Animal prints ride a slippery slope between trendy and just plain tacky. They are in essence classic, however, it seems that the way we use animal prints or the type of animal print makes all the differences and is a sign of the times. One year it may be cheetah, the next zebra. One year it may be print, the next skin. No matter what the design, every year you can depend on an animal or two to represent all others as the “Hot” print(s).
So after the years of rotating and cycling in and out of trendiness, it’s time to put a new spin on these safari styles. With all the color in the future forecasts (check out our other trend tuesday posts), you won’t be surprised when I tell you that this year it’s color that wrangled up those rodeo prints and made hides hip again.
This season my question to you is “What color is that ________ (you fill in the animal print)…maybe Zebra?”
The focus isn’t necessarily about the design of the print itself, it’s all about how you pair it with color! Will the print be used in it’s natural palette to tie a colorful room together? Will the pattern emulate the true design and in it’s natural splendor bring interest to a bland space? Or will the animal be infused with color, pairing the print with a hue or two (or multi)? Guess what, they all work and they are all great recipes for decorating with these designs. So whatever you choose, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, zebra, cow, remember color is key to creating this hot look and keeping animal prints fresh as we move towards 2010.
I found these fabulous fabrics that combine today’s hot hues with designer animal styles to fit any interior decor. Add a touch of one of these to any space creating interest with a color infused natural pattern.
Portion control in any design can make or break the balance, but when working with animal prints this element becomes even more important. Too much or too many animal prints and you might think your room went on an African Safari or took a trip to Cody, Wyoming (the Rodeo Capital of the World). Now don’t get me wrong I do believe you can create a “Luxe Safari Style” or a “Western Rodeo Chic” design using animal prints to evoke a casual element in an elegant environment. So don’t stampede over your style, pay close attention to how much and how many animal prints you include in each space, like these successful spaces below…
Natures Neutrals Animal Prints
Animal Prints Surrounded by Color
What color was that animal print again? Animal Prints Infused with Color
