From as far back as I can remember, my heart has always been with the animals. As a young child, still in my single-digit years, I was collecting money for local shelters, trying to make even the smallest difference for creatures who couldn’t speak for themselves. It felt like a natural extension of who I was—caring for dogs and cats. I’m sure many of you feel the same way, as there’s something deeply instinctive about our bond with these animals. They enrich our lives with companionship and unconditional love.
So, you can imagine the horror I felt when I first discovered that the skins of domestic dogs and cats could be used in leather production. I couldn’t fathom the thought that the beloved pets we share our homes with could be brutally mistreated and their skins sold for fashion and upholstery—sometimes even under misleading labels that make it difficult to trace their origins. While laws have improved in some regions, the sad reality is that this practice still occurs in parts of the world where animal welfare regulations are less stringent.
But, it’s not all bad news. There are exciting developments in the leather industry, and we now have more ethical options than ever before. One of the most promising advancements is in plant-based leathers. These innovative materials are not only cruelty-free but also petroleum-free—making them a true win for both animal lovers and the environment. While the fashion industry is typically the first to embrace these cutting-edge materials, we’re beginning to see them slowly trickle into interior design. For instance, plant-based leathers made from pineapples, mushrooms, and even apples are gaining traction as sustainable, durable alternatives.
As a designer who is always on the lookout for the next best thing, I pride myself on being a guide for my clients—someone who stays ahead of industry trends and ensures they are offered the most eco-friendly, innovative choices on the market. Even petroleum-based vegan leathers, while not perfect, provide a crucial benefit: they eliminate the ethical concerns surrounding animal abuse in leather production.
While I am personally committed to a vegan lifestyle, I fully understand that each client has their own preferences and priorities. My role is not to dictate those choices but to present a range of options, empowering clients to make informed decisions. If they prefer animal leather, I will ensure it’s more responsibly sourced, balancing beauty with ethical considerations. It’s their space, and my goal is to expand their understanding of what’s available without imposing my values.
At Lyn Cowie Interiors, I also want to acknowledge that we still cherish, specify and use vintage leather pieces. There’s value in reusing beautiful, well-made furniture that’s already out in the world. My goal is to offer clients stylish, thoughtful design solutions that honour their aesthetics while providing items that are inline with their particular ethics.
As November holds World Vegan day, I encourage us to take a moment to think about our relationship with animals and the products we use. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how even small changes—like opting for vegan or pre-used leather in our homes or wardrobes—can make a meaningful impact.
If you’d like to learn more about the factual information behind this issue—such as undercover investigations by PETA exposing the horrors of the dog and cat skin trade—I’d be happy to provide those resources. However, I’ve chosen not to link directly to these distressing details in this article, preferring to keep the focus on the positive alternatives available today.
💡 I’ll leave us all with this question: When it comes to the materials in our home or closet, what’s most important to you—style, sustainability, or something else? Let’s start the conversation!
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to explore how Lyn Cowie Interiors can help you design a space that’s not only beautiful but also kind to our planet and its creatures.
💌 Know someone who adores cats and dogs? Extend the love to them and their furry friends by sending this blog onto them. Who knows, they might well be intrigued by how vegan leather is shaping the future of interior design.
Love this! "Fake" leather can be natural too.