Introducing animal prints to your home doesn’t have to mean turning it into an African safari… Avoid prints looking out of place by using similar colour schemes. Here, a country living room is given a touch of the exotic with a stunning faux zebra skin. The printed rug blends in perfectly as it simply continues the monochrome theme already present in the furniture and other soft furnishings.
1/10 Country living room with faux zebra skin rug
Rug and sofa
The Interior Co.
Similar lamp
John Lewis
2/10 Animal print bedroom in shades of green
While there are many ways of introducing animal print subtly, this room makes no apologies for being bold and bright. The use of one consistent colour throughout the decoration and soft furnishings in this bedroom brings everything together, despite the use of prints in different styles and scales. The branch-effect white table lamp and velvet-edged cushions and bed throw soften the overall effect while simultaneously making the green really pop.
Ashanti wallpaper
Brunschwig & Fils
Headboard fabric
Quadrille Fabrics
3/10 Statement animal print chair in rustic dining room
One statement animal print item is a great way of introducing the theme without monopolising the look of a room. A cowhide armchair looks entirely at home in this rustic dining room - it serves to enhance the farmhouse feel, further emphasised by the galvanised accessories. Add a modern twist with an oversized lampshade for a harmonious marriage of country and contemporary.
Similar cowhide chair
London Cows
Similar table and benches
Lombok
4/10 Staircase with zebra-print runner
A bold printed stair runner can add a focal point to a neutral hallway and the use of pattern in a limited palette instantly adds pizzazz without overwhelming the space. Go for a medium pile that will bring warmth and comfort to a painted wooden staircase. Continue the carpet along the upstairs landing for a design transition into the bedrooms or simply use as a standalone fun feature.
Similar stair runner
The Rug House
5/10 Zebra print armchair
Using neutral shades of paint allows you to be bolder with pattern on furniture and accessories. By keeping the walls and carpet in this living room a gentle shade of taupe, the focus of the room naturally becomes the zebra print armchair. The look is kept classic - and very Old Hollywood - through the richness of the fabric pile and the mellow taupe background colour that is similar to the paint choice. Hi-gloss black furniture anchors the look, while touches of silver, glass and mirror add luxury.
Similar armchair
Alexander and Pearl
Similar paint
Little Green
6/10 Purple dining room with deer wallpaper
Bright, patterned wallpaper is a great way of introducing both colour and personality into any room. It's also a great method of creating zones in open-plan living areas. This dining room is bursting with character thanks to the stag head wallpaper (and a metallic antelope head). Breaking up an expanse of bright colour with a large mirror is a great trick to prevent it feeling overwhelming.
Stag print wallpaper
Graduate Collection
Mirror
John Lewis
7/10 Animal print tableware
Patterned china and cutlery create impact at the dining room table. Go for the unexpected by employing animal prints that keep the scheme light and playful and far from rigid formality. For further character, mix your patterns in co-ordinating colours, turn down the lighting and add complementary candles and brilliant glassware for a stunning chic safari dining environment.
Tablecloth in Shadows fabric
GP & J Baker
Similar plates
Zara Home
8/10 Hallway with dog print wallpaper
There's no reason why your hallway should be bland - after all it gives guests their first impression of your home and, if the impression you want to give is cheery and bright, then go for it! After all, a hallway is the perfect small space to be vibrant in. A statement wallpaper eliminates the need for lots of furniture and the choice of a unconventional coat rack only adds to the fun.
Similar wallpaper
Wallpaperdirect
Similar hooks
Bouf
9/10 Modern chalet-inspired dining room
Furs and skins are another great way to introduce animal prints to a dining room, especially if you're not an all-out fan of big bold patterns. Using rugs on benches, rather than the floor, adds a layer of warmth to what could potentially be a stark, cold seating option. While the statement candelabra and tableware are startling pieces, the skins work hard to keep the look soft.
Rugs (on bench)
Graham & Green
Bench
Sofas & Stuff
10/10 Eclectic home bar area
If you're a fan of the eclectic but are worried about taking the look too far, just keep things simple. Consider mixing a number of interiors trends. Here, an industrial look sideboard, a classic armchair and a taxidermied ram head all come together to create a striking country club feel, but avoid what could be a clash by all being in their most placid of tones. Be bold in your choice of wall colour for a backdrop that lets your individual pieces stand out but also work together.
Similar storage unit
Bowles & Bowles
Similar armchair
Loaf
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