Pet Friendly Home Tour: Stephanie Sterjovski & Bandit

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

I’m so excited to introduce todays pet friendly home.

In just a few short years Steph Sterjovski has made her name synonymous with stylish & vibrant living.  Her famous SS Print Shop has become the go to resource for fashionistas & decorators everywhere.

Of course, behind this gorgeous girl is one equally gorgeous puppy with the ultimate pet friendly home.  

Through whimsical style & personal touches, Steph & her dog Bandit prove pet friendly living can involve some serious eye candy.

Come with us to take a peak inside in their inspiring home…

AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE STERJOVSKI

Name: Stephanie Sterjovski
Title & Company: Owner, SS PRINT SHOP
Location: Toronto, Canada

People now know you worldwide for your innate sense of style and whimsy, but that wasn’t always the case. Tell us about the evolution of your blog SS Life & Style. How did it start and grow to what it is today?

I started my blog in 2012 as an outlet to share my creativity, inspirations and aesthetic. Readers ended up really enjoying the content I put my heart into and it grew organically through their amazing support! I have also been blessed by the great blogging community who have supported me through features, reposts etc.

I really try to surround myself with people who believe in supporting others, as I truly love cheering others on. I keep my head down and work hard, I don’t compare myself to other blogs/businesses, which I think, was integral in building my brand – instead I get inspired by them!

Your successful blog led you to opening the SS Print Shop – an online store filled with coveted prints for stylish home and office decorators. How did SS Print Shop begin and come to be?

My readers were really the first ones to notice and support my shop, and an integral part of how I was able to grow. Other bloggers kind enough to support me by including me in their posts, magazine features etc. I’ve been so blessed by this amazing community supporting me through my journey.

I used to do “Wednesday Words of Wisdom” posts on my old blog and got requests to sell them via e-mail, which inspired the idea for the shop. I’ve always been genuine with my intentions and creations and I think that is what has made SS Print Shop so sustainable. I also love my customers, and do everything in my power to always leave them feeling satisfied, which they’ve expressed means the world to them. I think if you price yourself reasonably, and are kind to people, good things will happen.

How would you describe your style at home?

I don’t take myself too seriously and I’m a young creative, so I like that to reflect in my space. I figure this is the time where I can pump my room with as much pink as I’d like before I get married one day and live with my man!

Tell us about your pooch, Bandit…

Sweet Bandit is our family dog, who has been around since he was a husky pup back in 2004. He was named Bandit for the black fur around his eyes that made him look like a burglar – which is partially true since he loves to steal food! With age he’s lost his “bandit” look around the eyes, but has not lost touch with his sneaky nature.

I was a teenager when Bandit came in to our lives. He was apart of many of my integral years of growing up, especially during the not so fun parts. I found so much comfort in caring for him, and found he took better care of me with his unconditional love. He is my insides.

Age is just a number, because although he is going to be 10 this year, he is as active and playful as he was when he was a puppy. He’s still such a big baby, and I love it (particularly because I love babying him).

Part of your core business is adding a touch of glamour, heart and whimsy to people’s homes through your prints. Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in so many different places. It could be a song, a feeling, a fashionable woman walking on the street, old films, etc. I definitely keep my audience in mind when I create, but I also think, “…what would I want for my home/office?” and go off of that.

How have you made your home pet friendly?

Bandit sleeps in the hallway on his comfy Costco bed (not the cutest, but he loves it), as he is a guard dog. Once upon time he used to sleep with me every night. Huskies shed a lot, so it wasn’t very practical – especially on my white duvet. When he does sneak upstairs and on my bed, I usually lay a blanket down so we can snuggle. I’m very easy going, so if dog hair ends up on something I don’t stress.

Bandit loves flat surfaces, so even when he did sleep with me in my room he would start on my bed and when I’d wake up he’d be under it. If you have a husky, just make sure you’re okay with vacuuming often and have plenty of lint rolls on hand! We keep his bowls by his sleeping area, and leashes hung in the laundry room.

Describe your personal style in three words…
Feminine
Colorful
Classic

You’re known globally for your impeccable and fun sense of style. How does your own personal style translate to being a pet owner?

Well firstly thank you, that’s very sweet! I love fun pieces for myself and for Bandit of course.

He recently rocked a Pecan Pie Puppies bowtie for Christmas, and if I had a smaller dog with less fur I would love this gold dot collar they carry as well in their line.

I’ve never been in to dressing up dogs, but I do get a kick of Bandit in his Batman costume for Halloween (we don’t even need to use the mask because his ears already look like Batman!).

What’s your #1 piece of advice for dog owners who want to keep their homes looking good?

Especially where huskies are concerned, brush them often! It keeps their coat shiny and your furniture less “furry.”

What are the biggest challenges you face in having pets in a stylish home?

I always laugh at how Bandit is so human sometimes. He is one of the cleanest dogs I have ever encountered – no drool, no dirt (he knows his feet must be wiped before he comes back in the house) and he’s never destroyed anything in our home (he had a napkin fetish a while ago though, napkins scattered everywhere!).

The only thing with Bandit is his fur; if you can handle some husky hair around the house then you’re good.

What do you look for in a good pet brand or product?

Simplicity. Anything with too many ingredients that you cannot pronounce is probably not a good idea (that goes for humans too).

What is the one thing that you and Bandit just can’t live without?

Pumpkin puree! I make him cookies with pumpkin because they make his stomach feel good, and I can make sure his treats are clean and healthy for him. He goes crazy for pumpkin!

What’s in store for the SS Print Shop in 2014? What are your favourite picks of the latest range?

I am so excited for the launch of my 2014 collections; we have some great collaborations lined up for this year, you’ll be seeing more foils, paper treatments and a new product line in the works. I currently love our heart of gold prints, because they make the perfect gift/compliment to whomever you decide to give them to.

Tiffany Pratt x SS Print Shop was another huge exciting project we were so happy to bring our customers earlier on this year, and a little something from Paris will be coming very soon….stay tuned!

STEAL THEIR STYLE

Gold Wolf – Etsy

White Dog Treat Jar – Costco (old)

Black & White Check Dog Treat Jar – Homesense

Black and White Blanket – IKEA

Sock Monkey Dog Toy – Petsmart (Similar here)

Black Dog Tie – Toronto Doggy Boutique (now closed). Find similar styles here.

Dog Mug – Homesense

Blue Dog Grooming Brush – Martha Stewart

Grooming Supplies – Burt’s Bees

FOLLOW STEPHANIE STERJOVSKI

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram