DON’T LET YOUR PET BED RUIN YOUR PAWTERIOR DESIGN VIBE

There is nothing quite like settling in on the couch with your dog or cat for a night of Petflix and chill

Australian pet parents are officially over ugly pet furniture. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are demanding pet products that look as good as they feel, with style now ranking just as highly as comfort.

That shift is showing up clearly in sales. Pet Circle has recorded a 42 per cent increase in the sale of bedding, crates, furniture, scratchers, water bowls and food bowls in July compared with the same period last year.

In response, the retailer has expanded its range of design-led pet homewares, including brands such as Nujaio, Paws for Life, Barkley and Bella, Dazy Dog, Cosy Tails and Sopa Pet.

Pet beds as design statements

Ella Lymbereas, Vice President of Brand & Communications at Pet Circle, says pet furniture has crossed a line from functional to fashionable.

“We’re seeing more pet parents, particularly Gen Z, prioritise style just as much as function.

"A pet bed isn’t just a pet bed anymore; it’s a style statement that needs to match your lounge room decor.

"People want pet products that are comfortable for their pets, but also elevate the look and feel of their space.”

The rise of Instagram interiors and rental-friendly design has pushed pet furniture into the spotlight. For many younger renters and homeowners, pets are no longer an afterthought.

They are actively shaping room layouts, furniture choices and the overall flow of the home.

Neutral tones take over

Gone are the days of neon colours and novelty prints. Soft neutrals, creams, greys and muted pastels are now dominating pet décor, creating a calmer and more curated look that blends easily with most interiors.

Luxe textures are also having a moment, with boucle, faux shearling and soft corduroy replacing cheap synthetics.

Orthopaedic boucle dog beds and calming, bolstered designs are proving especially popular for pet parents who want comfort without compromising style.

Minimal silhouettes with a purpose

Pet products are undergoing the same minimalist makeover as human furniture. Raised feeders, litter boxes and water bowls are being redesigned with clean lines and sculptural forms so they no longer need to be hidden away.

Elevated ceramic bowls that blend into kitchens and dining areas are selling strongly, while pet beds inspired by human lounge designs are becoming staples in living rooms.

Even cat trees and scratch posts are being reimagined as architectural pieces, turning functional items into design features rather than clutter.

Furniture that works for everyone

The rise of shareable interiors has also driven demand for pet furniture that photographs well.

Side tables that double as litter boxes, cat tables and enclosed storage units are increasingly popular with owners who want their pet zones to feel intentional rather than improvised.

These dual-purpose pieces allow pets to live comfortably in shared spaces without sacrificing the room's look and feel.

Designed for renters and small spaces

For renters and apartment dwellers, flexibility is everything. Foldable ramps, modular play zones and collapsible crates are gaining traction for their ability to disappear when not in use.

Products that are easy to store, portable and rental-friendly are especially appealing to younger pet owners navigating tighter layouts.

Foldable playpens and compact designs offer practical solutions while still ticking the style box.

No more excuses for ugly pet décor

With stylish pet furniture now widely available, the days of apologising for an old, sagging pet bed are numbered. A well-designed home, it turns out, is one where every resident feels considered.

So the next time you press play on movie night, take a look around. If your pet’s setup is dragging down the vibe, it might be time for an upgrade. Your home, and your Instagram feed, will thank you.