Colleen Safford of Walk & Train is responsible for the good behavior of the dogs residing in many of New York's best-appointed homes, from ELLE DECOR's own Karen Elizabeth Marx (and pup Willie Nelson) to designer Kelly Behun (and her Kimchi.) Here, her essential elements for creating a home that's as dog-friendly as it is stylish.
1. Something more fun to chew than the sofa. Great-looking dog toys don't just mean a happy pup; they mean a (relatively) untouched sofa and rug.
Willie Nelson, courtesy of @KarenElizabethMarx
2. Dog Art. Chances are you already have a great portrait of your beloved pet—why not give it pride of place on the mantle or as part of your gallery wall?
Custom dog portrait by ForeverSeptember0 on Etsy
3. Dog-proof trash in every room. Try one with butterfly doors and spare yourself the horror of coming home to trash everywhere.
Buddy; courtesy of Dogshaming.com
4. Pet-friendly upholstery. You might think white is the craziest choice you could make, but durable white slipcovers are easy to wash and can hold up well through multiple washes (and there will be multiple washes.)
Kelly Behun's Kimchi, photo by Kelly Fox
5. A "messy dog" station. It should be well-stocked and well-placed—a wash basin with a basket filled with super absorbent towels, wipes, clean-up bags, dry shampoo, and anything else you need to keep you pup looking his best.
Courtesy of @KatySomers
6. A faux fur throw. It has design cred, protects your furniture, and makes for a perfect place for your pup to drift off to sleep. Bonus: Dog hair will blend in so no need to be militant about washing.
Willie Nelson, courtesy of @KarenElizabethMarx
7. An accessory that lets guests know dog lovers live here...even at times when the dog's in the other room. Kelly Wearstler's engraved dog bone, in solid brass, is a favorite of Safford's.
Courtesy of Kellywearstler.com
8. The perfect spot for the dog bowl. Safford is seeing some of her clients build custom bowl-holders into the kitchen island—no matter what, it's important that the water bowl is in an area where it will not be kicked over.
Kitchen design by Karr Bick; courtesy of Houzz
9. A prime napping spot...preferably in the sunniest place in the room. If dogs could talk yours would say "Thank you I love you!!"
Designer Katie Brown's dog, Doris. Photography by Pieter Estersohn
10. A scented candle you love. Because no matter how much you love your dog, chances are this will smell better.
Willie Nelson, courtesy of @KarenElizabethMarx
Share your own dog owner essentials with us in the comments!
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