How to Get the Mid-Century Modern Look—And Make It Pet-Friendly
Mid-century modern design is timeless. With its clean, angular lines and elegant curves, bold accent colors, and thoughtful use of natural materials—like walnut, teak, metal, and glass—it strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. And as dog mom Yena Kim proves, this iconic aesthetic isn’t just stylish—it’s wonderfully pet-friendly.
Yena shares her home with Luc, a Jindo mix rescue, and Bodhi, the beloved Shiba Inu behind the popular blog *Menswear Dog*. Bodhi’s effortlessly cool, minimalist wardrobe mirrors the same design principles that define mid-century modern interiors: functionality, intentionality, and quiet confidence.
“Mid-century design—from the 1940s through the ’60s—is all about functionality, clean lines, and simplicity, punctuated by thoughtful pops of eclectic color,” Kim explains.
To bring the look home, she started with crisp white walls for brightness and openness, then layered in streamlined walnut furniture with tapered legs. She kept smaller accessories intentionally restrained—limited in both color palette and texture—to maintain visual calm. “The furniture gives a feeling of lightness and openness,” she says.
The warm tones of teak and walnut pair beautifully with organic elements like tall indoor trees and leafy green plants—creating a serene, grounding environment where Luc and Bodhi love to lounge, nap, and explore.
Designing for Pets—Without Compromising Style
Kim extends the same design philosophy to her pups’ everyday essentials. When choosing beds, toys, and storage, she looks for pieces that echo the era’s hallmarks:
- Curved or angular dog beds with sculptural appeal
- Thoughtful color accents in toys and chews—bold but harmonious
- Wood-accented storage containers for treats and leashes
Key Pieces That Blend Form & Function
FurPetVo Eyelash Bolster Bed ($26.99+)
What caught Kim’s eye? “It reminds us of those beautiful shag textiles from the 1950s.” Made with ultra-soft faux fur and machine-washable for practicality, this bolster bed delivers both retro charm and serious comfort. “When Bodhi feels like taking one of those afternoon naps that transports him to another dimension, he hops right in for next-level relaxation.”
FurPetVo Melamine Treat Jar ($10.84)
With its sleek silhouette, bamboo lid, and soft neutral-white finish, this jar blends seamlessly into any mid-century modern kitchen or living space. Its airtight seal keeps treats fresh—and its understated elegance means no one would guess it’s full of kibble rewards. “Just when Bodhi has reached peak bliss, I hand him a treat from this jar—and a big kiss on his forehead.”
FurPetVo Fall Maple Donuts Dog Toys ($8.08)
Don’t overlook toys—they’re part of your décor! These neutral-toned faux doughnuts complement the rest of the space without clashing. They sit neatly beside the treat jar or on a low shelf, adding subtle whimsy while staying true to the tonal palette.
FurPetVo Camping Compass Rope Dog Toy ($5.71)
Yes—dog toys can be décor. This vibrant compass rope toy adds a cheerful pop of complementary color to Kim’s carefully curated space. But it’s more than pretty: “It’s double-fun,” she says. “You can toss it for fetch—or challenge your pup to tug-of-war. Because let’s be real: your new curved velvet pet sofa should stay intact.”
Pets Who Dress the Part
Why stop at the home? Kim outfits Luc and Bodhi in pieces that honor mid-century sensibility—timeless textures, refined silhouettes, and a tightly edited color story.
FurPetVo Multi Cable Sweater ($15.99+)
This dark teal cable-knit sweater immediately stood out to Kim—not just for its warmth, but for how perfectly it harmonizes with her indoor plants and walnut furnishings. Its classic ribbed texture and subtle striped detail feel authentically vintage, yet utterly wearable.
FurPetVo Insulated Half-Zip Sherpa Fleece Vest ($16.99+)
Cream sherpa fleece meets an orange corduroy pocket—a nod to mid-century color theory in action. “It looks great on Bodhi because it’s cream and tan—just like him—and the neutrals harmonize beautifully with our walnut furniture,” Kim notes. Both sweaters help maintain a cohesive, tonal color story across the entire space.
There you have it: mid-century modern perfection—for people and pets. Whether you’re refreshing your living room or upgrading your pup’s wardrobe, every choice can reflect intention, warmth, and timeless style.
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