How to Decorate With Animal Prints

I am a big fan of using animal prints in a room--a little pop of zebra or cheetah can really make a room come alive. However, it takes careful placement and the right quality of animal print to pull it off--nothing looks worse than cheap, plush cheetah! Take a walk on the wild side and bring in a touch of animal print--it can be the one thing you need to really spice up your room! Here are some ideas.

Things You'll Need

• Animal Hides
• Pillows

Instructions

1. 

   One of my favorites, which looks great in virtually any room, is a zebra rug. I prefer to buy the cowhides, which have been dyed to look zebra. These are skins with hair, so not everyone's bag, but certainly the most authentic. You can also opt for a zebra print rug, which is available through many home decor catalogs and websites.

2. 

   The beauty of purchasing a hide like this is that it's incredibly versatile. It will go equally well on the floor of an office, guest room or bedroom--what an exotic accent piece! You can also use it to upholster furniture. The Louis-style chairs got an instant update with zebra. if you do go the route of buying a cowhide, make sure you buy "trimmed" hides. These won't be super hairy or shed too fast.

3. Accent with zebra, cheetah or giraffe pillows and throws. Williams Sonoma Home has a few great ones. Sometimes, this is all you need to liven up a space. A mix of pattern is the most visually interesting, and contrast is really what makes a room come alive--so don't shy away from pattern!

4. I think a great addition to a living room is a brown zebra ottoman, as opposed to a black and white zebra. This is a very Ralph Lauren, classic look.

5. Use a cheetah print carpet or an area rug in a bedroom with dark walls, such as aubergine, and simple bedding for a very seductive bedroom. Light-colored woods on deep walls is a gorgeous combination. I have a vintage poster with a panther on it that works really well as an accent piece in a variety of rooms. I've moved it around the house multiple times and it always seems to hold its place!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to not overdue it; you don't want your room or house to look like a jungle--so go sparingly!

Resources

• Williams Sonoma Home
• West Elm