Text by Hannah Jones
From the catwalk to the showroom, animal print is making its way back, and in big ways. We are loving animal print décor, not only for its chic style but also because of its versatility. Animal print is a gorgeous addition to nearly every style, from a cowhide rug in an elegant, traditional living room to pops of pattern in the form of pillows in a modern, all-white space. Looking to incorporate animal print into your home this year? Here are a few of our favorite ways, from simple to showstopper.
Pillows
Pillows are probably the easiest and most common way to incorporate animal print into your interiors. They come in a variety of prints and can be paired with almost any style.
Table Runner
There’s no reason to confine animal print to linens and textiles. Bring a little exotic flair to your tablescape by incorporating an animal print runner or placemats. And don’t be afraid to branch out from the usual leopard or cheetah print. A striking snakeskin print adds a chic touch.
Stools
Another simple and inexpensive piece, animal print stools pack a little more punch than a pillow, but they can easily play the part of the star of a design or a background object.
Before purchasing an animal print stool, consider your other furnishings and what part of your overall interior design you’d like the stool to function as.
Chairs and Sofas
Much like stools, animal print chairs can either be a statement piece in a room or a more neutral furnishing that doesn’t attract much attention. This vintage-style chair is covered in a light tiger-print fabric that blends in with the overall design in the space but is a unique conversation starter.
In contrast, just because of their size, animal print sofas are more of an eye-catching element in a room, but included in an ornate design, they can blend in more.
Rugs
Perhaps one of the most all-time popular animal print furnishings, rugs come in a variety of fashions to fit any homeowner’s style. Animal hide rugs are one of the most versatile and traditional options, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny to get the utmost quality. Nowadays, even animal hide rugs have options within themselves, with less traditional ones comprised of scraps of hide sewn together in a pattern.
If you aren’t willing to make the commitment to a hide rug, consider opting for a simple animal print rug. More of a statement-maker, these are far less expensive, so you get more bang for your buck.
Wallpaper
Before you immediately turn away from the idea of wallpaper, give it a chance. Not only has wallpaper made a comeback, but it’s significantly easier to apply and remove these days. When using animal print wallpaper, it’s best to include it in a neutral palette in a neutral space. Combined with other patterns and textures, a space with little color is instantly elevated to a chic and sophisticated spot.
