Dogs in design...

Release the hounds! The world of design has seemingly gone to the dogs. Cute, furry, little faces make even the toughest soul's heart melt & add interest to photos. Take for example, the room above. The Robbin's egg blue walls and crisp, white trim give great contrast to the dark floor and geometric rug. But would this room really be photo shoot quality without a posing bulldog?

An artistic shot, over exposed with light, gives way to a contemporary, cherry red table and antique wrought iron chairs. I'm always a sucker for a venetian mirror, traditional or contemporary every home needs one. Undoubtedly, a fun medley of objects but not necessarily thought provoking without a sassy pooch centered in the frame.

I love an all white room. Impractical for most households, but stunning none the less. A clean, white, monochromatic room allows seamless blending of all furniture styles. For example, the traditional shape of the slip covered sofa mends effortlessly with the contemporary storage console and duo of organic stools. The sharp contrast of the midnight-black K-9 distracts your eye from noticing the barren wall, screaming for a piece of art bursting with color.

A truly fabulous retro modern room. This room could be circa 1974 or 2009 and yet the design is timeless. Clean lined night stands and wardrobe compliment the pattern in the frame of the occasional chair. Chocolate brown and white geometric panels hung from ceiling mounted rods grant grandness and the illusion of a four-poster bed. Clean, crisp white linens are always a sure fire winner, but are certainly not the component that makes this space sing. Without the funky, blaze orange, retro lamps and the camel-colored-four-legged friend this room would be lifeless.

A final example. A white washed backdrop from floor to ceiling gets dimension from the interesting shape of the dining table and chairs. But, French dining chairs and oversized ceiling lights are NOT what leaves me yearning to sit in this space. Rather it is the thought of tucking cold toes under the soft coat of this napping dog. Design gone to the dogs? I rest my case.

For more, "Dogs in Design," see the new slide show. If you have a room, "gone to the dogs," please share... brooke@brookevossdesign.com

Best,