic feat - without spilling, the pup will surely take it upon itself to dribble and spill water until your unsuspecting socked foot mops it up. One of my favorite custom features in our Lake House project was designing with that inevitability in mind:
It’s a Pet Water Station!
Minimal spills, slips and splashes. Tucked at the end of the island, how great is this for functionality?
Yet for those of us without the foresight to plumb a watering station, there is still hope. Below is a roundup of some pretty and functional products for your pet basics:
The Modern Diner: A food and water dish wrapped in burl wood? A thousand times, yes! This is simple, sleek and keeps the dishes off the floor for an easy sweep around.
Elevated Ceramic Bowl: Add a splash of color or two black goblet-style pet bowls side-by-side for a sleek look. The design created visual interest and texture - a win-win in our book!
Bubble Auto-filler: Not only does it look like it should belong to Astro from the Jetson’s, it’s also functional (see spilled water complaint above). The bubble automatically refills the pet bowl based on consumption and limits trips to the sink.
Concept all-in-one dog station: You could buy this compact pup depot - or you could have Swatts & Co design one just for your space! We love how the food storage, distribution and other pet-catchalls are concentrated in one space.
The Crate:
In a small space, crates seem impossible to hide. As it turns out, there are few alternatives to the metal grate with four walls. They key word is few. Below are a few options you likely didn’t find at the pet store:
Yes, it’s custom build (sorry, no purchase link)! I can’t make the beautiful-dog-crates-do-exist argument without showcasing the endless potential of custom builtins. This pale blue setup by Bria Hammel Interiors creates a beautiful yet out-of-the-way space for your little buddy to snuggle up while you’re away.
Crate Credenza: If you have space issues, look no further than a credenza crate. Not a lot to talk up about this one - it’s high on the function, but form is delightful too.
Globe Crate: Take the concept of a crate, then bend it and mold it until looks like a mod sculpture. That’s just what Philly based Go! Pet Design did. Each crate is handmade and hyper-locally made. To order one, reach out via the website above!
Walnut Patterned Crate: A statement piece, as long as your pup isn’t a big chewer. We’re hoping a powder-coated option comes soon.
Dog Beds
What better way to entice the pup to stay off your human furniture than offer it it’s own comfy abode? Ask me in six months, but as of right now, I’m a no-dog-on-furniture kinda gal. Here are a few fun ones that caught our eye!
FeltnPet pom dog bed has everything: warmth, color, three cozy walls. What a delightful pop of color to brighten any space!
Boissonneault Pet Cave: The only problem with this snug little abode is keeping your children from taking over it. We love the felted feel and leather details.
The Flat: Okay, okay. You’re right, we couldn’t say no to the muted chartreuse green. Am I wrong?
Hunting Pony: It’s the dog version of a giant braided blanket, and who wouldn’t want to curl up for an afternoon nap?