Here in Melbourne, late winter can feel like the toughest stretch—cabin fever sets in as we grow tired of being cooped up inside, yet the longer, warmer days of spring are still just out of reach. So, how about a home styling project to help you get through?

If I wasn’t a photographer, I’d probably be an interior designer. (Honestly—have you seen my Pinterest?) There are three distinct themes on there:

Work: all things photography
Travel: we all know I’m addicted
Home inspiration: for the dream space I hope to call my own one day!

While I love pinning all these beautiful spaces, I know that having taste isn’t quite the same as having training. That’s why I’ve included insights from Michelle of Michelle Bask Interiors, a Melbourne-based interior designer and dog lover, who helps clients achieve the style, look, and feel they want for their homes. From single rooms to whole-house projects, Michelle works closely with her clients to create unique, functional spaces that reflect how they and their families want to live. You can also follow her on Instagram @michelle_baskinteriors for inspiration.

Meanwhile, as a pet photographer serving Melbourne, Gippsland, and the Mornington Peninsula, I share practical tips from my own experience photographing thousands of dogs and living in countless homes, hotels, and Airbnbs all over the world with my dogs!

If your family includes a four-legged member and you’re looking for ways to create a beautiful, functional space that suits everyone, you’re in the right place.

*Photo of my dog when we lived in Northern Italy, just because!*

For a Big Overhaul: Think Flooring

While we still had Flee-bee, we spent a month in an Airbnb in the southwest of France with incredibly slippery floors. Her arthritis was already pretty bad, and she absolutely hated getting her nails trimmed (who knew claws grew that fast as dogs age?). It was heartbreaking watching her struggle—she didn’t want to lie in one place for too long, and every time she stood up, she slipped. We laid down some mats, but we both said we’d never have floors like that in a forever home.

Michelle adds:

“For timber flooring, I wouldn’t recommend highly polished or glossy as this would show up scratches easily.”

On the other hand, I know what a disaster carpets are with pets—especially living in Gippsland, with mud stuck on their paws from the farm. Finding the balance between easy-to-clean and scratch-free isn’t always easy.

Thinking ahead like this is a game-changer—you’ll thank yourself when your dog can move safely and independently, and your floors stay looking chic.

*When crate training ruins your aesthetic! | Photo by Classico Portraits*

For a DIY Project (or Stylish Splurge): Storage & Crate Solutions

If you’ve crate-trained a dog, you know the benefits—but also how those crates can totally ruin your aesthetic. Enter: the cabinet-kennel. I’ve had my eye on the ones from Kustom Kennels for years, but this could also make a great DIY project for someone with the skills to make sure it’s safe and stylish.

When it comes to storage, Michelle also has some practical wisdom here:

“I usually keep leads, balls, and walking accessories in a mudroom or laundry with wall hooks and a cupboard for practical items like brushes and food. Pet toys can go in a basket or cupboard, with just a few on rotation to reduce clutter.”

Having a designated spot for everything—not just your belongings, but your dog’s too—makes your home feel organized and relaxed, plus it makes heading to the beach each day stress-free, as life on the Peninsula is meant to be.

*Light grey isn’t the most durable option for spoiled pets | Photo by Classico Portraits*

Chic Furniture That’s Still Pet-Friendly

When you have pets that rule the home, having beautiful furniture can feel like a dream—but it’s possible to balance style with durability and practicality. According to Michelle:

“I use fabrics with built-in protection from stains and spills, like Halo or Fibre Guard rated options. Mottled or textured colours are lower maintenance and forgiving. For rugs, lower pile wool or jute works best and is easy to clean.”

From my own experience photographing thousands of dogs as a specialised pet photographer in Adelaide, I quickly learned the importance of durable furniture. In my studio, I chose sofas and chairs with hard-wearing fabrics that could handle excited paws and the occasional spilled treat without compromising on style. For pieces the pets would pose on, I often opted for pre-loved or affordable options that could be replaced regularly—and even better if they had wipeable surfaces to extend their life.

These practical choices kept the studio looking polished while making both clients and their dogs feel comfortable.

*Close up pet portraits can make for great conversation starters in your home! | Photo by Classico Portraits*

The Chicest Art in Your Home? Your Dog

Nothing quite transforms your house into a home like art. One of the simplest ways to add personality, warmth, and a sense of home is through photography—and yes, that includes portraits of your dog.

A large-scale print, delivered ready to hang, becomes more than just décor. It becomes a conversation starter. A memory made permanent. A quiet tribute to the soul of your home.

Many of my clients opt for what's known as an environmental portrait: a breathtaking landscape with their dog placed subtly in the frame. It’s personal without being overpowering—you know it’s them in a location they love, but it blends effortlessly into even the most curated interiors.

This is the type of image I have in my own home, one I’ve moved with me from home to home and which makes me smile every time I open the front door. For these images, we’ll want to pick a location that aligns with the aesthetic of your home—no green grass if your home is all coastal blues!

Of course, if you’ve got the perfect space, an artistic close-up can be just as striking. A soulful gaze, a windswept moment, or an artful black-and-white can turn your pet’s portrait into something timeless and unexpected. After all, great design tells a story. Why not let yours include the ones with four legs?

By combining thoughtful design choices, clever storage, durable furniture, dog-friendly finishes, and artistic dog portraits, you can have a home that’s chic, functional, and full of personality—whether you’re in the Gippsland countryside, the Mornington Peninsula’s beachside or hinterland, or Melbourne’s suburbs and CBD.

And of course, don’t forget the art: your dog deserves their place as the centerpiece of your carefully curated space.

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Specialist pet photographer

I basically grew up on horse back, and if I wasn’t in the paddock, then I was most likely teaching our blue heeler new tricks. My love for animals doesn’t stop at my own though, which is why I’ve spent a decade photographing (and cuddling) the adored pets of Australia with their families (both adults and tiny humans!) under Bitsa Bernard Photography.

You may noticed when we meet that I completely ignore your dog- no matter how much I want to cuddle them, it’s important that we let them choose when that time is. This little trick is one of many that I have to ensure that your dog is relaxed, and we can capture the most natural portraits of them for you.

I have recently moved back home after five years living in Europe, and I am so excited to be offering pet photoshoots again!

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Chic Interior Styling Tips for Melbourne Homes with Dogs