PROJECT
Design a modern pet bed that aligns with 4 Cats & Dogs Home Furnishings Inc. product line. Creating an elevated piece that stands apart from typical pet beds on the market.
MY ROLE
Product design and development.
The Goal
To design a pet bed that blends seamlessly with modern interiors while still providing comfort and support for pets.
The Outcome
The Gracie is a stylish upholstered pet bed with walnut and rattan accents, constructed using the same techniques and aesthetic principles as upholstered furniture to ensure a cohesive, furniture-like appearance.
design direction & considerations
Context:
The bed is designed to blend into modern living spaces, appealing to pet owners who value interior design while still prioritizing comfort for their pet.
The bed is designed to blend into modern living spaces, appealing to pet owners who value interior design while still prioritizing comfort for their pet.
Form:
The goal was to create an elevated, furniture-like design that moves away from typical pet bed forms.
The goal was to create an elevated, furniture-like design that moves away from typical pet bed forms.
Materials:
Drawing from 2025/2026 interior colour forecasts, the palette uses earthy taupes, greens, and browns. From our furniture line, walnut was the best selling wood colour so we decided to develop the design around the use of walnut wood print. The key performance requirements for the fabric were: cat scratch proof, and pet hair resistant.
Drawing from 2025/2026 interior colour forecasts, the palette uses earthy taupes, greens, and browns. From our furniture line, walnut was the best selling wood colour so we decided to develop the design around the use of walnut wood print. The key performance requirements for the fabric were: cat scratch proof, and pet hair resistant.
Aesthetic:
The design takes inspiration from Japandi interiors, focusing on simple forms, clean lines, and minimal detailing.
The design takes inspiration from Japandi interiors, focusing on simple forms, clean lines, and minimal detailing.
DESIGN EXPLORATION
Market & User:
Sized for small to medium dogs, targeting design-focused pet owners in urban environments.
Sized for small to medium dogs, targeting design-focused pet owners in urban environments.
Material & Form:
The form evolved into an elevated structure to create a furniture-like aesthetic. Early circular concepts were refined into an oval shape to better suit smaller spaces.
The form evolved into an elevated structure to create a furniture-like aesthetic. Early circular concepts were refined into an oval shape to better suit smaller spaces.
Trend Exploration:
I took inspiration from Japandi and mid-century modern design, incorporating bent wood, dowels, and rattan for a clean, minimal aesthetic with natural texture. Green fabric was initially explored to align with current trends, but taupe was selected for its broader appeal and versatility.
I took inspiration from Japandi and mid-century modern design, incorporating bent wood, dowels, and rattan for a clean, minimal aesthetic with natural texture. Green fabric was initially explored to align with current trends, but taupe was selected for its broader appeal and versatility.
Fabric & Construction:
Fabrics were tested for scratch, pet hair, and stain resistance. A fully upholstered build was chosen for a more tailored finish.
Fabrics were tested for scratch, pet hair, and stain resistance. A fully upholstered build was chosen for a more tailored finish.
Concept Sketches (Marker & Pen)
The final result was the Gracie pet bed, a furniture-inspired design featuring premium upholstery with stain-, pet hair-, and scratch-resistant fabric. Walnut tones were integrated through rattan detailing and a wood-print metal frame, maintaining both durability and a cohesive aesthetic. Removable feet were incorporated to reduce packaging size and optimize shipping efficiency.
