How do you feel about using animal prints? Yes? No?


Animal prints are very popular, both in fashion and home design: has anyone out there missed seeing this? Whatever it is: from leopard to zebra to cowhide to cheetah to giraffe…it’s been seen on some product for the home.

So, where did this trend come from and why is it so popular?

“Animal print fabric has been a staple in interior design for many years. These wonderful prints were originally introduced as upholstery fabric during the 19th century. British colonists were travelling to different parts of the British Empire and discovering a new and relaxed way of life. During this time the design style known today as British Colonial was born. This style encompasses lots of dark wood, white walls and upholstery and touches of exotic animal prints.”

onlinefabricstore.net

Here is a variety of products:

Animal Skins3

The prints can (almost) masquerade as just another geometric print, in a non-traditional animal print color:

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to a more refined but not so subtle:

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to a textural, one of my favorite, looks:

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again, subtle and non-traditional:

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love, love the pop of color:

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One of the leaders in the use of these prints is Barclay Butera. Take a look at some his interiors:

You notice the use of dark, turned wood, light walls and the British Colonial influence.

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another personal favorite from Horchow:

isn’t it fun? Nice wing chair, comfortable black leather, and the punch of print!

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And this is a real cutie, from Jonathan Adler:

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jamie drake/elle decor


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miles redd/elle decor


And…to end with a very practical, every day product, these are great from BallardDesigns:

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