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Rich tribal room design ideas – 10 of the best 2013

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    • Warm up your space with an earthy tribal design and our pick of the 10 best room ideas that embrace this African-inspired interior theme. Think abstract textiles influenced by ethnic art and faux animal-print features such as zebra-striped upholstered chairs.

    The tribal theme is quite a rustic look to pull off but you can have a lot of fun in the process. You might like to start by ditching the carpet and smoothing down the floorboards until the bare wood grain is exposed for that completely natural feel, then throw down vibrant rugs or replica cowhides to add a touch of warmth and luxury.

    There are many decorating options for the walls. Don’t worry if the plastering is not up to scratch – the more rugged the better with the tribal style. Paint the whole room in neutral colours for a more subtle approach, and layer on colourful accessories afterwards like Moroccan-inspired printed cushions, throws and ornate baskets.

    Alternatively, if you want colour on the walls try toasty terracotta hues. Deep green and charcoal also work very well, bringing home the true tones of nature. Wallpapering is another easy way to perfect the tribal look. We love animal-print papers and bold botanical patterns.

    When furnishing your rich, tribal living area, go for natural materials like wood and rattan tables, chairs or beds, and introduce colour with textiles and native art.

    For a dramatic tribal-designed bedroom, we’ve thrown a black and white dogstooth quilt onto bright orange bed sheets and hung contrasting geometric prints on the wall.

    Mixing authentic pieces with modern furniture also works well to bring the tribal style into the 21st century. Take inspiration from our mustard-yellow living room. We’ve combined a sleek yellow zebra-print upholstered sofa and a high-gloss contemporary-style table with a cowhide rug and exposed deer antlers.

    Browse through our showcase of more brilliant tribal designs to find a look that works best for you.

    Outdoor dining area with ikat tablecloth and rattan walls
    Image credit: Tom Leighton
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    Decorating with tribal designs

    Tribal outdoor dining area

    Brighten up your outdoor seating area with a bold tablecloth in an exotic ikat design. Team with colourful accessories and potted plants for a Moroccan feel.

    Tablecloth
    Jim Thompson

    Relaxed living room with tribal cushions, wooden floor, neutral rug and rattan furniture
    Image credit: Tim Young
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    Relaxed living room with tribal cushions

    Create a country-inspired tribal room design with neutral furniture piled high with plenty of exotic throws and cushions.

    Throw
    Habitat

    Animal print bedroom, with tribal print wallpaper, white lampshade and green headboard
    Image credit: Tom Leighton
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    Animal print bedroom

    Embrace tribal design with a multitude of patterns in shades of the same colour - perfect for creating a modern, cohesive look.

    Wallpaper
    Brunschwig & Fils

    Living room with tribal red rug, green velvet sofa and dark tiled floor
    Image credit: Kristin Peters
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    Living room with tribal rug

    Use a mixture of brightly designed fabrics and dark wooden furniture for a distinctly Moroccan feel.

    Rug
    Felt

    Green dining room with printed tablecloth, plus dark wood table and flooring
    Image credit: Simon Bevan
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    Green dining room with printed tablecloth

    Team rich, luscious greens and crisp white with natural wood for an earthy look. A tribal printed tablecloth adds a contemporary edge.

    Tablecloth
    Romo

    Yellow living room with yellow zebra print sofa animal skin rug and a cream curtain
    Image credit: Tom Leighton
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    Yellow living room with zebra print sofa

    Mix an over-sized zebra print with an striking rug designed to look like animal skin - perfect for a dramatic tribal scheme.

    Fabric
    Turnell & Gigon

    Tribal living room with leaf-print wallpaper, green carpet and zebra print upholstered chairs
    Image credit: Mel Yates
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    Tribal living room with leaf-print wallpaper

    Love bright colour? Choose a leaf themed wallpaper to draw the eye up and create the feeling of light and space.

    Wallpaper
    Texdecor

    Living room with ikat fabrics, sanded wood flooring, panelled walls and rattan storage boxes
    Image credit: Spike Powell
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    Living room with ikat fabrics

    The tribal look doesn't have to be cold. Team terracotta and chocolate coloured patterns with bold ikat designs for a warm, country-style look.

    Curtain
    Lewis & Wood

    Bright tribal bedroom, with green headboard, orange bed sheets and neutral walls
    Image credit: Kristin Peters
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    Bright tribal bedroom

    Want a dramatic look? Mix bright green and orange fabric designs, with modern furniture like this glossy yellow bedside table.

    Similar bedside table
    Furniture in Fashion

    Dark living room with blue walls, blue upholstered chairs and animal accessories
    Image credit: Alexander James
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    Dark living room with animal theme

    Hang unusual pieces and animal prints on navy coloured walls for a darker tribal look.

    Skull
    The French Thief

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