Decorating tastefully with animal prints

From cheetah, leopard and tiger to zebra and cowhide, animal prints are loved by many. However they can be tricky to work with when used as home decor – you could either end up with spaces that are considered exotic chic or if you are not careful, you could risk getting a room that is eerily suggestive of a craft or game park curios shop. To avoid the latter, we have compiled this guide to help you use animal-print decor in a tasteful way.

• One of the easiest and safest ways to introduce animal prints in your home is by using rugs and carpets, as these items look good in just about any room.
• A little goes a long way when it comes to prints and bold colours, so don’t overdo it. A room where the wallpaper, rugs and sofas are all in animal print will look tacky and tasteless. The general rule of thumb, especially if this pattern is new to your decorating style, is to just use one element with an animal print.
• If you go for more than one piece, and this is advisable only if you have a spacious area, limit it to two or three focal pieces at most. Then surround these items with solid colours that make the animal print standout without it dominating the room.
• Always consider the material and texture of your animal print as well as the function the piece that is covered in it serves. Tough, scratchy or fluffy materials in animal prints, which generally shed, should not be used for couches or anything else that is meant for lounging, relaxing or sleeping in/on.
• Go for complementary colours and/or pops of colour. Black and white will always be a winning palette as it offers an elegant, complementary and timeless colour combination. To translate this decor inspiration into your interior space, while adding character and exoticism, purchase a piece of furniture, soft finish or decor item with a zebra print.
•  If you are a bit more adventurous, pair your animal print with a bold, bright pop of colour to offset its neutral, earthy tones.
• Despite popular belief, you are allowed to mix animal prints but only if the colour palettes coordinate. Seek expert advice if you are not entirely sure whether or not the prints you are considering will work well together.