1.      Primer and Paint! Choose paint that is easy to clean and non-toxic (in case of chewing.) I advise darker colors that won’t show the mud easily if your dog likes to get mud-spattered on stormy days. Of course if your dog has light colored fur and sheds frequently, a lighter more neutral color might be more practical. Be sure and use a drop cloth to protect your carpet unless you are planning on tearing it out and replacing it immediately. If you are covering up paneling with paint, always mud and tape first! It is virtually impossible to mask otherwise! Make sure the paint is completely dry and fumes totally aired out before allowing your pet back in the room. I would go as far as suggesting a pet sitter for a weekend paint job or any other large home improvement project.

2.      Carpeting. Does your worn out old carpet need replacing? Choose a complimentary color with the same ideas in mind as above. Indoor/Outdoor carpet is a great option for dog owners. Do your research. There are companies that actually cater to dog owners now using fabrics and materials that are sturdy and easy to clean without compromising aesthetics.

3.      Flooring. Sturdy tiles or hardwood floors work best. Linoleum is just too tempting to chew on and falls apart easily.

4.      Furniture. It depends on your dogs. Do they like to chew? Rattan is probably a poor choice. I recommend pet friendly slipcovers! Your furniture stays protected and when they get dirty or hairy, just pull them off and wash them! So easy! Plus slipcovers are trendy right now and come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your tastes. They are easy to switch out later if you change your mind. Far less expensive then buying a whole new couch and chairs!

5.      Window Treatments. Again choose sturdy, easy to wash materials in colors that compliment your walls and floor.

6.      Lighting. I advise lighting that is off the floor, as in sconces, lamps on tables or stands (with cords carefully tucked away or hidden in some fashion), and or hung from the ceiling. Floor lamps get knocked over easily, especially if you have large dogs, and the cords are right within reach to chew on.

7.      Art. I naturally advocate dog-themed art. Choose a style you love. There are many talented artists out there whose work represents a large variety of styles. From off-the-wall to photographic realism, there is something out there for you. Giclee prints are very in right now. Choose mats and frames that go along with the scheme you have going if possible. Sometimes an eclectic mix is rather cool and can be pulled off very well. Trust your instincts and have fun with it! Remember, you are the designer, and you are the one who has to live with it, so choose colors and art that you will love and enjoy. There are no set rules to design, no matter what anyone will tell you! I personally choose art that is bold in color, vintage or retro in style, and a little on the whimsical side.

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And in case you were wondering, yes, the American Bulldog Supermodel limited edtion giclee prints are available in my eBay store :)

I animated my art, LOL, does anyone know how to get youtube video code to show instead of just the raw links?

     Well, I have started my eBay Blog...Hopefully I will have more to say in the near future, LOL. Pretty much I am an artist from Spokane, Washington and I do mostly dog art that has been dubbed vintage retro style. I love all the dog breeds, so I am trying to include as many breeds as I can in my art, and I always welcome requests from my fans!

    I have been marketing and selling my art since I was about 5 (I have always had an enterpreneurial spirit). But I got my first serious commission in 1989, when I created a nubian dairy goat pattern for a wood carver (at age 12), my younger brother who had an interest in wood carving at the time got me the gig. Then at age 14 I started selling my prints and originals at local art shows and booths at local festivals and fairs. I always made a little more than it cost me do the booth, so it was a start. I was a member of the Tri-Counties Association of the Arts from 1992 - 1997 during that time.

     I got internet for the first time in 1999 with the express purpose of creating a website to sell my art. Things were slow and then in 2001 after the birth of my daughter Jasmine, a friend encouraged me to list on eBay. Before I knew it my art really started to catch on. I became a Powerseller in 2004, but I became overwhelmed and 2 years later I lost that status (it's called I didn't have the confidence to outsource at that point!). Now my art is steadily growing in popularity and I have created a successful online and offline business doing what I love.