Pet furniture has long been an afterthought — practical, to be sure, but hardly the decorative highlights design-minded homeowners hanker for. But what if your cat’s bed or your puppy’s lair could be a statement, a conversation starter, a work of art in its own right? At AnimalDeLux, we think this not only can, but should be done. And as we dip our toes in the world of contemporary pet furniture, there’s a design aesthetic that often takes stage for its timeless touch and modern approach: geometric design.
Clean edges, surprising angles, and a perfect harmony of shapes and materials have made geometric decor one of the most timeless approaches to design. This post explores why these shapes are becoming tattooed on pet furniture, with some extra love for our very own jewel (pun intended) of a dodecahedron house straight from Dénia in Spain – the ‘Minou’. It’s not just a pet bed, but also a lovely piece of furniture that will look beautiful in any home or office, while allowing your pet to feel at home anywhere.
The Timeless Appeal of Geometry in Design
There is something very innate in the allure of geometric shapes as natural order and beauty. From the intricacies of a snowflake to the strength in a honeycomb, nature is a geometric perfection.
A Tribute to Nature and Math
Now, Geometry is a universal language. These two parameters are rooted in nature: force, balance, and visual harmony are their principles. This shape and form is intrinsic and mathematical, and it reaches us through our natural sensitivity to both balance and symmetry. Stripped down into design, geometric shapes come across as natural and purposeful, with an aesthetic of cool calm.
Modern, Minimal, and Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes are an important tool in art and architecture, not something to be scrimped on! Do you have, for instance, clouded-over visions of the clean functionalism of Bauhaus, the abstract purity of De Stijl, the blank simplicity of Minimalism? This movement favored simple and straight lines and flat surfaces, just had to lie between the ancient architects and their style, and started to write between the XV to XVIII centuries, a great step towards the creation of geometric figures in art. This heritage continues to inspire, enriching the interiors of today that seek clean, uncluttered spaces, expressive design, and lasting values.
Say Hello to ‘Minou’: A Geometric Jewel‐Box for Your Pet
At AnimalDeLux, our love of design and geometry (influenced by our founder Álvaro Merle’s experience designing geodesic domes) led us to the formation of the “Minou” – a one-of-a-kind dodecahedron pet house designed not only as a cozy refuge, but as a work of art.
The Inspiration: Art, Geometric Shapes, and a Famous Cat
Even the name “Minou” is a reference to a treasured cat of the renowned Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, from a pivotal period in his lifetime. This lineage of artistry and Álvaro’s interest in the structural beauty of polyhedra inspired the design. A regular dodecahedron is a beautiful, tempting shape: twelve flat, regular polygonal faces meeting at each vertex, paying proper homage to mathematics, but still inviting and enfoldingly resonant to humankind. Every “Minou” is hand-made with love at our workshop in Dénia, with a high respect for both form and function.
Minou Isn’t Just Angles: It Serves a Functional Purpose Too
Certainly not just optically, but also by its shape, the geometric “Minou” even has advantages for your pet:
- Cozy Den-like Security: Both round and multi-facet shape gives your cat a safe place to hide and snooze. It’s their den, a peaceful sanctuary away from household chaos.
- Comfortable Ventilation & Vision: There are no barrier between the room and the outdoor after opening the panel zipper, and large full zip mesh side windows allow more air in, which help to increase air circulation and reduce bugs. The front is also open so your furry friend can look out while feeling safe.
- High Quality Design: Constructed with durable plywood, the strength of the geometric pattern and quality material will last for years to come.
- Great for Multiple Pets: The “Minou” is great for cats, but small dogs, puppies, and rabbits can enjoy a place of their own to relax and hide as well.
The “Minou” in Your Home – A Declaration of Style
It’s very easy to work the “Minou” into your living environment. Its distinctive silhouette captures attention at first glance, serving as a sculptural embellishment in your interior. The natural wood tones add warmth and elegance, while fitting into many interior decorating styles – modern minimalist, Scandinavian, bohemian, and eclectic. It shows you that pet furniture can help, not hinder, your home’s aesthetic.
The “Minou” as Art As Well as a Pet Bed
The “Minou” is also surprisingly versatile‚ a little quality which results from its clever geometric design.
The Purrrfect (and Practical) Side Table
Thanks to its stable, flat top and bottom, the “Minou” is not limited to the floor. Also inspired by floral shapes, it makes for a very special, practical side table by your sofa, armchair, or as a stylish night table. Picture a trendy lamp, a stack of books, or your favorite plant on TOP of this piece of stylish furniture while your best friend naps comfortably inside. It’s a conversation piece that’s also a work of great design that will help keep your pet cozy.
Unifying Form and Function with AnimalDeLux
This two-in-one design exemplifies the skin-changer philosophy of Animal de Lux: crafting beautiful and functional pet and lifestyle furniture that feels exceptional for your pet and genuinely improves the quality of life in your home. We think you should not have to choose between what your pet needs and what looks good in your home. The “Minou” is the embodiment of this philosophy, marrying forward-thinking design with real-life utility.
The Practicality of Geometric Pet Furniture
There are some reasons to choose geometric designs, such as the “Minou” for your pet’s furniture:
Timeless Appeal, Modern Vibe
There’s a timeless appeal to geometric patterns and shapes. You won’t see these everywhere, which means your pet’s furniture will remain timeless for years in your home.
Every Inch Utilized and a Visual Interest
Despite what one might assume, many shapes, such as the dodecahedron, are quite space-efficient and spacious enough inside one for your pet. They prevent rectangles from becoming overwhelming, contribute architectural detail, and provide a dynamic focal point without making the space seem visually busy.
A Thoughtful Design for Sure
Opting for pet furniture with a specific geometric style, tends to say that you’re a fan of anything other than just the simple functional. It is a nod to values of thoughtful craft, considered aesthetic and pieces that tell a story – much (you could say) like the art one would select for their walls.
“Getting beyond the box” in pet furnishings is based on the idea of embracing designs that are just as appealing to us as they are comforting for our pets. Geometric shapes make a wonderful way to do this, with their natural aesthetic appeal, structural strength, and contemporary feel. We guess you can make the case for “understatement” here, but the “Minou” dodecahedron pet house from AnimalDeLux is our nod to that mindset – an item designed and hand made in Spain, that combines “high concept” artistic aspirations with practical (and furry friend-approved!) usage appeal and multi-use possibilities.
We welcome you to discover the irresistible allure of the “Minou” and reimagine how geometric shaping can transform the level of elegance and function in your pet’s corner of your world.
