BEST IN SHOW | Share your Love of Dogs in your Decor

We are just out of the "dog days" of summer, according to the calendar. We love dogs so much at FrenchGardenHouse that it's pretty much a dog day every day here. Have you met Bentley, our 6 year old golden Labrador Retriever? Six years ago, after the heartbreak of losing our Beau, John and I decided that we would wait a few years before adding another puppy to our family. Until one of our daughters called. One of her co-workers was a Lab breeder, and he had a puppy "left over" because someone changed their mind about adopting him. Were we interested? We thought we could go have a look, and then decide. But those of you who love dogs know that isn't really an option once you actually meet the dog. One look at that bouncy, wriggling and yappy puppy at the breeder, and I was sold. One little wet puppy lick on my cheek, that pretty much sealed the deal. Bentley came home with us. He's a huge love of a dog, and pretty much rules the house. He has a guilty look when I catch him cozying up next to one of our white couches in the living room, which is a huge "no-no!". And of course, who could resist those eyes. He's never, ever, broken or chewed anything antique that I love, so there is that! If you share your heart with dogs, celebrate them in your home decor. It's one of the ways you can add a touch of your own personality to your rooms, authentically showcasing what you and your family love. It's also one way to capture the magical relationship between you and your beloved canine companions. Here are a few ways you can add your canine affection to your home: A DOG'S LIFE. It doesn't take a whole collection of dogs to create a spot of thematic décor. This porcelain Cavalier King Charles porcelain art figure was made by Augarten Wien. She truly is a fine quality miniature work of art. Her beautifully hand painted coat is a perfect color combination with the blue and white antique tea container and gold Florentine tray. Creating these "little moments" in a room gives your home that unique quality, personality and a sense of humor, that is so desired in every home. A little less refined, but just as charming, this little Wire-haired Fox Terrier cozies up to a stack of French antique books, and a silver votive on the living room table. He reminds me of Hollywood's foremost canine scene-stealer, Asta. Remember him? If you love The Thin Man movies with William Powell and Myrna Loy, you know what I mean. {If you don't - watch the movies. They are so fun!} He feels like king of the world on top of the stack of books! GO FOR THE PRIZE. Isn't this hand colored lithograph of a French lady and her companion so sweet? There is dog art to fit into any home, no matter what the decor style. Art in the form of antique Majolica is another way to display some puppy love. This old platter, made by Arsenal Potteries in the 1880's displays a loyal companion in front of his dog house. A decorative addition to your collection, to display or use. Your home should reflect what you love, so why not add a dog accent or two? This elegant Pekingese keeps an antique French Blue & White plate company on an antique black desk tray, below. A very small touch, but it's perfect. And a whole little collection of terriers marches down the mantel in this living room. Accented with bright green ferns and a few apples, don't they bring a whole lot of fun to the day? A house with displays like this can't help but not be stuffy! I’m always on the hunt for interesting antiques, distinctive pieces that will set your home apart. I hope this has you thinking about decorating around your best friend! Doesn't this naughty Terrier pup look just right on this antique pen tray on the wood desk in the library? I've rounded up a few of my favorite dog antiques for you to consider because #dogsarefun. Enter the word dog into the search box at the SHOP to see the pups still up for adopting! {if there is no price mentioned underneath, then that one is sold, sorry!} HOW DO YOU DISPLAY YOUR LOVE OF DOGS IN YOUR HOME? Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com.