Style safari – add some animal magic to your home this autumn

By Gabriella Fagan

November 5 2016, 8:00am

Decor has come alive, as wild and woodland creatures invade our rooms. Gabrielle Fagan’s follows her animal instincts

It’s time to be brave and unleash your wild side, and let lions, tigers and even bears loose in your home.

Designers have gone ‘on safari’ for inspiration and the big beasts of the jungle are now stalking through decor (and you’ll just look tame if you ignore them). Animal print designs, particularly leopard prints, rule, and those stag heads are starting to give way to new style ‘trophies’, from lions to rhinos and zebras.

“This is all part of a desire for maximalism in decor, and the animal trend is all about going over the top and demonstrating personality,” says Jenny Hurren, founder of Out There Interiors, whose collection includes a neon bright Byanne Wall Decoration Ox Head, £124, and a Dawsyn Printed Paper Horse Head, £85.

“Whether it’s exotic, wild animals or perhaps something more familiar, such as foxes and deer, animal interiors are a fun, bold statement and, as with fashion, it’s perfectly possible to be chic and stylish with it.”

If you’re exploring the style be prepared to mix species, says Hurren, as clashing patterns and colour ways will create interest. “Pair a zebra print rug with a leopard print cushion and then add a mounted animal head or accessory, which will make this look modern rather than museum.”

So embrace creatures great and small. No cages or house-training required…

INTO THE WILD

“The animal trend gets a lot of people worked up – perhaps it’s a Marmite ‘love it or hate it’ kind of thing,” says designer Abigail Ahern, who has a bestselling collection of animal accessories at Debenhams.

“Some people think it’s cute and fun, others feel it’s too kitsch, and there’s those who think it’s just a bit loopy! I personally think it’s more than a trend – I think there is a deeper meaning to this passion for animal-inspired pieces. For me, it’s all part and parcel of a return to nature in design – there’s a nostalgia for the wilderness – and also a yearning for more lavish, richly decorated rooms.

“That said, animals have long featured in interiors – since the days of stately homes and hunting trophies – nowadays though, it’s just much cooler, and generally more palatable, to go for the faux taxidermy versions.”

“With my designs for Debenhams and my own range, I like to twist things up a bit. I gravitate towards animals that are rocking a bit of attitude – butterflies and bees and anything overtly girly and sweet are not so much my thing. I want character in my animals so that they read as a little bit ballsy.”

RELEASE THE STYLE:

Go hunting for creatures from Abigail Ahern’s Edition Designer collection at Debenhams: Grey Wall Mounted Lion or Rhino Head, £80 each; Orange Gorilla Lamp, £90; Grey Hare Ornament, £28; and Chimpanzee Applique Cushion, £42. Alternatively, JD Williams’ Decorative Wall Mounted Elephant is a snip at £18.

Turn walls wild with Graham & Brown’s Leopard Wallpaper, £20 a roll, or designer Matthew Williamson’s striking Leopardo Wallpaper, £82 a roll, John Lewis.

Kings of Ch

elsea’s magnificent decor schemes feature animal prints, and one of its most impressive pieces is a Hamptons modular sofa, upholstered in leopard print leathers and Jacquard Audrey fabric, but the price does bite at £30,880. You could simply give a sofa a lift with a Biba Embroidered Leopard Cushion, currently reduced to £31.50 from £45, House of Fraser.

If you’re just exploring this style, let a statement piece star, such as an Acrylic Louis Relax Chair Quirky, £655, which features a leopard design on the back and seat, Furnish.co.uk. I love the glam-rock style of the Tigre collection at House of Hackney, particularly its Tigre Balfour Chair, £1,995.

For a more cuddly approach, The French Bedroom Company has a Bear Necessities Side Table, £144. Accessorise with Animalia Coasters, £78, Jonathan Adler (available mid-November); a Tall Zebra Vase, £50, MiaFleur; or a Kitchen Craft Porcelain Leopard Print Espresso Mug, £2.99, Amazon.

INTO THE WOODS

“Animal prints have been in the fashion spotlight for some time, and we’re seeing the trend being mirrored in people’s homes once again this winter. Cute woodland creatures, such as stags, rabbits, foxes and owl motifs are perfect for creating a cosy, rustic feel within a living room or bedroom,” says David Roebuck, managing director at online blinds specialists, Direct Blinds.

“Choose a curtain or blind fabric with an animal print or design for an easy way to give a subtle nod to this trend, and complement it with accessories in creams, mossy green shades and browns to complete the look.”

NATURE STUDY:

Conjure a cosy cottage or cabin in the forest look, with a gathering of woodland accessories. Foxes are this season’s favourite critter and George Home, always quick to spot a winning look, has a charming Woodshed Fox Milk Jug, £5, and matching Fox Mug £3.

Next’s Freddie The Fox Applique Cushion is £16, and equally cute – and my favourite – are Fox Head Ceramic Knobs, from £23, Graham & Green, which could be an easy way to upcycle a chest or cupboard.

Stags and deer still have their place in our decor hearts, and Out There Interiors has a stylish Deer With Antlers Cushion, £45. We’re a nation of pet lovers, particularly when it comes to dogs, and there’s no shortage of products with a canine appeal. HomeSense has a Dog Lamp, £39.99 (in stores), while Sophie Allport has a Walkies! Mug, £10.

:: ANIMAL SOURCES

Sophie Allport: sophieallport.com

Amazon: amazon.co.uk

Debenhams: debenhams.com

Direct Blinds: directblinds.co.uk

The French Bedroom Company: frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Furnish: furnish.co.uk

George Home:

direct.asda.com/george/home

Graham & Brown: grahamandbrown.com

Graham & Green: grahamandgreen.co.uk

HomeSense: homesense.com