How to Decorate in Safari

Incorporate animal-print decor items into a safari style.

Safari-inspired decor is an eclectic mix of African and Old World European styles. The earthy colors, fabrics, patterns and materials are reminiscent of natural surroundings. The style is an ideal blend of rustic and elegant, combing lush fabrics with rough-hewn furniture pieces. Use the African landscape as inspiration when choosing paint colors, plants and designs. Create an unexpected home-decor style by juxtaposing exotic and bold details with classy and refined elements.

Things You'll Need

• Paint and brush
• Furniture
• Floor coverings
• Animal-print decor
• Animal-inspired figurines and statues
• Plants and flowers
• Votives
• Fruit
• Bamboo vase
• Woven plant pot
• Wooden bowl

Instructions

1. Paint walls with rich, African-inspired tones. Use warm shades reminiscent of a savanna sunset, such as cinnamon, rust orange, chocolate brown, golden yellow and caramel. Choose cool safari shades, including leaf green and sky blue, if you prefer a lighter look.

2. Decorate with dark brown rattan furniture to create a safari style in any room. Enhance a bedroom with a rattan bed headboard, nightstand and dresser set. Place a matching rattan couch and love seat set featuring linen, earth-hued cushions in the living room. Create a coordinating look with rattan floor coverings.

3. Enhance your home with animal-print decor. Hang a black and white zebra-patterned shower curtain in a bathroom; coordinate with black towels and bath mats. Decorate a neutral-hued couch or love seat with decorative pillows featuring cheetah prints and a coordinating cashmere throw blanket. Place a tiger print runner on a dark, wood dining-room table. Cover a table or standing lamp with a faux leopard skin shade.

4. Bring a bit of nature indoors with safari animal-inspired figurines and statues. Decorate a library with leopard- or tiger-shaped marble bookends. Greet guests by placing a tall, wooden giraffe statue at the front door. Fill wrought-iron, elephant-shaped candelabras with red, brown or orange votives.

5. Add fresh safari touches throughout your home. Fill bamboo vases with African flowers, such as birds of paradise and plumeria. Place tropical palms in woven baskets and use them to fill in empty room corners. Enhance a coffee table with a wooden bowl full of vibrant lemons, limes and oranges.

References

• Kids Decorating Ideas: Animal and Jungle Safari Themes
• Home and Garden Television: Spice up Your Home Decor With Animal Prints