3 Tips for Decorating With Animal Print

Animal print is making a comeback — not just on the catwalk, but in our homes, too. Decorating with animal prints or motifs adds an unexpected and bold, maybe even cavalier and whimsical touch to the home. Don’t worry — this isn’t about stag heads, hunting trophies, or animal skins nailed to the wall. Instead, it’s about playful prints, faux fur cushions, rugs, and hides.

You only need a spot of animal print to make a bold statement in a space. If you’re worried about going overboard, play it safe with a pair of pillowcases or, if you’re feeling brave, create a feature wall with some statement wallpaper!

Embrace your inner animal.

Animal themes add warmth and charm to a space. Going wild is, surprisingly, all about moderation. Introduce the animal inspiration into your home gently because, while animal prints are extremely versatile, they can also come across aggressive or dominant in a space.

Cushions are a great place to start. They are the small scale low risk opportunity for experimenting with the latest trend. Don’t be afraid to mix different kinds of prints, or animals, together. If the look isn’t working, simply move them around or change the covers.

Animal-Inspired Homewares

There’s more to the animal trend than just printspiration. You can even embrace 3-D! Animal statues, artworks, and models of antlers are featuring in decorative worlds. Wire sculptures and figurines are another great place to start with animal-inspired homewares.

For the intrepid decorators out there, it’s possible to take the trend to a whole new level. Chairs, ottomans, and tables can take on mythical qualities. Carved feet or hooves add a playful twist. They work well as an accent in both classic and modern interiors.

Faux Furs

Sheepskin rugs and faux furs are a versatile and easy way to play with texture and embrace the animal trend in your living spaces. Look for different types of skins, such as mongolian (long, wavy and silky), Gotland (close curls), or icelandic (long and shaggy), depending on the look you’re going for.