Animal print has long held its place in the home as a statement-maker; a design choice that will undoubtedly stop guests in their tracks. This is literally the case when you introduce a leopard-print stair runner to your home, as Lainey Wilson has shown us can be done effortlessly.
The country musician's Tennessee home features a reclaimed wood staircase, metallic walls, and a leopard runner that ties it all together. At one glance, I was hooked. It's bold yet somehow quietly transformative – creating a first impression that will resonate with my guests long after they leave.
While decorating with animal print is far from neutral, this space demonstrates how these wildlife-inspired patterns can act as cohesive pieces of decor, bridging the gap between natural (wood) and contemporary details.
I'm beginning with a leopard runner from Amazon, much like the one in Lainey's entryway, but you can also get the look with larger furnishings, like an accent chair, or even accessories, with a bold-printed cushion.
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Featuring a playful cheetah pattern in taupe, beige, and gray tones, it adds a touch of glamour while complementing any décor. Power-loomed from durable polypropylene, this runner is stain- and fade-resistant, making it perfect for high-traffic areas (like staircases)
Crafted from 100% wool with a 100% cotton backing, this rug is soft underfoot yet durable enough for medium- to high-traffic areas such as stairs, hallways, living rooms, and dining rooms. Hand-crafted using a micro-hooked technique, it's built to last through the years.
More is definitely more when it comes to pattern this season – we're seeing all kind of motifs being given the catwalk treatment, but none more so than leopard print on armchairs. This piece is ideal for injecting personality into a space, and can enliven even the most featureless room.
Designed for both style and safety, this long cheetah hallway runner is made from sturdy polyester with a low-pile surface, making it ideal for high-traffic staircases. The leopard-print rug features a strong TPR rubber backing to prevent slipping, ensuring it stays securely in place without scratching floors.
Don't be afraid to introduce animal print to your home. A rug is the simplest and more effective way to add color, pattern and texture to a space with minimal effort. The trick to decorating with animal print is to remember that less is more. Going for an outgoing leopard print design? Then, balance it with plenty of neutrals for a sophisticated look.
Designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel, the mastermind behind Mandy Moore's recent remodel, this design pillow is a must-have accessory for your sofa or daybed. The gold-ochre colorway is the color of the moment.
According to design experts, experimenting with animal prints and symbols is a timeless and wide-ranging practice, extending beyond the typical leopard and cheetah prints and into eclectic territories.
'Animal motifs continue to captivate both designers and homeowners,' designer Nina Lichtenstein explains.
'While leopard, zebra, and cheetah prints remain perennial favorites, newer trends include exotic animals. Flamingos, tigers, and peacocks are showing up in decor, particularly in tropical and bohemian themes. Meanwhile, abstract animal prints and modern takes on classic animal patterns, like watercolor or minimalist renditions, are perfect for contemporary spaces.'
Nina also says there are more subtle ways to incorporate this print in the realm of Japandi and nature-inspired aesthetics: 'As sustainability and biophilic design gain momentum, animal motifs tied to natural settings (e.g., birds, bees, and butterflies) are more popular than ever,' she tells us.
If you prefer a bolder approach, like Lainey, this leopard rug from Anthropologie, or this wingback chair from Wayfair would both work wonders in an entryway.
