The Art of Animal Prints

Blog by Philippa Rosselli

I have always loved the use of animal prints in both fashion and interiors; but I think people are often faced with issues in finding the right balance between being a little too Cruella de Vil with their animal prints and getting it spot on (no pun intended). In the last few decades animal patterns and furs stopped being associated with the glamour of old Hollywood and instead began acquiring a bad rep; partly to do with our regard for our furry friends and also their overuse by less than A list celebs. Fortunately there are some great animal prints and faux furs available that provide a perfect addition to glamorous and quirky interiors and won’t put you on the wrong side of PETA!

Christian Lacroix wallpaper is sporting some spots and stripes this season via abstract leopard and tiger patterns. Available in multiple, vibrant colours, this is a thoroughly modern way to play around with prints; so if you’re worried about your interior looking a little dated, these papers deliver contemporary living for the brave!

Christian Lacroix Pantigre Topaze Kiwi wallpaper from Designers Guild

If you want to create a true animal print effect then the Santo Sospir wallpaper in Dore could be the one for you but if flamboyance isn’t your thing and you still want an abstract approach to animal patterns, then the pattern handily comes in a beautiful creamy colour as well. This would give any wall a hint of sizzle without being overly explosive.

Christian Lacroix: Santo Sospir, Dore (left) and Nacre (right), both from Designers Guild

Osborne & Little’s 2015 Spring Collection is also seeing an array of animal prints that certainly bring the ‘wow’ factor. This python fabric comes in two styles; a natural, and a wildly vivid colour scheme (see below). It could be the perfect finishing touch to a clean-cut room that makes your interior design skills stand out from the crowd.

Naga fabric by Lorca from Osborne and Little

For a touch of Hollywood glamour, Osborne & Little’s Kesi Velvets in Pantanal and Pardus could be the icing on the cake for your home. Whether you want to feature the fabrics in a few cushions, a sofa pouffe or even go the whole nine yards and use it for an entire sofa, these velvets give a warm, vintage feel to any home.

Osborne & Little: Kesi Velvets, Pantanal

Osborne & Little: Kesi Velvets, Pardus

To me, a fun way to play round with animal prints in your home can be achieved by using zebra stripes. A friend of mine has always displayed two large zebra striped sofas in her living room, paired with lime green and bright orange cushions, and I have always felt that this setup matched her wacky personality perfectly.

Jonathan Adler has some great rugs and cushions that adopt zebra motifs in a cartoony light-hearted way.

Zebra Peruvian Llama flat weave rug from Jonathan Adler

Zebra pop throw pillows from Jonathan Adler

Or for a more modest and elegant style, you could try a few fabrics from Swaffer’s Serengeti collection, which features a lovely, sophisticated zebra print.

Swaffer: Serengeti Collection, Debra 05

If you want to play around with your style then using animal prints and motifs to accessorise your home is a great way to do it. Animal prints are a versatile theme that have been used in different eras and countries, so whatever your style there’s an animal print that will be perfect for you. They say a leopard can’t change its spots, but your home style certainly can!

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Happy Days

I think it is really important to have just a few things in your home that make you smile for no other reason that they just appeal to your sense of humour. A bit of light hearted fun in a home goes a long way and helps to bring your own personality to your space. In honour of the International Day of Happiness, here are a few of the things that make me smile.

Cabaret wallpaper from Cole and Son – a joyful carnival of colour and intrigue

The classic Duck Feet Lamp from Porta Romana which invariably gets a laugh when I first show it to a client.

Could there be a better way to serve ice cream than in a golden sundae dish? Rockett St George

The first time I saw this fabric, it just lifted my spirits and we now have a metre of it on a canvas on the office wall, to keep us all in a good mood! Bora Bora fabric by Manuel Canovas from Colefax and Fowler

These exquisite brush pots from Bridie Hall are in such jolly colours with their big gold letters that they can be used individually. But how much more fun to spell out a word that makes you laugh.

These simple and delightful drawings from HAM have always made me laugh and I am very excited that there are some new ones coming out any day now. Keep an eye on their website.

The combination of the hilarious design of the Anna G corkscrew from Alessi and the opening of a bottle of wine always lifts my heart

Is it possible to get more of an explosion of colour, pattern, flora and forna into a cushion?

Calypso Turquoise cushion by Christian Lacroix from www.designersguild.com. 

The problem with writing this blog is that I keep finding things I just have to have. My order of this Mohawk matchstick holder is on its way. www.jonathanadler.com

And finally my absolutely favourite find of the day is this fabulous illuminated sign from Argent and Sable. You can create your own wording but So Saucy is difficult to better. www.argentandsablesigns.co.uk

 

Wishing you all a happy day on March 20th and all other days.

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