CLICKS AWAY! A NEW LAUNCH!

Mouse is spreading the word. Karin H Edwards Interiors has launched its new website— with an essential link to our pet-friendly design blog, of course. Here's a sneak peek of the "About" page where our furry friends share the spotlight. For the rest, click here! 

RUFF HOUSING

A collection of great architectural projects with pets in mind. Who wouldn't love this? Our favorites? Built in dens with sleek cutout portals at the KD House by Geneto in Japan (2011) and at Chico, a retail store for dogs in Shizuoka, Japan by Atelier Kuu. All from Architizer.

KITTY PLAY STATION

Yes, that is our very own Jasper (aka "Kitty Wearstler) you see romping, scratching, and batting for the camera on the Lowe's Creative Ideas website. Seems Mouse has started a trend of pets promoting good design in our family. Masterminded by the Lowe's team and with special make-do by Jasper's faithful friend, Wade Scherrer, this lovely earth-textured construction of hemp rope and springs is the cat's answer for a toy too lovely to banish to the basement. The only catch is, you have to make it. Fear not, the easy how-to is only seven steps to kitty heaven.

And puppy makes 5.

Looks like I caught even my own mother off guard...yes, as mentioned in a previous post..it's now two labradors in the kitchen. Jack has taken a wife. Her name is Violet and all her accessories shall be the same. Her favorite surface in the house is unquestionably, and unfortunately, a beautiful Bergamo wool that predates the gathering of our canine crew. Next time around...and we could be reupholstering soon...she says Holly Hunt's wears-like-iron "Take Direction" 100% mohair in aubergine will do very well.

It's not exactly violet, but who wants to dress all matchy-matchy with the furniture? All this girl needs from her home, like any of us, is a suitable stage for her closeup.

KITTY CONFIDENTIAL

A friend reminded me yesterday, I used to have a blog. Before architecture school. Before moving to a new home and undergoing an extensive remodel. Before learning that the most difficult client is, as often claimed, yourself. (My husband agrees).

So where to catch up? Dedicated to animal-friendly interiors as we are, let me introduce you to a few new rooms. And a new occupant, with a whole new set of design criteria that even Mouse could not have anticipated. His name is Jasper (a.k.a. "Kitty Wearstler") Edwards. He sheds. He climbs. He scratches our favorite stain-resistant leathers with his back nails. He nestles to sleep inside cabinets and dresser drawers where he can get closed in for an afternoon or night. He prefers wool over cotton, and our new counter stools to his designated bed. And he's worth it....

Where will you find him? In the rooms we use most— where water runs, appliances are warm, and everyday traffic and divided attentions present entirely unexpected opportunities. In other words, in the kitchen and bath.

The extra wide counter stools are intended to share with Jasper or Mouse sitting beside us, or both. The upholstery, a soft nubby solution dyed acrylic by Holly Hunt Great Outdoors that stays posh and white. And the polished stainless front on the island? A play of light and reflections that although not chosen for this reason, keeps our two large labradors fully entertained. They can watch for food to drop and keep an eye out for intruders all at the same time. Which, of course, is not half as much fun as Kitty would have if he could ever figure out how to jump high enough to latch onto EviStyle's Fall Chandelier. Looking at him in that tub, looking up, I'm glad there are no Acme catalogs for cats, only cartoon coyotes.

CHIC ON THE CHEAP

We're on the hunt for crisp, graphic bedding and you'll never believe where these soptions turned up. Sears hasn't been cool since our last pair of Toughskins (admittedly, yes, I had a pair in burnt orange denim). But a new partnership with Country Living magazine may change our minds. The linens are as fresh as the book's redesign: pared-down and only part nostalgic, mixing the textures and traditions of times past into present day.

And cheap. "No more fretting over the Frette," says Mouse, "face it, living with me, linens must be replaceable." The quilt comes in a set with two shams: $62.99 for queen, $71.99 for king. But Sears? really?

Sure, if you pair it with the new Simply Vera sheet sets from Kohl's for a more contemporary vibe (above) and, while you're at it, why not pick up that little Elle Decor collection owl for the bedside table (also at Kohl's). Target, what have you started?

DOX-A-LANTERNS

Mouse would like to remind everyone that it's pumpkin carving season again. And, yes, that is

our little superstar modeling the latest dog-a-lantern stencils for Better Homes & Gardens.

If she doesn't look happy here it's only because

of her superior method acting... it's Halloween after all and she should show a good scare.