Walk on the Wild Side: Interior Design with Animal Prints

Do you love animal prints but aren't sure how to incorporate them into your interior design without over doing it? Whether it's reptile, alligator, cheetah or zebra, trend followers are wild about animal prints. The exotic look remains popular in apparel and home-decor year after year and it's no surprise why. It's a touch of exotic that's chic and elegant that has been such staple in design that it has become a classic.

Animal print is a fun way to bring a piece of your personality into the fabric of your home furnishings. The key is to use this particular style sparingly. Black and white is an eye-catching way to incorporate animal print into your home accents if you want to make a bold statement. Black and white animal prints used in conjunction with bright or neutral colors on a couch, or in a bedroom or kitchen, give just the right amount of break to keep each style from being too jarring. Consider accenting with animal print; perhaps a uniquely shaped vase in zebra print filled to the brim with big, beautiful, sunflowers.

If bold black and white isn't quite your style, an animal print tapestry or throw blanket might be more fitting. Tapestries can be hung on a wall for full display or used over bed covers. A plush, soft cheetah print throw blanket can be draped attractively along a chair or couch. Stylish alligator luggage carefully stacked for use as an end table is another great option for making a more subtle statement with animal print.

Other home design items available in animal print include lamp shades, pillows, picture frames, accent chairs, trimmed ottomans, area rugs, wall art, shelving, window treatments and so much more! In fact, there are so many ways you can use your home to indulge your passion for animal print, the only thing you need worry about is using it in small enough amounts to break up solid colors found in the furniture and other decor and not so much that your guests feel like they're walking into the exotic animal section of the local zoo.

Your home can walk on the wild side; just don't get drowned in it.

Brand Spotlight: Swaim

J. Douglas Design, as your premier Dallas interior design firm - only carries the finest and most distinctive names in fine furniture and accessories.

We're thrilled to have been featuring Swaim furniture and accessories in our designs for years. We always find something special in each collection and are pleased to present them as our featured brand.

Swaim has been creating unique furniture and accessories since 1945. The 'Swaim style' is unique and varied - from very modern and clean looks to traditional and timeless - making innovative use of materials and color.

Because they use extremely distinctive upholstery and fabrics, as well as highly dramatic surface materials (which make for exquisite and durable table tops, sidings and shelving of pieces) - their designs stand out one-of-a-kind.

What we love about all Swaim pieces, is that most of their designs can be used in so many layouts, or genres of design. We mix it up all the time with brands, and sometimes you need something that truly stands out - and Swaim delivers.

For more information on Swaim furniture, our other furniture brands, or for an interior design consultation - contact us through our website. We are where Dallas goes for fine furniture and interior design.

Designing The Nest - The Empty Nest

In the next few months, high school seniors will be graduating from their respective high schools... And while this is an exciting and thrilling time for students and parents alike, it is also a sad and emotional time for parents. Soon, it will be time to move your student into their new campus dorm and help them make decisions that will impact the rest of their college career - and life... and make some decisions yourself on how best to deal with the empty nest that remains.

Once their senior has graduated and moved on to the next chapter in their life, many find themselves with a room decorated with tons of sports memorabilia, photos of neighborhood children and high school friends, doo-dads, posters of rock-bands, and just plain “stuff”.

As difficult as this can be, it's time to pack those things up and move them into the attic or garage - rejoice in the fact that you know have some freed up space and it is time to think about what to do with your new spare room.

The common thing to do when children graduate, is convert the space to a home office. If this is a needed resource in your home, first, maximize the space with shelves, storage. Then deck out with space-appropriate desk and seating.

Other popular options are converting the room into a guest bedroom, a small workout room, or even a craft room where you can explore your creative interests. Perhaps you need something a bit less typical - such as a media room or even a “meditation room”.

Once you've decided what to do with the space, then it's time to design it. A simple coat of paint and furnishings with function will transform the space into a usable room perfect fit for your new needs as a college parent.

Whatever you decide to do with the additional space in your home, call J. Douglas Design - Dallas Interior Designer for some expert advice on decorating for that empty area in your room. J. Douglas Designs has unique one-of-a-kind furnishings, accessories and more to bring new life to ANY time of space.