Leopard print is a peculiarly divisive motif. Some think it tacky and brash; others swear by it as a neutral that will work with any style of scheme. Those with a penchant for the mob wife aesthetic will have no qualms about splashing it over every surface; neutralists with a preference for calmer, subdued interiors and those who love that old money aesthetic might dip a toe in with a subtle cushion. Either way, it’s having a fashion moment, yet again: while the likes of Dolce & Gabbana have never been shy of a little animal print, even quiet luxury brands such as Celine and Max Mara have been embracing their inner leopard, and it’s been spotted on many a red carpet this season. The question, for those nervous about making their home look a little low rent, is “How to use it wisely?”. Here’s what the experts advise.
Liven up a sophisticated scheme
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Interior designer Tiffany Duggan likes to “throw in a random cushion or footstool” to bring a little edge to a polished room: “A dash of irreverence and bad taste is often a good thing,” she says.
The heritage British decorating firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, which has an international client base that includes several royal residences, also often introduces a splash of leopard print to a room, to impeccably chic effect. The company’s joint MD, Emma Burns, has used it in her own home, and describes it as a “non-pattern” or a neutral that will bring “look” to an interior: although, she cautions: “too much and it does start edging in the wrong direction.”
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Bring accents of energy via accessories
“Incorporating any animal print into a design scheme requires a certain amount of courage, but used correctly it’s a great way to bring an immediate sense of vibrancy and energy to a room,” says Charu Gandhi, founder of Elicyon. “If you’re feeling nervous, I would start with small doses by introducing an accent of the print before committing to whole walls or floors. Cushions, lampshades, an ottoman, a runner or a throw, as well as smaller objets, are all good routes to introducing animal print without risk of dominating the room.”
Choose colour carefully
Gandhi’s design scheme for an apartment at The OWO in London included leopard-print cushions in the main bedroom, and the fabric she chose is key to its calm-yet-cool look: “Monochrome shades of black and cream have a subtle and serene effect,” she says. “Balance the boldness of the print with neutral colours, and always opt for high-quality fabrics. I would caution against overuse: too much leopard print can make a room feel chaotic and overly loud, so use it sparingly for a balanced look.”
While leopard motifs in bright shades are best avoided to achieve a low-key look, a muted blue or deep red background colourway can bring a note of variety, as demonstrated by interior designer Laura Stephens. “I love to use animal print fabrics to bring a hint of playfulness to grown-up schemes,” she says. “However, leopard-print fabrics can also be super smart, and have their roots in traditional design, so they’re easy to incorporate into formal interiors.” In this library, she used a deep-red cut-velvet leopard on a pair of slipper chairs, to contrast with the soothing blue on the joinery. “Because it’s a busy print, using it in a restrained way on a small piece makes it very easy to live with,” she says.
Add a little extra to the floor
The legendary 20th-century French decorator Madeleine Castaing, whose work has influenced many of today’s designers, famously laid leopard-print carpet in her Paris home. Among the modern designers who have taken up that mantle are the Milan-based design duo Dimorestudio, whose custom leopard-print carpet appeared in their Milan Design Week exhibition in the spring, and House of Hackney, whose own leopard-print carpet is inspired by Castaing’s “punk personality”.
For those wary of an entirely leopard-drenched floor, a stair runner or well-placed rug will add a little edgy energy, without going completely wild.
