3 Ways To De-Ugly Your Pet Stuff

You don't know the struggle until you've finally finished decorating your home, only to have 'that corner' full of your pet's bright yellow toys and leashes taunting your design sensibilities. Big bags of dog food, litter boxes, and squeaky toys aren't traditional tools for home decor, but they all come with pet ownership.

The following are some solutions for common issues that arise from being a pet owner:

1. Where do I put the food?

The first thing to learn about pet food packaging is that there are often very logical reasons for the material and fashion used in food containment. For example, the layered lining featured in dog and cat food packaging is meant not only to keep outside contaminants away from the food, but also to keep key nutrients from escaping. For this reason, I recommend allowing food to remain in original packaging whenever possible, and simply inserting both food and packaging into a vessel more pleasing to the eye.

While more and more pet stores are stocking more fashionable food container alternatives, feel free to get creative with the one that you choose. Cat and dog food can be stored in lidded baskets and storage ottomans. Larger dog food may be accommodated by larger laundry baskets, which come in various materials and sizes, so that you can keep the food accessible, yet hide it in plain sight.

2.What About The Toys?

Simply having a place to put everything can make a world of difference in home decor. You could be amazed at just how far proper storage can go. With this in mind, baskets are a pet-owner's best friend. Out of sight, out of mind, your clutter becomes a subtle design element once it is tucked away in a basket that complements your decor. If you would like your rainbow of well-loved stuffed toys, squeaky bones, and fuzzy things attached to strings to remain accessible to your pet, choose a basket or container short enough for them to reach.

3. Food And Water Bowl 911

As the owner of a Cocker Spaniel, meal time usually goes like this:
1. Dip face and ears in bowl
2. Drink/Eat
3. Lightly coat floor with dinner drippings.

Never underestimate the power of a pet mat. For light dribbling, a standard yet stylish mat will do. If your situation is dire, you may go the route I take and use a bathmat, which gives me the uncommon super power of the ability to place pet bowls on carpet without forfeiting my security deposit.

And, wa-la!  Go forth and show off your new pet-chic decor!