Ideas to (bow) wow

As an owner of three dogs, I am drawn to all things mutt. But so much doggy decor and furniture falls short of being aesthetically pleasing. Here are some great finds that both you and your four-legged friend can wag about.

From top to bottom:

Cameo dog bed, P.L.A.Y., from $105. This dog bed combines comfort and class for the discerning pooch and owner.

Dog cushions, Naked Decor, from $49.50. Funky and fun cushions featuring various dog breeds add a subtle err of dogginess to any room.

Framed vintage newspaper dog prints, PasteSF, from $55. A step up from your dogs-playing-poker print standby.

Dog house planter, Pousse Creative, €449. This is not your average dog house, and would look great on a patio or in the right room.

Dachshund stand, Naked Decor, $325. This delightful and colorful stand would be a bold choice for the kitchen.

And don't forget about this idea from Re-Nest for recycling wooden crates into dog bowls.

Fireplaces in the off-season

Nothing says "cozy" like a roaring fire in the hearth, family and friends gathered around on a long winter evening. But what about in the summer months when there's no need to fight off a chill? Here are five smart and simple ways to keep a fireplace looking attractive and non-neglected.

From top to bottom:

Salvaged fireplace screen, as seen at Design Sponge. Spruce up an empty fireplace with a unique fireplace screen. Many designs and styles can be found from vintage to modern.

Homeowner Elizabeth Wallace stacked candles on vertically placed logs for a unique and fresh approach to lighting the living room.

As seen in Madison Magazine, this attractive, white-washed stone fireplace is filled with coordinated candles and a selection of knick-knacks. Perhaps an alternative to using the mantle for displaying treasured items.

Seen at Dottie Angel, this is a fabulous and simple example of using stacked logs to fill a fireplace not-in-use.

Designer Angelo Surmelis painted aged brick a fresh white. Paired with some candles, it's looking anything but dated.

Do you have ideas for fireplaces in the off-season? Be sure to share in the comments.