Kitty Couch: Animal-Inspired Eco-Décor

Animal-inspired furniture and home décor emerges in the design world in a multitude of shapes and forms. The style can run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous.

First, let’s begin here: We’re talking about “faux” designs inspired by, and celebrating the beauty of animals. As with everything that we bring into our homes, weigh the options and ramifications for health, ethics, social and environmental issues. In the case of the unethical handling of animals for use of home décor, it is a no-brainer design decision – leave that out.

Here are some ideas that mimic Mother Nature’s creatures without harming them:

Furniture
Your cat loves sitting on your lap, right? Now you can return the favor. Just think, this pet is comfortable, cuddly and you don’t have to change the litter. The giant cat-shaped couch will make you and your guests purr.

Upholstery Fabric
Leather is not eco-friendly. But, some “faux” leathers are. Eco-unfriendly vinyl (PVC) is used in the chemical-laden production of most “faux” leathers. Here’s an eco-friendly “faux” leather alternative. Animal prints can create a dramatic safari flair reminiscent of a global decorating aesthetic.

Rugs
Here’s an inexpensive eco-friendly hand knotted leopard print area rug, and an eco-friendly animal-inspired multi-print natural jute rug. Jute is a versatile and plentiful natural fiber.

Walls
Eco-friendly wall stickers are all the rage for kid’s rooms. Love these owl sticker/decals, and here’s a pug family to keep your pets company.

Accessories
As with “faux” leather, fake fur made from acrylic polymers, enhanced with other polymers, called modacrylics is not green. If you opt for a synthetic faux fur that is more environmentally-friendly, a soft faux sheepskin made from 100% organic wool with an organic knit cotton backing from Beklina makes a lush throw for bedding and baby blankets. These are animal friendly & dye free. Eco-friendly linens with animal photo prints could be a wild addition to your bed.

Does animal-inspired décor fuel your love for creatures big and small?

Photo: Unfold via Craft

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Amy E.

3:39PM PDT on May 5, 2012

I want one made to look like my weiner dog!

May 5
send a green star

Elaine A.

6:19PM PDT on May 1, 2012

It appears to be nothing more than a giant bean bag type of lounger. I prefer my leather couches as there is firmness (Not rolling off the bean bag situation) yet comfortable to move and remain stationary.

May 1
send a green star

Angel F.

11:44AM PDT on May 1, 2012

How can wool be animal-friendly?

http://gentleworld.org/whats-wrong-with-wool/

Marie W.

11:17PM PDT on Apr 29, 2012

What a couch!

April 29
send a green star

Ron B.

10:47PM PDT on Apr 29, 2012

Well, having a giant sleeping kitty couch that looks a bit like a cross between an elephant and a rhinoceros in your living room would certainly be a conversation piece for guests. But it might be the last time you ever see them.

KS G.

1:58AM PDT on Oct 9, 2011

Thanks for the article.