Friday Favorites: Wild Style

By Claire Ruhlin

It’s an often-recited rule of thumb that leopard print can serve as both a pattern and neutral, balancing interest with subtlety, playful appeal with understated elegance. And if spring’s forthcoming launches are any indication, feline prints will remain a go-to style statement for design professionals and enthusiasts alike. From new pieces to classic staples, we’ve been gleaning inspiration from all forms of this pretty print:

Photo: Erica George Dines

When designing the bonus room and vestibule of our 2014 Home for the Holidays Showhouse, Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Schwartz of CLOTH & KIND added pops of modern luxury through rich colors and bold patterns. Incorporating a primal flair, the pair upholstered the vestibule walls in a linen fabric from Zak + Fox, whose striped pattern draws inspiration from Tibetan tiger carpets. (Find more showhouse design details in our fresh-off-the-press February issue).

Photo: Osborne & Little

Showcasing a striking ocelot print that contrasts against a stylish ombré background, Osborne & Little’s PANTANAL offers a fresh take on the traditional leopard motif. The new addition, shown on the plush velvet sofa above, is available on February 23 with the brand’s Spring 2015 collection.

Photo: Emily Followill

Patterns mingle in this Beth Webb-designed living room, where a pair of French bergère chairs upholstered in a stunning tiger print—complemented by a pair of coordinating pillows—steals the show.

Photo: Christina Wedge

A tufted zebra rug gives designer Amy Morris’ office conference room a creative edge, cultivating an inspiring workplace whose high-style fits Morris’ scrupulous attention to aesthetics.

Photo: David Christensen

Michel Boyd is a master mixer of pattern, texture and color, as is exhibited in his collaboration with Bradley Hughes. Balancing luxury and play, a leopard pillow from BD Jeffries adds panache to a sumptuous green Butler Sofa.

Photo: Christina Wedge

Never one to shy away from experimenting with color and texture, designer Judy Bentley frequently incorporates animal prints into her projects, which is why she keeps stacks of folded, patterened fabrics in her airy office for inspiration.