Animal print—it’s timeless, it’s bold, and it’s making a major comeback. Let’s talk about why.
Here’s the thing about animal print: it’s not some fleeting trend. It has been around for centuries, found on everything from ancient textiles to Hollywood Regency interiors. But now, we’re seeing it come back into the spotlight in a fresh, modern way, and as a designer, I couldn’t be more excited. Animal print isn’t just a “look at me” moment; it’s a texture, a layer, a statement that brings a room to life.
If you’ve been paying attention to fashion, you’ll know animal print has been everywhere—coats, boots, handbags. Interiors are no different. The worlds of fashion and design often move in sync, and right now, this bold pattern is stepping back into our homes. But what I love most is how versatile it can be. Whether you’re designing a rustic retreat or a polished, traditional home, animal print can find its place.
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a warm, rustic living room with worn leather sofas, layered rugs, and earthy tones. Now add a cowhide ottoman or a zebra print accent chair. Suddenly, the room feels intentional, collected, like it has a story to tell. Or, take a classic, traditional home with tailored furniture and a neutral palette. Picture a wingback chair upholstered in leopard print or a tiger-stripe pillow on a perfectly placed settee. It’s the unexpected moment that makes the room feel alive, and not just put together.
What makes animal print so special is that it works with almost any color palette. Bold and moody? Perfect. Soft and airy? Even better. It adds texture and movement, breaking up the monotony of solid colors or overly matched pieces. And, it does all of this without feeling trendy because, let’s face it, it’s not. Animal print is timeless.
As a designer, I think of animal print the way I think of accessories in fashion. You’ve got your foundation pieces—your sofa, your rug, your key furnishings—and then you add that pop of print, like a throw pillow or a statement lamp. It doesn’t take over the room, but it pulls everything together and adds personality.
So, how do you infuse it into your home? It depends on how bold you’re feeling. If you’re a little hesitant, start small. Throw pillows, a lampshade, or even a stool upholstered in animal print can make a big impact without feeling like a commitment. But if you’re ready to go all in, think bigger—cowhide rugs, tiger-striped chairs, or even wallpaper for a powder room.
The key is balance. Let the print stand out but not overwhelm. Pair it with solids, natural textures like wood and leather, and maybe a metallic accent to keep things sophisticated. Whether you’re dipping your toes in or going all out, animal print adds that something extra—a layer of depth, a touch of boldness, and a lot of personality.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a mood board of our favorite pieces, from small accents to statement furniture, and three foolproof ways to incorporate animal print into your home. Let’s make it happen.
1. Accent Furniture and Rugs
Let’s start big. Accent furniture is one of my favorite ways to incorporate animal print because it can completely change the vibe of a room while still feeling approachable. Case in point: this Antelope Rug. We used it in our Tree Farm bedroom, layering it with other patterns, and it created this beautifully eclectic vibe that felt intentional but not overdone. It’s a versatile piece—imagine it in an entryway to set the tone, in a living room layered over a jute rug, or even in a cozy reading nook. Here’s another great cowhide option if you want something with a more modern edge.
And then there’s the Cowhide Barrel Chair. Talk about a statement piece! It’s the kind of chair that can anchor a room, whether it’s a rustic living space or even a more traditional setup that needs a little unexpected twist. Pair it with soft neutrals for balance, or let it stand out in a bolder palette. I even love this one for a more tailored, polished look. Another fun style is this tiger patterned one!
If you’re not ready for a full-on statement chair, try a Zebra-Printed Stool. It’s small enough to be flexible—tuck it under a console table, use it as extra seating, or place it next to your sofa as a side table alternative. It’s bold, but not overwhelming, and super versatile. I also think an ottoman like this one would be understated. Or, opt for a pouf!
2. Smaller Accents
If you’re dipping your toes into animal print, smaller accents are the way to go. One of my favorite little moments is a Lampshade with a subtle print. It’s an easy swap that brings texture and personality to any room. You can take any lampshade that you already own and have it wrapped in a new fabric! Place it on a vintage brass lamp, and suddenly your lighting feels like a designer piece.
For a touch of print on your seating, a Bolster Pillow is a perfect addition. It’s such a chic way to layer patterns without overwhelming your sofa or bed. And if you want to go even smaller, consider Animal Print Coasters—the perfect mix of practical and stylish. They’re an easy way to bring the trend into your home without much commitment.
3. Wallpaper
Now, if you’re feeling bold and ready for a commitment, let’s talk wallpaper. There’s something about an animal print wallpaper that feels elevated and daring in all the right ways. I love it in smaller spaces where it can really shine, like a powder room or the inside of built-in bookcases. It’s unexpected and creates a big impact in a compact space.
Another fun idea? Wallpapering the inside of a closet. It’s like a little secret moment of design that makes getting dressed in the morning feel like a treat. But here’s the thing—wallpaper is more of a commitment than a rug or a pillow. Once you hang it, you’re living with it for a bit. That’s why I suggest starting in a smaller area where you’ll love the impact but won’t feel overwhelmed.
For wallpaper, Decorators Best has some beautiful options. This one is perfect for a neutral palette, while this one leans a bit bolder if you’re ready to go all in. A couple others that I love is this sketch-inspired one, this classic option, and this high-contrast beauty!
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Whatever route you take—big or small, bold or subtle—animal print has this incredible way of making a space feel collected, layered, and full of personality. It’s a timeless design choice that can be styled so many ways, and honestly, once you add a little, you might find yourself wanting more. Ready to give it a try?
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