Go wild over animal prints

August 30, 4:54 PMWilmington Interior Decorating ExaminerCris Harding

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Select unconventional animal prints

Cheesy title? Sure, but boy is it ever true. Animal prints are everywhere these days and used correctly can provide wonderful and stylish results. Various prints can easily be used in a variety of design styles, so whatever your personal design preference is – there is a way to introduce a punch of animal print.

However, animal prints done wrong can look cheap and tacky. Done really wrong it can end up being an assault on your senses – causing uncontrollable wincing for someone stepping into your room for the first time. You must avoid this type of result. Our goal is to use animal prints to punctuate your design by bringing in something grown up, something stylish, and something unexpected.

One way to incorporate an animal print is to use it on the statement piece in the room. Make it the focal point, and build around it. For example, use a large scale zebra rug in your master bedroom. Make it pop by using subtle elements around it – a warm gray on the walls with low contrast window treatments. Dress your bed in a fun color to add punch, and help draw out the great black and white zebra rug.

Another way to add an animal print is to use is as an accent. Don’t cover the couch, chairs, and ottoman with faux-giraffe upholstery; keep it special and just cover one chair to coordinate with the rest of the furniture. It will stand out and add interest without becoming overwhelming. You can also achieve this through small accents such as pillows, lampshades, or decorative accessories. However, do not go overboard with many small accessories that can end up looking more like safari clutter than a well thought out design decision.

There are plenty of options available to incorporate an animal print into your favorite room. Think outside the box and use other prints besides the obvious tiger stripes or leopard spots. Use cow hides, faux alligator, or the aforementioned giraffe to make it unique. Make sure you are still paying attention to color and scale. Don’t add a tiny print to an enormous piece in an enormous room, or a giant print on a tiny footstool. Treat is as any other print you’d add into your space and make sure the scale, tone, and subject fits the vibe you are trying to achieve in the room. Most of all have fun with it and don’t be afraid to go a little “wild.”