The other day one of my readers (Hey, Lori) sent me an email and asked if I’d share a little advice on how to incorporate animal print into your decor. Specifically, Lori was interested in adding a touch of animal to her decor but didn’t quite know the best way to do it without making it too much of a statement and having the room “run wild”.
I’ve mentioned on many occasion that I feel like every room needs a touch of animal skin. In my book, animal skin is right up there with adding a touch a black to every room or having something shiny.
Animal print represents a natural element and is also a great way to introduce a somewhat untraditional pattern into your decor.
One of the hottest trends at the moment is an animal skin rug as a key accent within a room. While I love this look, not all, probably a majority of spaces cannot handle this type of statement.
If your home can’t handle a skin rug, here are a few ways you can make a subtle but meaningful impact with animal prints in your own home.
1. Add an accent chair upholstered in an animal print. A desk chair is the perfect place for this look. Upholster the entire chair or just use an animal print as an accent on just the back of the chair.
When looking for animal prints, remember that there are lots of different colorations and skin types. This wingback chair below uses a print with a white background and more open pattern. This look works great with more modern or eclectic decor.
When you’re shopping flea markets or thrift stores keep your eye out for that single chair that would be the perfect companion for animal print and not set you back a lot of money.
And an even subtler animal print on this wing chair!
I love the idea of animal print side chairs around a kitchen or dining table. These chairs add just the right amount of sass to this eclectic space.
2. Accent a small footstool or bench with animal skin. These smaller pieces look great in animal skin. They are perfect to sit along side a chair or tuck under a console table. Again, thrift stores and flea markets are a great source for inexpensive stools that will take less than a yard a fabric to cover.
I love the idea of tucking a small stool under a coffee table. The piece stands out but does not overpower!
3. Pillows are perfect for an animal print accent.
I love this small animal print pillow with this patterned chair. Animal print pillows work great with so many other patterns which makes them ultra versatile.
Zebra prints are great against floral patterns and provide the hit of a dark element every room needs. Don’t these pillows look great against the pastel floral?
4. Incorporate animal print into your accessories!
A mirror frame can make a powerful impression…
A throw with add the perfect plush touch….
Curtains, a great way to frame a space…
As artwork…paint it yourself or buy a piece that you love…
As a stair runner, which is both dynamic and unexpected…
(again, notice the color can be subtle)
Or, with your tabletop accessories.
I adore this phyton tray (yes, phyton is an animal skin too)
and these black faux snake-skin lampshades!
Just like stripes, florals, plaids or any other pattern, animal prints achieve the same effect in your decor.
* Visual interest
* Texture
* Personality
* Style
So, if you haven’t jumped on the animal print trend (one I think is a design staple), what are you waiting for???
Lori, I can’t wait to see how you add animal print to your decor!
p.s. One of the simplest ways to add animal print is with an ottoman and this is one you can’t go wrong with. Safari Storage Ottoman from Home Decorators for only $89.00!
For even more animal print inspiration, check out my ANIMAL PRINT board on Pinterest!
This beauty of a handbag is the Neely Tote from
