The Liebling X Tatler Asia interview
Insights into The Liebling luxury dog bed’s architectural origins
When Britta Butler first launched The Liebling, the concept attracted the attention of Tatler Asia, who interviewed Butler about the inspiration and design philosophy behind the brand.
Most dog beds are designed as necessary household accessories — functional perhaps, but rarely beautiful enough to become part of a carefully designed home.
That disconnect was exactly what inspired award-winning interior designer, Britta Butler, to create The Liebling luxury dog bed. In the Tatler interview, Butler described how as a pet lover with a background in architecture and interior design, she was driven to rethink what pet furniture could be.
The interior design inspiration
Butler explained that the idea for The Liebling came from a frustration she experienced as a designer for upscale homes as well as her own personal experience searching for beds for her pug Simba and french bulldog Nala: “I became increasingly aware of a gap in the market for beautifully crafted pet furniture that could seamlessly integrate with high-end home decor.”
Rather than treating a dog bed as a temporary accessory to be hidden away, Butler approached the challenge as both a designer and dog owner: “I wanted to create a pet bed that not only provided ultimate comfort but also complemented the other furniture and overall aesthetic of each home.”
“I became increasingly aware of a gap in the market for beautifully crafted pet furniture that could seamlessly integrate with high-end home decor.”
The architectural design process
When asked about the development of the beds, Butler highlighted that she approached the challenge as she would any other high-end architectural project: “I started with an initial vision of the finished product in my head, and then I began sketching potential designs in my sketchbook. I still prefer pen on paper to computer drafting in the beginning, because I can worry less about being precise and more about just being creative and free with my ideas.”
This architectural rigor was essential when navigating the technical complexities when constructing the prototype beds. Butler explained: "We came upon some challenges in figuring out the optimal curve of the bed to make the mould for bending the wood frame, and that required more technical drawings to establish how many degrees it should be".
The personalization at the heart of The Liebling
While The Liebling dog bed is without doubt visually appealing, Butler’s inspired use of modular customization ensures that each piece reflects the individuality of the home. Butler told Tatler that "personalisation is at the heart of The Liebling" because every home is unique.
“Our customisation options allow pet owners to choose the size, frame, base finish and cushion colour that best fits their decor and personal style. This level of personalisation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes it unique to each pet owner with 180 possible combinations,” she said.
This high degree of personalization ensures the bed doesn't just sit in a room, but "best fits its decor and personal style".
“This level of personalisation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes it unique to each pet owner with 180 possible combinations…”
Elevating pet health and hygiene
Beyond the structural design, Butler explained how she used her expertise to address specific needs for pet wellness, particularly for senior animals. She pointed out that the materials were carefully selected for longevity and health, such as the natural shredded latex inner cushion which is "hypoallergenic, anti-fungal and dust mite-resistant".
For owners who prioritize hygiene, Butler noted that the outer cover is made of premium ultrasuede that is "fully removable and machine-washable," featuring a "waterproof inner layer" to protect the filling against accidents.
A permanent piece of furniture
The Liebling with leather frame, brushed nickel base and hypoallergenic ivory cushion
Butler was candid about her desire to end the habit of hiding unsightly pet beds when guests arrive. She told Tatler that she designed The Liebling to be a "substantial" piece of furniture, much like a custom sofa. Regarding the brand’s unique standing in the market, Butler explained: "I noticed that many pet beds quickly suffer from daily wear and tear if they are poorly made or too lightweight... This is not a bed that you get rid of after a year, rather it is a piece of furniture that will stay with you and your pet for years to come".
By offering handcrafted quality and a unique aesthetic, Butler emphasized that the bed maintains the "aesthetic integrity" of a home. She concluded by noting that "Liebling" (German for "darling" or "favourite") reflects her belief that pets are "cherished members of the family" whose furniture should be as "thoughtfully designed as any other piece of furniture in the home".
Read the full interview on Tatler Asia: