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Beastly nice living

Elegant rattan chairs in fluid forms, soft leather lounges in shades like latte macchiato, French Riviera-style wooden furniture…what sounds like a style guide for the hottest interior trends actually describes the latest range of pet furniture. “Living with animals” and not “keeping animals as pets” is the new catch-cry, ending the shadowy existence of dog baskets, scratching posts and bird cages. Dowdy discarded blankets “to keep the dog away from the good sofa” and questions like “where can we hide the litter tray” were yesterday.

Like master, like dog is the clear trend. For humans and animals, the new partner look is in. Designer pet furniture is seamlessly incorporated into human décor, creating interesting accents and visual focal points. Whether you prefer clean lines or pretty, casual cottage chic, there are beautiful pet accessories for every taste – from leather lounges and heated water beds to comfortable antique-leather look cushions that perfectly match your leather armchair, right through to rattan loungers and futons, including some with an ergonomic design.

The pet furniture world has long been dominated by plain or paw-print patterned beiges, grey and blacks that didn't quite fit every home. But now, a cosy, comfortable place for your four-legged friend can be stylishly incorporated into a coordinated home. This “new comfort” isn’t just about shape and aesthetics but function too: Easy-care materials and reversible or removable covers are both practical and versatile. Many of these new favourite spots are heavy-wearing, non-slip, multifunctional and ecologically sound.

Alongside miniature versions of “human furniture”, there are also updated pet favourites: Rodent lovers who are not so keen on plastic enclosures are sure to be happy to have their pet in the lounge room with a rodent villa made of real wood. Aquariums become room dividers, while metal or wood aviaries are reminiscent of Art Deco cages – of days gone by when animals didn't have stylish furniture and best friends still had to stay outside.

You can find plenty of living ideas for your animal friends at Maxi Zoo.