3 min readFew things are having a “moment” in design right now quite like prints and patterns. More and more, designers are looking to them as a way to enliven a space, pairing them with thoughtful palettes and charming executions (matching upholstery and drapery, anyone?) that bring personality and a playful energy to any space.
While there’s definitely a pattern out there for every kind of style, animal prints seem to be among the most trendy iterations at the moment. Bold replications of leopard, tiger, and zebra stripes are popping up everywhere, from large-scale furniture to smaller winks, like a tufted ottoman. And, while they may feel gutsy, many designers consider it to be a timeless—and even neutral—choice. “There is nothing more classic and sophisticated than an animal print to add a punch to a room,” says Gray Walker, the founder of Gray Walker Interiors, who adds that they can be woven into any room of the house.
While you can pretty much feel free to incorporate animal prints just the way you would any other pattern, there are a few key stipulations that the pros want you to keep in mind to ensure that the result appears tasteful, not chaotic. Below, pros share how to tame the wild look in a sophisticated and fresh way.
Go Beyond the Literal
While animal prints can look beautiful in the home, there’s no need to limit yourself to ultra-literal interpretations. Robin Gannon, the founder of Robin Gannon Interiors, notes that she generally gravitates toward prints that read as abstract, rather than scientific copies. “Cheetah is a favorite because the scale of the spots feels almost anamorphic and graphic,” she adds. “It registers more like a pattern than a picture of an animal.”
Conversely, she cites tiger and zebra as examples of prints that are very literal in design. “They immediately push a space into a very specific aesthetic,” Gannon says. “With cheetah and antelope, you get the warmth and movement of an organic pattern without the print taking over the entire narrative of the room.”
Consider All Iterations
While we see plenty of animal print sofas, chairs, and benches, keep in mind that there are other ways to bring animal print into your space that go beyond upholstery. Many designers will opt for an animal print stair runner, rug, or wall covering (in moderation). And don’t be afraid to mix and match styles. Lindley Arthur, the founder of Lindley Arthur Interiors, will layer a zebra rug over a sisal one, for example, while Janie Hungerford, the founder of Hungerford Interior Design, will use an animal print paper to cover the back of a bookshelf.
Prioritize Balance
When weaving animal print into a space, it’s important to maintain balance in terms of the other patterns and colors you’re bringing into the room. “When you introduce a bold print, it should be layered with other elements that feel equally intentional,” Gannon says. “Graphic wallpapers, rich solids, and tactile materials like velvet, wood, and woven textures all pair beautifully with animal prints.”
Don’t forget to vary scale, either, she adds, noting, “A bold pattern can sit comfortably next to another pattern as long as they are speaking different visual languages.” Not sure what specific prints to consider? Barrie Benson, the founder of Barrie Benson Studio, likes to pair a large-scale animal print with a ticking stripe or small geometric pattern. “This keeps the eye moving,” she says.
Know When to Dial it Back
When working with bold prints, practicing some form of restraint is often necessary—with that, you might want to hold off on using animal print when it comes to large-scale surfaces like full wallcoverings or drapery, explains Lindsay Olson, the founder of Lulu Designs. “Too much can feel forced,” she says. “I prefer it as a punctuation mark in a room’s composition, something that adds a wink without shouting.”
