My immediate reaction to the trend of including animal prints into your home décor is that a little can go a long way.
I’ve always considered one’s home to be reflection of their personal style, and this concept rings especially true when considering incorporating bold statements such as animal prints. There are a number of ways you can include animal prints into your home decor, but before you commit to leopard print sofa in the living room, consider what kind of statement you are trying to make, and consider starting small to make sure it’s something you’ll be able to live with.
If you’re style is more traditional and conservative, you might want to stick to the less is more rule of thumb. If an animal print appeals to you, but you’re not quite ready to commit to a piece of upholstered furniture, start by adding an accent pillow or another element that can be easily switched out. Remember, small touches go a long way.
On the flip side, you might be looking to make a bold statement, and if it fits with the overall design theme of your home, consider making a larger impact. One great example is the bedroom of New York designer Elizabeth Bauer pictured below. Her New York apartment was featured in a recent issue of Lonny Magazine, and she chose the zebra wallpaper ”Zebrine” by Rose Cumming for the bedroom.
A few other suggestions to keep in mind regarding animal prints are to balance the busy prints with solids and try to only use an animal print no more than once or twice in a room. Additionally, stick with one type of animal print per room, or it will end up looking like the inside of a hunting lodge.
Most importantly, have fun and experiment. Whether it’s a small accent or a large statement piece, animal prints can be a fun way to add personality and style to your home.
