Decorating & Design
October 18, 2019
Trend Watch: 20 Ways We’re Loving Animal-Inspired Decorating
Thanks to fashion houses Gucci, Hèrmes and Kenzo for bringing a fresh perspective on the animal kingdom (slithering snakes, anyone?), we’re ready to take a walk on the wild side. From jungle-themed wallpaper to quirky animal accessories, this roaring trend goes beyond leopard print to showcase the beauty of nature’s furry and feathered friends — and we have all of the animal inspiration you need below.
Coupled with vintage chairs and industrial-style bronze candle sticks, a collection of Qing dynasty parrots look like they live amongst the bamboo in the 18th century Japanese screen behind them.
For a quirky take on the animal trend, homeowner and hotelier Jeff Stober paired a zesty orange chair with stylish jungle wallpaper filled with monkeys, birds and chameleons.
Amongst retro-style wallpaper and a rustic table sits a family of charming elephant figurines in this dining room. Every time Jeff travels to Asia, he adds one to his collection.
This symphony of feline energy is perfect to adorn the walls of a powder room or to add instant life to a reading nook.
This rustic country home‘s living room brings the outdoors in with three Audubon Birds of America prints. The handsome horse sculpture by Neil Clifford pays homage to the homeowner’s horse, Willow, who lives on the property.
Striking yet simple, this wading bird design would look sweet in a children’s bedroom or against a splashy sofa.
The hunting scene hung above a plush sofa adds lively energy to this New York house‘s saturated library. “This home is in horse country, so one of the rooms had to have an equestrian feel,” says designer Garrow Kedigian.
The powder room showcases eye-catching zebra towels and vibrant, jumping zebra wallpaper by Scalamandré.
Made from pink Richard Ginori porcelain, this feline dish can stand alone as a visually stunning tray or as a catchall for delicate trinkets.
A cool, California-inspired living room is dressed with a flock of wall-mounted birds virtually fluttering to new heights.
Shaped as an elegant swan, this intricate bowl looks equally divine filled with an array of fruit or your favorite knicknacks.
Homeowner and designer Judith Gougeon (pictured with partner Michael) warmly refers to the adorable handmade animal statue that she purchased in Guatemala when she was 19 as, “my pet or my Elf on a Shelf.”
A gallery-style wall filled with art pieces collected from Judith and Michael’s travels injects global style, including animal-inspired masks and a silver bird figurine.
Four porcelain coasters — lipped to collect condensation and spills — feel extra-special with an array of gold-tone animal heads.
A vignette filled with vintage treasures and a handsome horse table lamp are expertly arranged on the rich wood dresser. “Accessories give hints of who lives in a home and what their values are,” says Valérie Morisset, Maison & Demeure magazine’s design director.
This two-headed camel bench — which homeowner Denise Zidel bought with her first paycheque — adds visual interest without being obtrusive in this global-inspired principal bedroom.
Tour this eclectic home on H&H TV.
Your succulents and plants can call this adorable, antique brass planter home on a stoop or nestled between vegetables in the garden.
Designers Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal of Les Ensembliers use this seated gorilla by Laurence Vallières as a signature in many of their own homes.
Vibrant colors, eclectic furniture and a mix of pattern nod to Kelly Wearstler’s revival of Hollywood Regency. This formal yet fun room has a dose of whimsy thanks to a woolly sheep reminiscent of the late François-Xavier Lalanne’s iconic sculptures.
If you love the look of François-Xavier’s iconic sheep sculptures, this whimsical version is for you.