In the realm of high-end interiors where bespoke furniture reigns supreme—especially in Hong Kong—pet insurance company OneDegree surveyed 526 pet owners, only to discover they spend an average of HK$680,000 raising their animal friends—more than any other Asian counterpart! Now, a new contender is raising the bar in pet luxury.
Launched by interior designer Britta Butler, The Liebling’s luxury pet bed merges impeccable design with comfort, catering to discerning pet owners who refuse to compromise on the sophisticated style of their own home or their pampered furry family member’s whims.
Butler, the founder and renowned design director of B Squared Design, has a keen eye for aesthetics, honed through years of crafting exquisite residences across key addresses in the world. Recognising a glaring gap in the market for aesthetically pleasing pet furniture, Butler embarked on a journey to create a product that would not only provide a restful haven for pets but also complement the luxurious interiors of their homes.
“When guests are coming over, I didn’t want people to suddenly shuffle their pet accessories into another room, or shove them under other furniture,” she says with a knowing laugh. “The pieces should stand on their own [and] be part of the overall aesthetic; each piece is individually made for a client to complement their home, their interiors, their tastes.”
The Liebling—which translates to “darling” or “favourite”—draws inspiration from Butler’s German roots, an apt name for a product designed with so much love for our four-legged companions. (For the record, she has two pets of her own, so this was a need-based project that took off.) Each pet bed is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in a family-owned workshop with over 25 years of bespoke furniture experience.
Available in three sizes, The Liebling accommodates pets ranging from two pounds to 99 pounds, making it a versatile choice for various breeds. The frame can be customised in light oak, warm maple, dark walnut, or luxurious leather, allowing owners to select finishes that harmonise with their existing décor. Clients can further personalise their beds with brushed gold or nickel, or matte black bases, and cushion covers in ivory, slate grey, or charcoal.
“I found that some pet furniture were either the really awful pieces that you buy quickly online,” she says without naming and shaming any websites—cough cough, how now, Taobao—as there is no guarantee of quality, colour, comfort, or socially responsible standards of sourcing or production, “or they were the breathtakingly expensive designer beds from various European brands at nearly six figures! Where was the happy in-between?”
As there’s an entire demographic of people spending more money on pets than children, the cost, which starts anywhere from HK$14,000 to HK$23,000 and can go upwards based on material, this is for those who have stylish homes and profound pet concerns. Beyond aesthetics, The Liebling excels in functionality as each bed features a hypoallergenic, dust-mite-resistant inner cushion made from natural shredded latex, ensuring a safe and comfortable resting place. The waterproof outer layer protects against unmentionable accidents, while the removable, machine-washable ultra-suede cover simplifies maintenance—an essential feature for busy pet owners, who’d also like their homes spotless.
For those ready to invest in their pet’s comfort and style, The Liebling is available for order online, with bespoke options tailored to individual preferences. With a manufacturing and delivery timeframe of six to eight weeks, this luxurious addition to your home will undoubtedly become a cherished retreat for your beloved companion.
In a world where pets are increasingly seen as family, The Liebling stands on all fours as a pinnacle of sophistication and comfort, ensuring that your furry friends can enjoy the very best in life. With a soundtrack of Sarah McLachlan’s Angel ringing in your ear, remember, your pets may be a part of your life, but you are part of their entire life. Spend well.
All images courtesy of The Liebling.