Chilewich recently introduced a line of modern pet mats in their signature basketweave material. From the picture, it looks like it would only work for smaller dog bowls. Still, I love the retro/bone shape and little puppy cutout! The cost for protecting your floors in style? Only $35! Available in 5 colors: chestnut, lemon, mango, lime, and platinum.

Pet Mats from Chilewich: $35

via Dog Milk

Ah, there’s nothing to make you feel better about life than to reduce, reuse, and recycle while simultaneously creating a comfy spot for your furry friend. At least that’s the idea behind these dog duvets from Molly Mutt.

Just fill one of the “Stuff Sacks” with old blankets, worn out clothes, or pillows that have seen better days. Then choose from one of the many stylish duvet covers, and you’ve got yourself one smart looking (and smartly designed) dog bed! Fido is sure to love it, since it will be filled with smells of home and his favorite people. An added bonus is that the cover, and the cozy contents, are machine washable. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns.

Dog Duvets from Molly Mutt: $20 – $45 / Optional Stuff Sacks: $10 – $15

[via Dog Milk - the newest site in the Design Milk family!]

For the cat lovers!  Square Cat Habitat offers modern solutions for your feline friends. Wall-mounted scratching spots clear up floor space and provide entertainment for your fur babies. Mount several along a wall for acrobatic adventures. Made from bamboo plywood with removeable/replaceable carpet inserts. Made in Portland, Oregon.

Wall-mounted cat furniture from Square Cat Habitat: $50 – $100

I love these bright and cheery dog bowls from Richie Tanaka. Made from glossy melamine and available in 7 colors, the Twins bowl is stylish and modern. Consider it color therapy for your dog!

Available as a set from GNR8: $39

GO! Pet Design’s bowls and feeders are not only aesthetically pleasing, they’re also eco-conscious. Whether you choose the Driftwood Bowl (handmade in Brooklyn out of locally reclaimed wood) or the Upcycle Elevated Bowl (made from reclaimed PVC pipe) you can feel even better about feeding Fido. If you’ve got the skills, you may even want to try creating your own version of the Driftwood.

Driftwood Bowl: $29 – $49
Upcycle Elevated Bowl: $25

I always have my eyes peeled for a modern dog bowl that isn’t super expensive and I think the Brambles Dog Dish by Eastvold fits the bil l. Made of walnut with a laminate top, this modular dog bowl can be set on the floor or mounted to the wall. At $58 it’s still reasonable, although a DIY-er could easily create a similar dish. Be sure to check out the rest of Eastvold’s site – they make beautiful modern furniture (a bit out of my price range, though)! Also, stop by their flickr page and check out their portfolio of custom cabinetry – impressive to say the least!

Brambles Dog Dish by Eastvold: $58

Today I’m taking my dog, Wrigley, into the vet for some ‘issues’ he’s been having. Since I don’t like going anymore than he does, (what with the cramped waiting room and crappy parking situation), it got me to thinking about modern veterinary offices and the fact that I’ve never heard of one. After some serious digging, I found this lovely example in the portfolio of Tuke Manton Architects, a UK-based firm.

The project involved overhauling an old industrial building which was linked to an adjacent office building. By opening up the space and incorporating tons of natural light, a calming and healing environment was created. The timber-clad building, with its barn-like appearance, makes use of openable aluminum windows in order to provide natural ventilation. Overall, I think this project is immensely successful – I especially love the warmth the timber adds to an otherwise industrial-looking building. It’s all very modern and I love it. I suppose there is hope for the world afterall!

See more:
www.tukemanton.co.uk

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I don’t have cats, and it’s a good thing. I’m not sure I could handle the whole litter box thing. If I did have a cat, and did need a litter box I would definitely have my eye on this new one from ModKat. Combining both form and function this may be the best looking and useful litter box I have ever seen. It features “rooftop” access to help give you cat privacy and keep kids away from the place of business. Inside is a reusable liner to hold the kitty litter and a handy little scoop with integral brush hangs on the side. It’s available in several colors and goes on sale this summer for $180. If you preorder before June 14 and use code modkat20 you can save yourself $20 off that price.

Available from ModKat for $160.

Come on cat lovers, tell me what you think….

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Hello! Can you say “This mushroom bird house is exquisite!”? I can – and I did. Handmade by Michael McDowell of MudPuppy.

Each gorgeous bird house is hand crafted and covered inside and out with non toxic glossy white glaze and topped with an exquisite white lichen glaze. It is fired twice, once as a bisque firing to drive out moisture from the clay and a second high fire glaze firing which ensures the birdhouse can withstand the elements. Just in time for your feathered friends this spring and summer, they make a great housewarming gift or a treat for yourself. A ceramic bead and hemp hanger are included for quick hanging.

About Michael:

I live and work in beautiful Denver, Colorado with my two studio assistants Ennis and Konrad. Primarily I hand craft vases, sculpture and whatnots out of clay. I am completely obsessed with all things crafty and feel blessed to be a part of the handmade revolution.

I tried to follow a somewhat regular path to financial freedom but I have finally given in to my heart and the pull of destiny and am now a full-time starving artist. I come from a long line of craftsman and artists. My great-grandfather made everything from jewelry to furniture out of stone, my grandmother did collage, my grandfather designed and built homes, an uncle was a ceramicist and another an artist and art instructor…so either it’s in my genes or we are a bunch of non-conformists.

At the very least, I am happier making art than I have ever been and I think that is reflected in my work.

Check out more at www.michaelmcdowell.com.

Mushroom Bird House from MudPuppy: $45

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A few new designs from the folks at These Creatures! While their dog/cat feeders still fetch a high price tag, these new bird feeders and leash hooks fall somewhat into the realm of affordability. Regardless, I’m still in love with their bright colors and clever designs!

Bird Feeders $89 | Leash Hooks $38
Bonus: Use code TCMAY09 at checkout to receive 10% off all orders over $100 in May!

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