Animal prints have long been a favorite of interior designers. Often, because of the bold nature of animal prints, many homeowners are confused, or perhaps shy, about how to incorporate them into their decor.
HOW TO BEGIN
One of the easiest and safest ways to incorporate an animal print into a space is through the use of area rugs. As a designer, I always choose my rugs first for design, color or pattern inspiration, or last, in order to tie everything together. Other ways to include them: toss pillows, throws, even wall or window coverings such as wallpaper or drapery.
COORDINATING COLORS
So you've settled on a print. Now what? As nearly all animal prints include neutral colors (e.g. black, white and brown), they are quite versatile. Treat them as you would any other solid color. For example, let's say that zebra print rug you have your eye on is black and white. Use one of those solid colors or both to help set the tone for the rest of the space. In general, white and black look great with bright colors that can be warm or cool, while colors such as cream and brown tend to look better with warm colors.
DOS AND DON'TS
In general, go for the patterns you love, but these tips can help your design be that much more successful.
Do:
Choose a strong animal print and build a color palette around it.
Mix bright colors with your print.
Consider different types of prints.
Use animal prints in more than one room of your home.
Consider using prints in accent pieces such as toss pillow, throws or drapery.
Don't:
Be afraid to make an animal print a focal point in a space.
Mix more than one print in a space; it tends to overwhelm.
Be afraid to select a print in an interesting color.
Create a theme around your animal print (for example, don't bring in zebra accessory pieces just because you are using a zebra print rug).
Be afraid to use animal prints, regardless of your personal style. From traditional to modern, animal prints can be timeless.
Cathy Hobbs, based in New York, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York, Boston and Washington.
HomeStyle on 10/03/2015