For the Feline and Design Inclined – House Cat by Paul Barbera

New York-based lifestyle and interiors photographer Paul Barbera has released a new book titled House Cat: Inspirational Interiors & The Elegant Felines Who Call Them Home with Rafael Waack. Featuring fifty cats captured within their beautifully designed abodes, it is an insight into the charmed lives these cats lead, portrayed through Paul’s minimalistic lens.

Conceived as a continuation of Paul’s first book, Where They Purr, which focused on Australian interiors, House Cat takes readers into homes across the United States. “Where They Purr was the first iteration of this theme,” Paul offers. “I shot it in Australia in between lockdowns, before returning to New York, which has been my home for over a decade. When I got back to the States, it felt natural to celebrate US cats. After all, why should they miss out?”

Photographed slinking through gardens, scaling spiral staircases or lounging on designer sofas, these resident felines are the indisputable protagonists of their respective homes.

The interiors showcased in House Cat are varied – from chic pied-à-terres to grand country homes. There is Kelly Behun’s New York City penthouse, where her kittens Gary and Gunnar survey Central Park from their vantage point on Billionaires’ Row; Grace Coddington’s Chelsea apartment and her playful felines Blanket, Jimi and Blondie; and interior designer Bunny Williams’s characterful farmhouse and nonchalant cat. Photographed slinking through gardens, scaling spiral staircases or lounging on designer sofas, these resident felines are the indisputable protagonists of their respective homes.

The premise for House Cat and Where They Purr was to create a parody of Paul’s series ‘Where They Create’, which is a visual journey through the studios and creative working spaces of architects, designers, artists, art directors and stylists from all around the world. House Cat builds on this theme; each feature includes a collection of raw and honest images as well as anecdotes from the owners, offering a sincere snapshot of life with these curious creatures.

The premise for House Cat and Where They Purr was to create a parody of Paul’s series ‘Where They Create’, which is a visual journey through the studios and creative working spaces of architects, designers, artists, art directors and stylists from all around the world.

Cats are endlessly intriguing in their insouciance – an attribute made even more fascinating when presented within the context of their high-end homes. Thoughtfully compiled and imbued with Paul’s eye for authenticity, House Cat is the ultimate book for the feline and design inclined.