Leopard Print Decor Is Making A Comeback
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3 weeks ago
Safari style is the way to go this spring
Remember the Paris grandma trend? While rich mustard yellow shades and swathes of velvet might not be leading the charge when it comes to spring design trends this year (it’s all about butter yellow, after all), maximalism is most definitely having a moment. In fact, notes of vintage glam are everywhere this season, from ruffles to clashing patterns – and according to the experts, leopard print is making a comeback. Here’s how to style leopard print decor.
Interiors Inspiration: Leopard Print
Whether you’re dipping your toe into the Rococo aesthetic or painting your kitchen cabinets jade green, it looks like minimalism has taken a backseat when it comes to interiors. Perhaps it’s the influence of the fashion world: just as cow print arrived in our living rooms after it appeared on the runways, the more vibrant spring trends (joy jackets, anyone?) are making their way into our homes – including leopard print.
Leopard print is, of course, known to split opinions. ‘It often gets referred to as a neutral, but it’s so much more interesting than that,’ reflects Venetia Rudebeck, co-founder of Studio Vero. ‘There’s a glamour and an allure which explains its huge popularity.’
So, while it’s often seen as the hallmark of retro, maximalist interiors, leopard print can also ground a space in neutral, moody tones thanks to its rich gold and brown hues. Such complexity begs the question: how do you get it right?
Studio Vero
How To Style Leopard Print Decor
‘People tend to approach leopard print with caution, but if it’s applied sparingly on, say, a chair, cushion or lampshade, it can imbue almost any scheme with a punky, campy, irreverent twist,’ says Ed O’Donnell, co-founder of Angel O’Donnell.
The key, Ed explains, is the colour palette and the size of the print. ‘Go full Pat Butcher and you’ll sap the good taste from your interior; instead, go for a leopard print that reimagines the classic black rosettes and tawny background with new colours, patterns and motifs,’ he states. ‘That’ll give your print a contemporary edge, and one you can complement with other accented features.’
What Pairs Well With Leopard Print?
Once you’ve committed to some leopard print decor, the next hurdle arrives: what to pair it with.
Again, a maximalist look comes to mind – think bright accent colours and brass accents. ‘We added leopard print cushions with pink piping and splashes of electric blue to a guest bedroom in South London,’ says Ed. ‘When paired with a baby pink throw, a lipstick-red mirror and pastel-hued art, the room was filled with cheer. It was a wink and a nudge, on the right side of gaudy, thanks to the taming effect of blue-grey walls and bedside tables.’
Angel O’Donnell
So, vibrant hues might make the print pop, but the addition of a few more muted tones will balance things out. ‘Combining leopard print with brass lighting and dark, statement drapery will create a luxury boutique feel, while teaming it with natural woods and softer elements will help to achieve a warm and cosy scheme,’ says Marie Goodwin, head designer at Prestigious Textiles. Who knew such a bold print could be so versatile…
