Like almost every other arena of design, the world of interiors has long been lured by the beauty and power of the animal kingdom.
Displaying hunted animals goes back centuries to the days when hanging skins was viewed as a status symbol. Royals and other elites even chose specific animals depending on the characteristics and traits they supposedly represented.
While real skins have thankfully fallen out of vogue, interior designers are still enticed by a walk on the wild side, using animal prints to create a range of moods in the home, from seductive to playful.
Zebra and leopard print adorn this outdoor furniture by Dolce & Gabbana Casa. Photo: Handout
Leopard print has become a signature in the home collections of fashion designers Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana. It’s celebrated in various forms in the striking soft furnishings and wallpapers by hip British design label House of Hackney, while designer Matthew Williamson is known for mixing it with other nature-inspired motifs like peacock feathers and florals. Fashion designer Philipp Plein just decorated the ceilings of his Bel Air mansion with leopard spots.
Renowned French interior designer Madeleine Castaing had a wall-to-wall leopard print carpet in her Paris salon, while Diane von Furstenberg is also fond of the motif, as was the late Lee Radziwill. Earlier this year Pauline Karpidas, considered the grand dame of the art world, partnered with Sotheby’s to auction off a rare collection of personal objects from her chic London flat, which featured bold and whimsical interiors that included plenty of leopard and tiger print.
A bronze bed by Claude Lalanne in Pauline Karpidas’ bedroom. Photo: Handout
“Animal prints endure because they are both adaptable and timeless. In interiors, they can function almost like a neutral, grounding a space much like a textured solid would, but they also bring energy and character. They allow you to instantly shift the mood of a room without requiring a full redesign,” says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder and creative director of interior design studio frenchCALIFORNIA.
The sheer number of offerings available have also boosted popularity. While classics like leopard and tiger reign supreme, newer favourites include zebra and cheetah for their bold and graphic looks, while reptilian patterns add a seductive, intimate vibe, and peacock feathers can add a touch of luxury or exoticism.
All the same, incorporating animal prints in the standard home takes planning, say the experts – and in some cases, a hefty dose of courage.
Details of the upstairs landing in Pauline Karpidas’ home. Photo: Handout