If you are looking to let your wild decorating side loose this year, we might just have the perfect pattern to help you transform your interiors…
Enter: animal print. This iconic pattern is back on the rise in interior design, from snake-skin-inspired sofas and leopard wallpaper to smaller decorative pieces like cheetah lamp shades and zebra cushions. It also happens to be the KBB HQ unofficial uniform. I remember when, unknowingly, I wore a blush pink shirt adorned with dainty spots and dots on my first work day at the magazine. Safe to say I got the nod of approval from my editor.
Some call it the new neutral, others say it can be timeless or feel utterly retro. So, I reached out to the experts to find out more about this pattern’s roaring comeback.
Is animal print in style for 2026?
Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George, says that leopard print is entering a new era in 2026, where ‘it feels less like a ‘marmite’ trend and more like a luxury style language’. Meanwhile, Marie Goodwin, head designer at Prestigious Textiles, predicts renovators will be opting for a refined approach when using classic animal motifs. “This year, I’m seeing a rise in interest for elevated animal print interiors as homeowners seek to create sophisticated schemes with subtle interest,” she says.
Over the past year, Jane has noticed customers using animal print with confidence, ‘weaving it into layered interiors that combine pattern, texture, and personality without hesitation’. “With a warm colour palette, leopard sits comfortably alongside clean lines and sculptural silhouettes, making it just as at home in contemporary spaces as it is in more maximalist ones,” she explains. “For us, it’s a print that continues to evolve, offering endless ways for people to bring personality into their homes.”
For a refined look, Marie recommends pairing an eye-catching animal print fabric with timeless, nature-inspired hues such as greens and earthy browns. “Remember to combine these shades and prints with different textures to evoke authenticity within the scheme and keep the patterns looking natural, rather than forced. Chevrons work really well for this, showcasing an artistic and tactile approach to nature-led interiors with a subtle nod to animal prints,” she adds.
So, if you, like me, have got this pattern somewhere inside your wardrobe, it might be time to let it roam free in your home.
Also on my radar…
But why stop at animal print when you can draw some more inspiration from nature for your interiors?
I recently wrote all about biophilic design and how it has evolved from simply bringing a touch of nature in, to creating deeply nurturing spaces. So, if you are looking to achieve a calming sanctuary in your home, click here to discover the three principles of this philosophy.
What’s trending?
- Be it zebra, cheetah, or leopard, dare to go wild with a pop of animal print. “In 2026, expect to see leopard print paired with stripes, pops of red and across unexpected pieces of furniture, from dining tables to sideboards and console tables,” says Jane.
- If you are more of a maximalist, consider giving the pattern layering technique (mixing and matching your favourite motifs with confidence) a try to add personality to your interiors.
- Brighten up your cooking space with statement kitchenalia, from iconic kettles to striking serving plates.
Spotted on social
What a transformative before and after! A plain bedroom was turned into a stylish sleep space with layered patterns, natural textures, and a muted colour palette.
This characterful DIY wardrobe space shows storage can be equally practical and pretty…
I love how designer Samantha Todhunter added an unexpected swatch of animal print to this bedroom through an accent armchair.
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