Animal magnetism

The use of animal skins in interior decorating has a long and distinguished history dating back centuries. It wasn't long ago that the presence of a lion, tiger, or bearskin indoors indicated an honorable victory in the wilds. For a variety of reasons today, there is rarely a worthy motive to injure or mortally wound one of these regal creatures. However, despite the fact that most of us would never dream of using real animal skins for decorating, their patterns continue to enthrall, lending an air of exoticism to modern interiors. Inspired by the real life coats of the giraffe, zebra, cheetah, snow tiger, Bengal tiger, and leopard, animal prints give rooms a slight accent, as if they have traveled across oceans or desert sand.

Kimberley's Wild Guide to Animal Prints

• Underfoot, animal stripes such as zebra are an effective way to enliven a room's energy and break up rigidity. The pattern may be printed on a wool carpet, painted on a floorcloth or even printed onto cowhide.
• A classic that works year in, year out is a leopard-patterned stair runner. According to Janet Daniel of Elte Carpets, "Part of the reason this particular pattern has enjoyed such success is its natural ability to hide a multitude of stains. Available in wool or nylon pile cut loop well, these elegant patterns create a neutral, though vibrant backdrop."
• Faux cheetah, zebra, tiger, and leopard patterns are easily incorporated into neutral interiors, breathing new life into reserved interiors. Robert Allen Fine Fabrics has a great selection of synthetics that look great, feel great, and wear beautifully.
• A leopard print lampshade or night-light accents traditional or contemporary rooms. La Crème Décor in St. Jacobs, Guelph, or Niagara on the Lake has a fun selection of night-lights in the $15.00 range - the price point makes it an excellent hostess gift or year-end thank you for teachers!
• "Women aren't just accessorizing with faux fur, they're curling up at home with it." So says Shirly McLeod whose company Pompous Pleasures manufactures the most luxurious lines of pillows, throws, baby blankets, even luggage, in realistic "coyote", "sable", and "ranch mink". Shirly's fauxs are so authentic looking they have been known to fool the experts, but rest assured, they are 100% synthetic and fully washable.
• For exotic appeal, the peacock faux fur throw with its smoky gray tones is irresistible.
• Authentic cowhide has a variety of appealing patterns in various brown, black, white and russet colours. As well, cowhide is being imprinted with all manner of animal patterns, including giraffe, zebra, cheetah, and tiger.
• Val Manzo of Kravet Fabrics says that faux skins are particularly alluring to those with an eccentric side; preferring eclectic or bohemian settings. Used as an accent in a formal setting, a damask sofa and striped silk drapes for instance, the faux skins add an element of exoticism.
• Decorative artist Beth Halstead suggests faux tortoiseshell is one of the most alluring, seductive paint finishes available for use on interior surfaces such as walls, custom molding, or the ceiling; anywhere a cozy, exotic atmosphere is desired.

Decorating for Erin Brockovich

Last year I decorated a dressing room for Erin Brockovich, the feisty heroine immortalized in the movie that bears her name. Since I'd had the opportunity to work for Erin on a previous occasion, decorating the stage at Roy Thompson Hall for one of her public appearances, I knew the finished room would have to be as colorful and provocative as the woman herself.

To create a dynamic, energetic space that could stand up to this larger than life personality I began with a brazen colour story in lipstick red for the walls. Next, Erin and I visited Robert Allen Fine Fabrics in Designer's Walk where we toured the showroom and mugged for some photos with the staff. Erin was immediately attracted to the faux animal prints and we agreed to incorporate zebra, leopard, and cheetah patterns into the finished room - which she loved, by the way. Proving that good taste doesn't have to whisper!