At our Design Studio, it often feels as though the real creative directors have four legs, wagging tails and a talent for finding the sunniest spot on the floor. Between fabric memos, paint swatches and sketches, there is usually a dog snoozing beneath a desk or trotting from one corner to another in search of a biscuit or a friendly pat.
Pets have always been woven into the gentle rhythm of our days. They are loyal companions, joyful distractions and constant sources of character and charm. When Love Your Pet Day comes around on 20th February, it feels less like a special occasion and more like a sweet excuse to celebrate something we already cherish every day.
Animals have long found their way into our designs, sometimes subtly and sometimes playfully. You might spot them woven into a fabric or embroidered onto a cushion, a jaunty terrier trotting across linen or a stitched dachshund hidden in the details. They appear in appliqué on headboards, on lampshades and within artworks, like little secrets waiting to be discovered. There is something about animal motifs that instantly softens a space. They bring humour, warmth and personality, a reminder that interiors should feel welcoming and lived in, never too serious.
Our love for dogs in particular has inspired countless creative moments across our hotels and collections. At Haymarket Hotel, the bar and restaurant is named after Brumus, one of Kit’s cherished spaniels. As a tribute, a hand-drawn portrait by Willow Kemp is displayed proudly in the bar, with a frame constructed from the tins of the pup’s favourite dog food. Appliqué dog silhouettes adorn the backs of the bar stools, bringing a playful charm to the space and serving as a subtle tribute to the bar’s much-loved namesake.
We have even created lampshades with dogs cheekily holding up the shade itself, a detail that never fails to raise a smile.
In textiles, dogs have trotted their way onto fabric designs. Our Moondog fabric for Chelsea Textiles, features a whimsical pup wishing upon a star, hand-embroidered on soft blue and pink linens.
Artworks tell similar stories. At Knightsbridge Hotel, witty collages by Peter Clark fill the drawing room with canine characters, while at Crosby Street Hotel, papier-mâché dogs crafted from vintage Beano comics stand guard at the entrance, offering a joyful and unexpected welcome.
Even leftover studio fabrics are transformed into patchwork dog toys, stitched together with care, nothing wasted and everything made with love.
Back in our Design Studio, our pets are just as inspiring as any fabric or paint colour. They remind us to pause during busy days. A quick walk around the block, a cuddle between meetings, or the soft sound of snoring under a desk has a way of softening even the most hectic schedule. We often joke that they are our most honest critics. If a pile of fabric samples becomes the perfect bed, it must have passed the comfort test.
On 20th February, give your pets a little extra attention, more treats, longer walks, perhaps a new toy or two. But truly, every day feels like Love Your Pet Day. After all, what could be lovelier than designing beautiful spaces with your dog or furry friends at your feet?