Go wild with animal prints

"All good things which exist are the fruits of originality." — John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), British philosopher, "On Liberty" (1859)

A design trend, or in my mind a design staple, is the animal print. Each season as we gleefully see what the design mavens declare to be the latest and greatest, we're never disappointed to see animal prints back on the list.

According to Ballard Designs, "We've always been a bit obsessed when it comes to animal prints. From spots to stripes, animal prints spice up the tamest of interiors. These fabulously fun prints work in any decorating scheme, from traditional to contemporary. The key is to not go, well, wild with too much of a good thing."

The "too much of a good thing" is debatable among designers and homeowners I know. I personally love animal prints at home and in clothing and accessories. Animal print home accessories will spice up any spot from throw pillows, rugs, towels or shower curtains.

The design is so popular that it continues to be deemed "neutral," and every year at the furniture market and in every design magazine you pick up, there is it again — in its regality. Regardless of your design scheme, the animal print will fit, and for those of you turning up your noses — yes, I see you — reconsider.

Imagine black leather sofas sitting on a bold zebra print rug; an overstuffed chenille sofa scattered with leopard print pillows; or a luscious leopard fur (faux) throw on just about anything! Deliciously for me, I was given one of these recently and delight in it every day.

So why do we desire to have these patterns in our home? The answer is probably as varied as we humans are and not easily pinpointed as with some design elements. Do we have a love of the exotic? Do we believe we're getting back to nature? Do we want to be "in"?

Whatever the reason, we still like the idea of having this wonderful pattern and design around us.

In design if we're talking about throws or fuzzy pillows, it's the actual texture that we like. It makes us feel warm and cozy. An animal print in fabric or wall covering is sophisticated and eclectic and adds a little spice to our surroundings.

Because these terrific prints are considered neutrals, they will generally work with many colors. Zebra or leopard prints will dazzle against reds, blues, greens, black, white or browns. Think also about incorporating other "safari" patterns in your design, such as bamboo or other natural materials.

Animal prints also blend well with floral patterns. The only color family that might be a little awkward for some would be soft pastels, but it works there as well. It has even been used in nurseries with or without pastel walls.

In reality, the animal print is at home almost anywhere. If you're timid about testing the water but you're interested enough to give it a try, begin with a small leopard or zebra pillow for your sofa or bed. Sample animal print placemats or napkins to zip up your dining table or try soft thirsty towels in the bathroom. And when you really get into it — rugs, upholstery and wallpaper will take over!

I believe you will be hooked and desire more and more of these wonderful, versatile prints in your home. So all that is required is visiting your favorite furniture and accessory store, and you don't have to wear those funny safari shorts. Happy hunting!

— Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.