What Chihuahuas Taught Me About Interior Design
Good things come in small packages, right? Enter the chihuahua, a dog breed that brings chichi decorating tips to the table
I have two chihuahua mixes and, well, they rule. They fit in just about anywhere. And I do mean anywhere – in a handbag, burrowed under the covers or curled up amazingly on the smallest pillow you’ve ever seen.
But chihuahuas have another hidden talent: they’re a great source for interior design tips. Perhaps it’s because these dogs can be so versatile in looks and personality. I know, I know, all dogs are unique to some degree, but I really think chihuahuas are special. No two ever seem to be alike. I grew up with a collie, and to this day every time I see a collie, I think I’m staring right down the mosquito-nosed face of my old Molly.
“Chihuahuas have their own mind,” says Tanya King, who photographs dogs frequently for Modern Dog magazine. “They’re unpredictable and have a lot of different looks. Some dogs just have one look. Chihuahuas’ expressions are a little more different – tongues stuck out all the time, bigger head, little snout – you don’t know what you’re going to get.”
Chihuahuas can teach you how small things can bring you big joy. For now, let them demonstrate some basic home design tips.
But chihuahuas have another hidden talent: they’re a great source for interior design tips. Perhaps it’s because these dogs can be so versatile in looks and personality. I know, I know, all dogs are unique to some degree, but I really think chihuahuas are special. No two ever seem to be alike. I grew up with a collie, and to this day every time I see a collie, I think I’m staring right down the mosquito-nosed face of my old Molly.
“Chihuahuas have their own mind,” says Tanya King, who photographs dogs frequently for Modern Dog magazine. “They’re unpredictable and have a lot of different looks. Some dogs just have one look. Chihuahuas’ expressions are a little more different – tongues stuck out all the time, bigger head, little snout – you don’t know what you’re going to get.”
Chihuahuas can teach you how small things can bring you big joy. For now, let them demonstrate some basic home design tips.
Embrace symmetry
This household is undoubtedly happier with two pups running around rather than one. A good rule of thumb when approaching design is to use symmetry to balance your decor. A lamp on either side, two white pillows, two blue ones, two rectangular pieces of art and two chihuahuas create harmony in this bedroom.
This household is undoubtedly happier with two pups running around rather than one. A good rule of thumb when approaching design is to use symmetry to balance your decor. A lamp on either side, two white pillows, two blue ones, two rectangular pieces of art and two chihuahuas create harmony in this bedroom.
Be a big softie
Don’t write off soft colours and neutral palettes as just playing it safe. Lightening tones and opting for in-between colours is a small effort with big bite, just like a chihuahua.
Don’t write off soft colours and neutral palettes as just playing it safe. Lightening tones and opting for in-between colours is a small effort with big bite, just like a chihuahua.
Contrast styles
Just like these black and white chihuahuas, this room mixes contemporary features, such as polished concrete floors, with a more rustic South-west style. By combining two seemingly disparate styles, you often arrive at something more than the sum of the parts.
Just like these black and white chihuahuas, this room mixes contemporary features, such as polished concrete floors, with a more rustic South-west style. By combining two seemingly disparate styles, you often arrive at something more than the sum of the parts.
Use brown to create warm, rich interiors
Brown as an entire palette is tough to pull off. But give it your love and attention, and it will reward you with the same. (I totally ripped that off from the movie Marley & Me.)
Here the Ralph Lauren Bridle paint colour pulls in the wood furnishings for a look that celebrates – and elevates – the tricky colour.
Brown as an entire palette is tough to pull off. But give it your love and attention, and it will reward you with the same. (I totally ripped that off from the movie Marley & Me.)
Here the Ralph Lauren Bridle paint colour pulls in the wood furnishings for a look that celebrates – and elevates – the tricky colour.
When in doubt, go with classic white
It’s easy to feel pressured into choosing vibrant colours – thanks, Anna Wintour – but classic white and soft creams can set the stage for the most colourful personality.
It’s easy to feel pressured into choosing vibrant colours – thanks, Anna Wintour – but classic white and soft creams can set the stage for the most colourful personality.
Be one of a kind
You won’t meet another pup like Lola here. Too special for mass production. The decor follows suit. A CD player that looks like a vintage radio, a reupholstered wingback chair and an old photograph of the homeowner make this space truly personalised.
See more of this retro-glam loft in Los Angeles
You won’t meet another pup like Lola here. Too special for mass production. The decor follows suit. A CD player that looks like a vintage radio, a reupholstered wingback chair and an old photograph of the homeowner make this space truly personalised.
See more of this retro-glam loft in Los Angeles
Above all, choose what’s comfortable
Picking a complicated style and trying to execute it might not be your thing. No worries. Just stick with what makes you comfortable. Soft linens and well-worn leather are a good place to start.
MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE…
We’d love to hear, and see, what your chihuahua, or other dog in the family, teaches you about design. Let us know and attach a high-resolution photograph in the comments section below.
Picking a complicated style and trying to execute it might not be your thing. No worries. Just stick with what makes you comfortable. Soft linens and well-worn leather are a good place to start.
MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE…
We’d love to hear, and see, what your chihuahua, or other dog in the family, teaches you about design. Let us know and attach a high-resolution photograph in the comments section below.
It’s important to juxtapose large items with little ones to bring balance to your decor. If you have a big sofa, add some pillows – or a chihuahua – to help bring it back down to size within the overall scheme of the room.
See more of this contemporary split-level home in Chicago