In my post on Monday, I talked about introducing leopard print to your home as a neutral. I was thrilled to see that so many of you have embraced a little leopard print but there were still a few others who agreedΒ it was really difficultΒ to get it right. The problem? Finding the right leopard print is HARD, y’all. I know, I know. I feel your pain. Leopard print varies wildly from one thing to another and sometimes – well, sometimes it just looks tacky.
Here’s the thing. You really need to look hard to find the *right* sort of leopard print accessories to work as a neutral. I wish I had a fail-safe method to finding it but the truth is, I don’t. However, I have found a couple of things are important when trying to find the right leopard print pattern.
I find those patterns where the leopard print looks more realistic are usually better. What do I mean by this? Ya see, no one does animal prints better than Mother Nature. I mean, I can’t see any animal upon which these decorative prints are based upon without a sharp intake of breath because they can just be so incredibly beautiful.
Take Meisha for example. Now, I absolutely adore everything about my kitty, you know this, but we often look at her and remark, ‘She is just so beautiful, isn’t she?’ Because we’re totally biased of course, but her markings are just stunning. But they also aren’t all perfectly formed and exactly the same. They vary in size and shape, they are a little rough around the edges. Together, they create a stunning pattern.
Let’s look at an actual leopard now. Do you see how the sizes of it’s spots all look a little different? See that variation? That’s what I’m talking about. Also, notice the base colour – this isn’t bright orange. This is soft golden beige – Meisha is the same as well – she’s more brown than orange. Stay away from leopard prints that go too far into orange territory or don’t have much variation in the background colours because it just looks too unrealistic.
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So when you see patterns that just look like someone tried to copy nature but failed miserably – those are usually the ones to stay away from. They look like cheap rip-offs of a Picasso or a Rembrandt.
The other thing I’ve noticed in my endless searches for great leopard print is scale. The smaller the item, the more you can get away with a larger expanse of the pattern. In larger scale items (like wallpaper or curtains), it’s much better to use a much smaller scale print. I don’t know why this is the case, mind you, it just seems to be what appeals to me.
Are there exceptions to these?
Absolutely. This is why it’s so hard. Sometimes a larger scale looks great on a larger piece.
I know, I know, it’s a minefield. I think Braemore’s Jamil Natural fabric as seen above is an exception to this rule. Why? I don’t know – it’s as though all the elements together – the scale, the variation, the colour – somehow work together magically to create an amazing pattern. And also probably because it’s based upon a much, much higher end pattern, Scalamandre Leopardo, which goes for insane amounts of money. (Hint: The Jamal fabric, at a mere fraction of the cost, is WAY more budget-friendly.)
I guess the truth is, sometimes you just have to train your eye to spot the best patterns when you see them. I mean, it’s not hard to know that these are just awful. Awful. RUN FAR AWAYΒ from stuff like this. But you knew that already, right?
I figured today it might be helpful to share some of my favourite leopard print accessories. Of course, if you want a really great leopard print accessory, might I suggest getting a Bengal.
(Before people get in touch with animal welfare because I’m suggesting to get an animal as a home accessory, I’m JOKING. Although she really does go with everything.)
Zara Home rug / Rifle Paper Co. day planner/ Stuck on Hue cushion / Halcyon Days candle / Ralph Lauren dinner set / Schumacher Iconic Leopard fabric / Jan Showers book / House of Hackney wallpaper / The Aestate print
So a little bit about my choices. I actually own the day planner because Fox and Star are now stocking their stuff if you are in the UK (whoop!) and I use it every day.
Stuck on Hue is the BEST place to buy great cushions at great prices hands down (and yes she ships to the UK). I have these in my home and have used them in every room. Tell Hollie I sent you.
I have that Jan Showers book – this is what it looks like under the book jacket and it works fab in every vignette and is the book you can see in my new blog header. Check out my post onΒ my favourite interior design book coversΒ for more.
The House of Hackney wallpaper is what I used in my dressing room shelves seen above. The tutorial is here.
The soap I have in my own bathroom and talked a bit more about it in my last video (I know, I need to do another video but I’m trying to sort some studio lighting because it’s DARK here at this time of year. It’ll happen.)
The Ralph Lauren set is pricey, however it’s probably better not to use the ENTIRE set on your table at once – it’s like a spice, remember? Use in moderation. It’ll look better mixed and matched with other items and patterns so you’ll save money and look more chic at the same time (you can findΒ the pieces individually as well).
The candle is pricey but it’s one of those things that you can easily refill once the candle is used up. Check out my post on making your own soy wax candles – it’s really simple.
I included the Zara rug because I want it although I have no place for it. If you use it in a room, restrict anyΒ other leopard print in the roomΒ and use it as a neutral base for everything else.
The Aestate print is so cute, I’ve wanted that for ages. This oneΒ from her shop is cute too.
Also can I please just implore you not to buy all this stuff and stick it all in the same room or I will have taught you nothing. Ahem.
Now, go! Buy leopard print and rejoice!
Take you so much for a very enlithnening post, Kimberly. I’ve also spotted some dreadful imitations and didn’t like them a bit. I,m searching for a leopard print rug but in shades of grey and black. I think it would easy me into the print, but can’t find it unless I go the expensive route of bespoke…
See I think that’s it, Sueli, you know the bad ones when you see them! ;) I love the idea of a grey and black rug!! Good luck with your search – if I come across any, I’ll let you know! xx
I’m so so glad you addressed bad leopard print in your post. It drives me insane
You and me both! What’s worse is that friends/acquaintances know I like leopard print and will send me links to the most awful stuff thinking I’d like it – hahaha! I’m like Noooooooo that’s not it at all ;) xxx
Love your post. I love animal prints too – and yes there are some really dreadful things out there. I have to say that I have 2 large (almost lifesize) porcelain statues – a leopard and cheetah – and move them around the house from time to time – some people may think they are a bit tacky, but they always seem to fit and make an impact – at the moment the cheetah is wearing a witches hat in preparation of Halloween and they are standing in my hallway next to a big palm. I love them and have had them for about 15 years. The right placement is everything I think. x
Oh Natalie, I have been on the search for some great porcelain animal statues for YEARS and they are so rare and so expensive! Keep a tight hold of them, I bet they are amazing. I think you are absolutely right though, in the right setting, they look fab ;) xx
Thank you for addressing the scourge that is bad leopard print! I think you’re totally right, the closer to the real deal it is, the better it looks, and it kinda is something you just have to learn, there is no hard and fast rule. LOVE the Ralph Lauren dinner set, but as my last two room makeovers cost less than β¬400 combined I think I may have to wait for those!haha. Just the smaller plates would do me though, I’d mix them with plain white and white/gold pieces I have.
Hahaha! Yeah I had to include that RL set but wowzers it’s expensive!! Smaller plates would do it though, mixed up with white/gold they’d be gorgeous! A few years ago I got a set of teacups and saucers from Zara in leopard print and they’re beautiful – I wish they carried a larger set, seems like the kind of thing they would carry! xx
I have zero leopard in my home. I may need to reconsider. But I think I will wait for a Bengal. (Pls Santa) I can get lost in Meisha’ s tummy.
Hahaha! I will admit that I often stick my face right in that tummy. Best tummy in the world as far as I’m concerned. Get a Bengal, they’ll change your life! She was a complete nightmare as a kitten but she’s grown to be an amazing pet :) xx
Can I ask why she was challenging? I have three kitties now. Thx
Well – I could write a book here but an abridged version ;) They are a dominant breed – or at least they will want to be ;) So if you already have cats, a Bengal will want to be the head honcho. Bear in mind, Pablo doesn’t let her but when she was a kitten, she was constantly attacking the poor boy (she still does it from time to time). She’s incredibly stubborn as well – if she wants to go behind the fridge or up on the side or WHATEVER, she will do it and there is absolutely no stopping her at the next chance she gets. They are just very inquisitive so when she was a kitten, I had no rest – it was just constantly making sure she wasn’t doing something/chewing something/playing with something/attacking something she shouldn’t and she never slept!! lol I have friends who have Bengals and they are all like that ;) BUT! Like I said, after she grew out of that, she did calm a LITTLE. I swear she still thinks she’s a kitten on some days though ;) Not discouraging you or anything but it’s probably better to go in knowing this stuff!! Ha! They do make amazing pets though! xx
Oh and this too: ;) http://www.justcatsanddogs.com/cats/cat-breeds/bengal-cat
Meisha really does go with everything!
I need a good leopard upholstery fabric for a scheme I’m doing, any ideas? The Ralph Lauren one I loved has been discontinued. Grrrr.
And what’s the paper you used in your bookshelf, it’s lovely?
Questions questions!! xx
Try the Jamil fabric as I mentioned in the post – it’s amazing and that’s the fabric I’m using for my dining room chairs and the same one on those parsons chairs too :) My Fabric Connection ships internationally! :D
And the paper is House of Hackney (also mentioned in the post – did you just look at the pretty pictures like Wayne does?! Hahahaa) ;)
Mwah! xx
LOL!!! No, I did read it, I promise….obviously not attentively enough!! Sorry about that, it must be frustrating to the nth degree to write out all the lovely information, only for some dufus to come and ask you questions you’ve already answered! Thanks for replying to this dufus anyway, that’s very kind. Almost like care in the community :D I’ll definitely look into the Jamil, thanks x
Hahahaha! No it’s perfectly fine!! I’m used to it trust me ;) I’m well aware I ramble FAR too much in my posts, I have absolutely no idea how to keep things short and simple :D If you are considering placing an order, let me know because we can always combine orders and split the shipping cost? It might be cheaper, I need a few yards myself ;) xx
You DON’T ramble, you write beautifully, and engagingly and interestingly, it’s MY fault for not paying attention! I’ll let you know about the fabric, it’s absolutely gorgeous but I have a sneaky feeling the pattern’s going to be too large a scale, as we’re covering two tiny footstools. I think I’ll need a smaller print. I can’t wait to see your dining chairs, they’re going to look amazeballs! xx
Loving your tips. .and it’s so funny because the print you warned us to run away from..is exactly what I’ve been running far far away from! Keep feeding me these tips. .I’m strongly headed towards having a pair of french chairs reupholstered in leopard. .that’s my start
See I think you do know the really awful leopard prints when you see one – trust your instincts ;) Upholstered French chairs sound amazing! Do it! Yay! xxx
Thank you Kimberly for taking all that time to give me a reality check. Maybe a leopard pillow is just what I need instead. I am wanting another cat but I will have to pass on the Bengal. One of my cats is handicapped and a new wild one will just put him over the edge.
Oh no, if you have a handicapped kitty, I would be a afraid a Bengal is probably too high strung! If you ever find yourself in England, you can come play with Meisha any time ;) Get a cushion instead, they aren’t as high maintenance! Ha! xx
Hey friend, spending some QT with my best girl in the UK today! Get ready for my comment dump :) I say yes to everything you shared…and oh my goodness! That image with the say no to bad animal print made me LOL, because I always gasp when I see it down so so wrong! xo