- Follow us:
Thursday, March 2nd, 2017
The enigmatic look and feel of Safari style is perfectly depicted in this Lexington Living Room ensemble. You gotta love the bench!
When designing, it is so easy to be consumed by lines, colors, shapes, patterns and textures. There are activities that bring about inspiration such as riding in a car and staring out of the windows. In there, with the right inspiration, you tend to notice the skyline, structural shapes, even simple things such as the reflection of the sun. So, if you’re lacking the inspiration at the moment, why not try exceptional elements for a change?
Back in the day, men and women used the skins of animals for protection and warmth. Are you going back to this primitive past when you decide to use animal prints in your home?
Animal Print: A Look Back in Time
Throughout history, monarchs and nobles have already used animal prints on their rugs and carpets. This was a status symbol just as much as animals were mounted as trophies.
Animal print has an enigmatic look that offers the look of aristocracy, power as well as success. This is the ancient sign of power and wealth – keep that in mind. Just picture the tribal chieftains with their wooden thrones – what do you see draped over those seats of power?
You’re correct to say – animal prints.
In the ‘40s, there was a noticeable advent of the animal print in the world of fashion. Women’s movements were emerging then and so was the look that spelled supremacy. Cheetah print was huge back then.
A decade later, in the ‘50s, Christian Dior became fascinated with the leopard print. So the cheetah print faded into the background and leopard print went right smack onto the center stage. No woman was considered fashionable without a single leopard print in her wardrobe.
In the ‘60s, a totally new revolution came up with the hippies taking over the world of fashion. Back then, exotic animal fur patterns became the big thing. Women’s apparel showed the most rebellious colors. The ongoing concept was to become an easy rider.
The perilous side of animal print was shown in the ‘70s. The punk movement brought back the leopard prints in accessories. Another in thing was the use of torn cheetah print pair of stockings. It was definitely fashionable to listen to rebellious music.
Still in the ‘70s, nightgowns were also infused with interesting animal prints, so were the undies, jumpsuits, and bell bottoms. Zebra prints were seen on platform shoes.
The ‘80s still showed the dominance of animal prints though we would rather forget the fashion statements during that time.
Now let’s see how you can use animal prints in your home –
Stripes Galore
The zebra stripes rug is the ultimate addition to a mainly neutral home. The lines of the zebra print inevitably draw the eyes toward the fusion of colors. Place a lovely desk and a carefully chosen piece of art to complete the look for your living room or home office.
Print Pairing
If you can’t decide whether to have zebra, cheetah or leopard print, well, you’re not alone. Try to pair different prints but within the same color palette. This is so the place will still have a cohesive look.
Find a tiger rug, some cowhide ottomans then have zebra pillows for your living room. Mix a tinge of orange, brown and tan to add some interesting contrast.
The Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Floor Lamp 1851-515 has a lovely leopard shade paired with the sturdiness of bronze.
Relaxed Rustic
If you’re anxious that animal prints won’t match your current style, then have no fear. Even rustic bedrooms would look refreshed with dashes of animal prints on a few accessories. A cowhide rug also pairs well with yellow and gold accents. Place a metallic figurine on a nightstand to finish the look.
Tags: animal print, animal prints, cheetah print, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tiger print, zebra print
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Animal Print: Designing and Paying Attention to Surroundings
Sunday, June 26th, 2016
1586-10458A-MULTI2 Fleur de Glee Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair
Did you really think that animal prints are limited to that bear rug on your floor? There is so much more to animal prints that can make your interiors more fabulous. What’s amazing about ‘em is that you don’t even have to alter the entire room. From textiles to furniture, even the simplest accessories, the most vibrant animal prints are sure to make them all leap to life. So it’s time to rethink your everyday, ho-hum décor and start using some animal prints.
Animal Print History
Animal skins and prints are known to convey power and confidence. Fabrics with colors and patterns that imitate the animal skin first became fashionable in the 18th century. The dresses during that time were intertwined with silk and lace in order to evoke wealth and luxury.
By the 1930s, fashion showed a lot of cheetah and leopard prints on coats, blouses and scarves mainly because the Tarzan and Jane sensation was ongoing then.
Animal motif is also considered erotic as it is a kind of fashion that attracts others. This is a kind of fashion that desires to be noticed. Just imagine the head-turning prints that you see on animal designs and you’d know why some people are hesitant to use them.
Animal Prints as the Focal Point
If you find joy in having big and bold décor, then you would surely like having animal prints. Use anything from large zebra stripes, giraffe prints to tiger area rugs. Just make sure that you keep them subdued else they would easily overpower the existing design or could make the eyes overly busy.
Marry the solids and contrasting colors in order to balance the bold nature of animal prints. A great place to start is the pillows, ottomans and side chairs.
Animal Prints and Sophistication
If you’re a bit worried that your living room would begin looking like an African safari, then learn to tie the furnishings with some kind of art. Take a cue from animal print photographs, paintings, even modern sculpture. Find time to visit décor stores that offer a wide selection of arts and craft.
Monochrome…Or Not
Monochrome often comes in boring white and black. If you want to veer away from the usual stark and boring monochromatic scheme, then use zebra prints to give the room a bit more of activity. You can also use cheetah or jaguar prints to envelop the area. These exciting prints can be used on the flooring, walls and also on the window treatments.
Fusion of Prints
Polka dots, stripes, and animal prints can be mixed, too. The trick behind their fusion is to unite them with a base color that’s common to all of them. Small prints are way better to use if you want to combine so as they won’t be too large to disrupt the eyes.
Mix the solids, patterns and prints then unite them on a single color anchor. If you are not that comfortable in matching or mixing many different patterns and colors, then get one piece at a time then grow the room accordingly.
Animal prints can be versatile, just don’t be afraid to use ‘em.
Animal Prints Are Chic
You can also design your home using beautiful touches of animal print styles. If you are a huge fan of zebra prints, then add it as an area rug in your living room. These prints are also now being used on curtains, chairs, bedding, and many others.
Zebra chairs are quite stylish as they pop in a room. Complete the look of your home with zebra cushions, zebra bedding, zebra runner, and many more.
With all these suggestions, aren’t you just aching to start using animal prints soon?
Tags: animal print, cheetah print, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patterns, tiger print, tips, zebra print
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, January 14th, 2016
This classic wooden drawer is from FFDM’s American Cherry Collection.
Southwestern design is defined with earth colors and the richest textures. This means that you should use more of orange, yellow, turquoise, and red clay. Clay tile roofs, terracotta and handcrafted stuff are all welcome in a southwestern home.
Upholstery for this design is chiefly woven fabrics, suede, animal hides or leather. Blankets could be made of traditional native clothing. Do not limit the use for these beautiful pieces inside the bedroom because they can also be great wall decor.
Wood furniture is a must and could also feature metal accents or a distressed finish. The accents used in southwestern environments can be anything from painted ceramics to hand-painted tiles. If you can find early pieces dating all the way back to 16th century Mexico, the better.
Tribal Design Elements
You will see a lot of Native American pieces inside a southwestern home. Elements such as latillas, vigas and other artwork are design themes that are commonly used in architecture. This style is quite earthy as well as organic as it captures the heritage of Arizona and New Mexico areas. Natural accents, colors and other elements look and feel a lot like Mexican, Spaniard, and Native American designs; open floor plans, flat roofs and courtyards, even gardens can become a part of your home.
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Covington Bogue Club Chair has the right color to give life to a southwestern habitat.
Southwestern design makes use of subdued earthy tones like tan, cream, brown, terracotta, and white. These colors are great as backdrop for American Indian-inspired textiles and accents. Azure is a famous color for windows and doors. Any color found in nature such as forest green, salmon, sunny yellow and slate blue can fit perfectly in southwestern interiors.
Southwestern furniture should be unpretentious. Say no to anything intricate. Cherry, walnut, pine, and just about any mid-tone wood would do. It should have soft leather or natural textiles as coverings. Make use of huge pillows right on the floor as well as hammocks in your courtyard. These can be alternative seats for your guests. Always remember that the rooms must be spacious or have a natural flow.
As for the walls, they are often made with the same materials as the exteriors. Mostly adobe, interior walls are roughly plastered. Others use smooth stone or stucco. If you want to add warmth and color onto a boring wall, then use hand-painted tiles. They can also be used in covering kitchen backsplash. If not, use the tiles as individual accents.
Murals are also a huge depiction of southwestern culture. Have spiritual stories or rituals painted on murals then have them installed as a statement wall.
You can also try stucco plaster then add builder’s sand to the paint. You may also use special paint effects such as suede, color washing, or faux paint.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS02000300450 at McCreerys Home Furnishings
Southwestern floors are often honey-colored. Other homeowners prefer terracotta tiles. Adding visual interest on your floors is easy. Just arrange the tiles in patterns and layouts.
Parquet or light wood flooring is widely used. You can color this kind of flooring with cobalt blue or any other earthy color to make it more exciting. Carpets and rugs are valuable pieces but if you do not want these in your home, then be sure to opt for hardwood flooring.
Use brick or stones throughout your home without letting the style suffer. Use lovely rugs with traditional patterns and colors brighten up the room.
Southwestern accents are mostly paintings, candles, wrought-iron stuff, dried flowers, sculptures, pottery (the hand-painted type), and animal skins.
Learn these Southwestern design tips and begin bringing rustic beauty into your lovely home.
Tags: animal print, brick, earthy, guidelines, leather, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mexican, Mexican interior design, Mexican interiors, Mexican style, Native American, Native American design, natural stone, neutral, neutrals, paint, rustic, rustic decor, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, southwestern interior design, southwestern interiors, Spanish, stone, textures, tips, tribal, warm colors, wood elements, wood furniture, wooden elements, wrought iron, wrought iron furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
