All right, people. Animal prints are here to stay (did they ever even go away?). This is really good news for home decorators everywhere. They are such a fun way to add personality and depth to a room. A zebra print statement piece can take a room from drab to fab. On the flip side, a gorgeous leopard print can be utilized as is often the case in fashion– as an interesting yet grounding neutral. But man, you’ve got to be really careful with this one. It can go oh so wrong.
Our FAB (and never drab) Director of Design, Shelby Girard, has shared a few of her decorating with animal print tips with us:
TIP #1: Use Sparingly. Accent pillows, throws or stools are all great ways to add animal prints without going overboard.
“Do” image via Marcus Design Inc.
TIP #2: Stay Classy. Step away from that hideous neon pink and black leopard print throw pillow IMMEDIATELY! When in doubt, stick with the more realistic looking prints for a more timeless, grown-up look. Just ask yourself, what would Snooki do. And then do the opposite. We really do love you Snooki….but we’re serious about this one.
“DO” image via Animal Print Essentials
TIP #3: For an unexpected twist, use on the floors or walls of your room. Animal print rugs and wallpaper can provide a lovely backdrop to a otherwise patternless room. Sticking with black and white prints will keep the room looking contemporary.
“DO” image via La Dolce Vita
Thank you, Shelby!
Now, being the slave to style and design blogs that I am, I’ve gathered up a few of my favorite tutorials/features/guides from the bloggerinas who do it right.
- Lovely Lexi of Glitter Inc.’s post on Leopard Print Interior Decorating was just so fun. In fact, she likes leopard so much, she wrote about it again here! In the first post, she features a photo of Diane Von Furstenberg’s animal-print heavy dining room (thank you, Lexi!). This picture inspired me to reupholster our dining room chairs in an abstract zebra textile– more to come on this!
- Jenny Komenda (Total DIY & Domino Goddess) shows us how leopard print can truly be a neutral with a thrifted reupholstered office Eames Chair as her featured item.
- One of my favorites in terms of coverage and selection is the “Hear Them Roar” post by the Enchanted Home.
How have you incorporated animal print into your home?
xx, Alana
** Havenly, an online interior design service, makes decorating simple, convenient, and affordable. For one low flat fee per room ($185), you’re matched with a personal interior designer who creates a space to match your style and budget. Then, buy what you love through our e-commerce platform, and a custom-designed Havenly room is delivered to your doorstep. To meet your online designer and #getdecorated, fill out our questionnaire at www.havenly.com.