Animal Instinct

(Design Clique)

I recently purchased a blue leopard print pillows from The Kellogg Collection for our oversized white chair (pictures below).  It fits perfectly against the back of the seat and offers both lower back support and a pop of fun.  While I'm an adament animal lover and personally wouldn't decorate my house with anything that was shot and skinned for my design pleasure (though I might make an exception for faux cow hide rug; they look so real and a good quality ones only cost around $200), I do love an occasional animal print or faux fur for a touch of Hollywood glam.  I'd even do some antler accents for a rugged, organic feel.

One of my favorite designers, Windsor Smith, is an expert when it comes to incorporating tasteful touches of print into a home.  House Beautiful recently featured her showcase estate in a cover story and it's worth viewing the full slide show of her sumptuously appointed rooms and reading her interview for design inspirations.  Her LA home mixes casual, yet vibrant romanticism with grand, luxurious elegance, a true reflection of the designer's talents.

zebra rug layered on a sisal for an unexpected wow factor
(House Beautiful)

antlers repurposed as table legs tie in the rugged feel of the metal wall hangings
(House Beautiful)

Here are some other pictures of interiors I like that incorporate touches of animal prints and accessories.

leopard print rug by Ralph Lauren Home
(blossominteriors.com)

the acryllic table is the perfect choice to allow the faux zebra rug to take center stage
(shelterpop.com)

I love the bold blue print contrasted with the tangerie chair
(kcinteriors.com)

white antler chair and feather head dress in
Vanessa Traina's NYC apartment
(Harper's Bazaar; photo by Todd Selby)

faux cow hide chair
(image source unknown)

a fux fur throw on the couch adds a punch of fun to neutral furnishings
(birds of a feather)

a brown zebra ottoman compliments the coral window panels
(Mary McDonald)