Come, take a walk on the wild side with me…

Most people I meet find out pretty quickly what I love. I don’t tend to keep them hidden well and I am not shy about them. Aside from my family, I am obsessed with good food and delicious wine, tennis, Buddhas and animal print. I can be quite flamboyant about them and love to combine them together as they do not need to be mutuality exclusive. I am not ashamed to flaunt them. They bring me much pleasure and it is the small things in life, the details that paint the picture and make me happy.

Today’s blog I am focusing on my obsession with animal print. Animal print has come a long way over the past few decades. Gone is the era of the ageing granny that is holding onto her youth, dressing as mutton like  lamb in loud leopard blouses and large gold shiny clip-on earrings. There isn’t the negative, almost seedy connotations, that used to be applied to the prints. These barriers have been broken down and it is widely accepted for all to incorporate exotic print into their lives. The trick is to use it as much as what makes you comfortable. For me I am happy to mix my prints and use in abundance. You’ll often see me on the courts with snow leopard tennis shoes mixed in with a cheeky cheetah skirt. It is a modern and bold approach to use animal print, mixing print patterns. It doesn’t phase me and I see the print as a neutral as well as a statement.

Of course not everyone feels the same. But honestly if you start to consider animal print as a neutral you will begin to feel more confident in using it. 

Having said that, I am more than prepared to mix and clash my animal prints on my clothing for a 2 hour tennis match or with a leopard dress with snake skin boots! However, I am not as zealous when it comes to my interiors. Clothes you can change as often as you like; it is not so easy with interior furnishing and decor. Price definitely becomes a factor as does practicality. You need to be sure of your decisions and the impact it has on your different moods.

I am sure you have noticed how animal print has dominated fashion in the past few years, it is no longer a trend but a staple. Each year the presence is prevalent over and over again. The same is true for interiors. You can find animal prints everywhere. From bold loud prints, tranquil subtle tones, earth colors and vivid pops of bright colors. There is a way for everyone to enjoy animal print. It is so diverse and can be tailored to anyone’s taste. It is no longer considered distasteful, ostentatious or crass. Yeah it can be showy, but that is the point. Make a statement and be confident with it.

Introducing animal print into your home or office adds dimension and much needed personality to interiors. They are great for layering and adding depth and interest. It’s playful yet sophisticated and introduces texture and pattern to a room while bringing with it warmth and glamor. 

There are certain tricks to using animal prints with interiors and they can be used by all. Not rules per say; as when it comes to animalistic delights you really should be as daring as your personality can handle. Animal print can be a real design statement. But remember you can choose your level of wow factor, it can be utilised to finish off a very chic room or add that life and soul to the party.

Complimentary Schemes:

If you are looking to introduce animal print for the first time consider using complimentary tones to the room scheme. Vary your shades so that they flatter each other. Choose a main dominant color for your room and use the opposite color to it on the color wheel. Use this complimentary color as your accent. You may want to incorporate soft furnishing such as a throw, cushions or even drapery. Or if you wish to make more of a statement use animal print fabric to cover a chair, ottoman or sofa. You can play it as safe or as daring as you like. Animal print fabrics do not have to be in their natural animal colors. You can have so much fun and choose prints in colors the that you love. 

Scale, size, pattern:

Make sure that you use scale appropriately. You don’t want to confuse your guests or give yourself a headache whilst you are in the room. Animal print can be OTT but it is not necessarily a given. The aim is to keep it classy and interesting. A vibrant touch is achievable without going overboard. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go big and bold. Just remember perspective. It is exciting and really does make for a striking look. If you are going to use a large scale print then make sure you balance with the use of solid colors. For example a dramatic large print repeat of animal print as wallpaper on a feature wall will look sensational and draw your attention if the other walls are solid. Yes they too can have color, but no need to overdo the print. A great place for a large scale print is the floor. A hind or animal print rug can monopolize a floor but once the furniture is arranged you will be surprised how much of it is hidden. You will be able to make a statement without needing sunglasses.  Alternatively if you are using a considerable amount of pattern in your room then opt for a smaller size pattern. You can still go for a shot of color but keep the scale small so that it can harmonize with tweed, stripes or your particular personal choice of complimentary print.

Monochromatic schemes:

Perhaps you are looking to keep to a simple color scheme. Black and white or even just a single hue with different tonal choices. This is the perfect opportunity for you liven up the room with the use of wallpaper prints, accent pillows, rugs or curtains. You can keep the look subtle introducing a pillow here and there. Or liven up the room with that statement piece. Remember it is key to think of accents or try to stick to one focal piece. 

Mix and match prints:

Don’t be scared to mix and match. You can use different prints together. You want to unite the prints with color. Throw in patterns with solids and don’t forget to add in neutral for balance. There is no reason why a snake print can’t look fabulous next to a leopard print. Just make sure they aren’t fighting each other for attention. Keep the prints to colors next to each other on the color wheel. The aim here is not for accent with colors but with prints. If you feel uncomfortable with mixing and matching do this slowly. Add one piece at a time and live with it before you add another.

Fail proof animal print introduction suggestions for a room

• Choose similar animal prints together, keep to the same family.

• Pair smaller prints with larger prints.

• Choose one large statement piece.

• Wallpaper is fun and flirty.

• Chairs and sofas can be neutral or statement options. Stools and ottomans are fun too and the same applies.

• Accent cushions are the easiest, simplest and least committal way to introduce animal print.

• Rugs introduce animal print to a room in a large scale but can be visually less impeding once furniture has been placed.

• Try an animal print table runner or napkins. Perhaps even table mats. You don’t have to go large scale to make a big impact with animal print.

Still unsure how to do this? Uncertain how to create harmony whilst flirting on the wild side? Ask one of us cheeky birds to come and help. This bird knows a thing or two about animal print and she is happy to share the love. Even my name Kaje is pronounced as “cage”: ready for that animal inside to be released.

Did something catch you eye? I know the chandeliers did for sure. All of the photographed (well apart from me) are available to order via 3cheekybirds. Contact us directly and we will be happy to bring in a little cheeky animal number into your home.