I recently attended a presentation of  Tommy Bahama furniture collection by Lexington Furniture Brands and among lots of fun pieces the Zebra prints caught my eye. Tommy Bahama designs don’t hesitate to use animal prints as an accent to add the touch of exotic that promises adventure and relaxation at the same time… Known for his charm, wit and perpetual tan, Tommy Bahama himself, embodies the island life. An intrepid traveler, he speaks nine languages fluently and can flirt in dozens more. His legendary company is just that: A legend, the personification of an idyllic life. Inspired by the refined, unhurried attitude of coastal life, Tommy Bahama products started with printed silk shirts and tailored shirts, and quickly evolved into complete lines of apparel and products centered on the good , comfortable life. And today, you can fill your home from floor to ceiling with the “I am on vacation” look products that promise the relaxed elegance of Tommy Bahama.

For information on Tommy Bahama furniture, contact us.

Dolce&Gabbana is the new luxury, authentic and unconventional. A style that expresses new forms of elegance, presenting itself as a modern classicism, based on superior sartorial content and creativity.
For Dolce&Gabbana, Animal prints design is part of the culture, expression and style. Animal prints of all scale and colors, are present in apparel and accessories almost every season.

The strong identity of the Dolce&Gabbana brand has evolved over the years without ever forgetting its roots. An unmistakable style, which, season after season, combines strong innovation with the Mediterranean flavor of its origins. A brand whose essence lies in its contrasting features. How cool!

Who designer doesn’t want to visit North Carolina, the “Mecca” of furniture design?And even if I have visited before, this time my furniture retreat had an extra bonus: a tour to Valdese Weavers, one of the largest domestic Jacquard loom weavers plant. It was surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the designer’s dream!
The fact that  I grew up in the textile business have made me develop a very special relationship with fabric; color combination and patterns speak to my heart. I had so much fun that I could barely stand it!.
And of course, I stumbled on the Animal prints; although I didn’t find any in production-I would love to find one right on the loom-, it was here and there in samples and new introductions for the next market. Touring around the designer’s offices, I found this Animal skin inspiration palette:

In the showroom, it was a special section with Animal print fabrics, and although they were a little too high, I was able to capture a few:

How fun!

I just came back from North Carolina visiting the Vanguard Furniture plant, and oh, how fun! I loved walking around the factory watching the nuts and bolts of fine upholstery making. Smiley faces and skillful hands were all around creating beautiful sofas, chairs, ottomans, settees and benches. Surfing through the production center, I took a few shots of my favorite Animal print projects. Sure enough there is another one around the corner ready to be shipped… I guess I am not the only one who thinks that Animal print upholstery is so much fun!

Fresh Lime Leopard print bench and classic Cheetah ottoman

Hair on hide Cow settee and Croco round ottoman right on production.

Ocelot Leopard stripe ottoman and Zebra print bench.

Ready for delivery Cheetah sofa  and Croco turquoise cocktail ottoman.

Velvet Zebra dining side chair and Annie Selke occasional hair on hide Zebra chair-this is a beauty…

Have a seat!

I was tickled when I saw in this month’s ELLE DECOR issue, an article about Kazumi Yoshida’s loft in New York. Yoshida, artist and textile designer that works for Clarence House , dares to use striking color and most definitely understands the Animal Print effect. He has a Zebra print accent in every room! I love his loft’s clean lines and simplicity, and I adore his playfulness with color and pattern. The bold presence of Zebra print underscores again and again every room’s aesthetic perfection. Any thoughts?

Slip on your mask, head down to Bourbon Street and be part of that sweet ‘ol jazz! From Leopard, to Zebra, to Peacock, these Animal print Venetian masks are small pieces of art that promise a special Mardi Gras and lots of fun!

If you love chandeliers, flowing draperies, and bric-a-brac–if you believe you were a Roman senator, a Gothic queen, or Madame de Pompadour in an earlier life or have fantasies of La Belle Époque or the Golden Age of Hollywood–The Paris Apartment is the decorating book for you. Claudia Strasser includes before-and-after pictures of real people’s apartments, transformed from dark cracker boxes to intriguing showplaces. She gives shopping tips on finding the best furniture, how-to instructions on distressing and painting your flea-market finds, and ideas for choosing the period and colors that best suit your personality. Best of all, Strasser estimates the average cost of a no-holds-barred transformation to be $1,800 for an entire apartment, including furniture–less if you already have the furniture, are clever with your hands, are somewhat restrained in your taste, or live near the best flea markets. The Paris Apartment is the perfect combination of inspiration and instruction for budget-conscious glamour mavens on a budget.

The Paris Apartment is a popular shop in New York’s East Village, where visitors can step back in time and immerse themselves in the beauty and romance of antique furnishings. Reflecting an unusual mix of design influences (Baroque, rococo, neoclassical and Art Deco) and personal taste, its style is luxurious, playful, and wholly original.

In The Paris Apartment, Claudia Strasser, the founder and owner of the shop, offers readers the quintessential guide to achieving this romantic Parisian look without having to spend a fortune. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful advice, she shows readers how they can transform their homes into a living environment that reflects both their personal style and timeless French elegance. Laid out in the form of an entertaining diary, the book helps Francophiles define their fantasy home, find inspiration, select a color palette and use light creatively. She also includes instructions for making canopies and valances; advice on dyeing fabrics and restyling furniture; tips on budgeting; guidance on shopping at flea markets and auctions; and a glossary of terms. Color photographs throughout illustrate the ideas and techniques shown in the book.

As interest in the home experiences a resurgence, and as Americans become more careful about their spending, nesting has become the pastime of the ’90s. People want luxury homes without spending a fortune. With its unbeatable combination of style and solid practicality, The Paris Apartment  is a home-decorating guide to treasure and draw inspiration from for many years to come.

I was introduced to Zinc Textiles several months ago, but recently I had the chance to use them in a project; oh!  I’m pretty much  in love with the Yeti collection, -the most luxurious and luscious Faux Fur textiles I have ever seen…
Part of The Romo Group, Zinc was launched in January 2010, as a sensational new fabric brand that is strong, tactile and urban with playful, quirky undertones. Presented in a seductive, monochromatic palette with hints of colour, the new Zinc collections integrate luxury finishes, sumptuous texture and modern graphic design, that work confidently together to offer exciting and original style solutions for residential and contract interiors. Zinc’s unique style captures the revival of chic hedonism of the 1970s and salutes the great designers of the time.

For more information, please contact us.

This picture caught my eye. Notice how those Zebra stripes set a jazzy tone for all-around fun. This festive dining room setting is full of personal touches and it is so inviting. I love the unusual Mexican dolls and the the simple Holiday decorations that infuse the room with color… The table is set; time to Zelebrate!

Photograph complements of “St Louis Homes and Lifestyles”

Who says that you have to break the bank to be stylish,  or to give fun gifts? Animal Print Essentials has a revamped selection of  special gifts Under $30! Check out the many options to treat that special loved one, and watch them Wow!…

It’s the Holiday Season after all…

Faux fur is at its best this season and keeps coming stronger with more fashionable designs and a huge variety of fur styles. Short hair or long, plush or sleek, fuzzy or dense, faux fur is one of the biggest trends this year and most women’s favorites in jackets, swing or long coats, casual vests and of course accessories.
The sense of luxury and coziness is immeasurable; and the environmentally friendly price for any budget. That’s my gift to myself, end of discussion!…

Chinchilla Hooded Long Faux Fur

This luscious Chinchilla faux fur coat is close to real, that it would be hard to tell. With its full length, it will be the best winter companion for every outfit and your favorite outwear!

Buy Now, Chinchilla Faux Fur $599

What else? An Animal pattern fireplace will set the tone. The stunning ceiling hanging fireplace Eva from Bordelet is designed to take center stage in your house. Its outstanding circular shape makes it perfect for the middle of a room, where it can be freely enjoyed from any angle. The extractor hangs down from the ceiling, leaving a space in between the fire and the hood to create an open and sociable atmosphere. Bold colors and daring Tiger and Zebra print mean than the Eva fireplace is not for the faint hearted! Opening up your home to new ways of relaxing – the Eva hanging fireplace from Bordelet.

If you haven’t met Sunbrella fabrics yet, you’re truly missing out! I just picked up this month’s Architectural Digest and when I saw this ad I got a smile in my face. This Leopard swinging silhouette looks as if it is strutting down Madison Avenue! She’s definitely a star! Sunbrella fabrics this year are introducing more and more exotic and animal prints, giving a stylish touch to our everyday casual rooms. For more information, please contact us.

Sunbrella fabrics are right at home in Paris, Milan and your living room. Available in hundreds of sophisticated patterns and textures, including sheers and velvets, Sunbrella fabrics are ideal for indoor or outdoor applications. Insist on the style and durability of Sunbrella fabrics for your next decorating project.

I recently stumbled on the Givenchy Resort 2011 Collection which features some pretty dramatic looks for the discriminating resort fans.
Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci created this full of a Gatsby-era collection that is composed from his now standard color palette of reds, blacks, and whites. His fresh and elegant solids are touched by a dash of Leopard print inspired by Frida Kahlo and her animal paintings.  “Resort, for me,” he said, “is about making sure the shop floors are stocked with the pieces that our girl has gotten attached to.”
The collection draws from both men’s and women’s classic party dresses embellished with  pronounced ruffles, lace, bead-work, fringe and of course Animal print!

Ready for the dorm life?

Animal Print Essentials offers a host of ideas to furnish and accessorize your dorm. Whether it’s a freshman or upper-classman, make yourself ‘at home’ with animal print bedding, towels, decorative pillows and fuzzy blankets. Move freely in your comfy Zebra pajamas or your Leopard robe… Carry around and organize yourtoiletries and personal items with animal print vanity bags, cosmetic organizers, trunks, carriers, totes and laundry bags. And don’t forget your Zebra hide rug…

Is it Desk Accessories you’re needing?

Browse for your favorite animal pattern desk chair or a bean bag to lounge around on that’s just too comfortable to get out of… Desk lighting, laptop sleeve, pens, clipboard, planner, mouse, wastebasket, are just a few of the vast selection of animal print accessories that you won’t be able to live without.

And for the homecoming night out or any fun evening event, take a peak on our beautiful Animal Print dresses and accessories.

Happy dorm days!

Warmth and welcome abound in this season’s Hickory Chair showroom!
Here are some shots of the Spring market highlighted by beautiful Animal Prints.

The Made-to- Measure Grant Ottoman by Alexa Hampton turned from traditional to a stylish transitional by wearing the playful hair-on hide Zebra! The Grant ottoman can be custom made  from 18 to 60 inches square or rectangular and it features hand-turned mahogany legs that terminate in Antique Brass ferrules with casters. Distinctive nail head trim of your choice outlines this elegant piece. You can personalize it with many different finishes.
Another traditional/contemporary cocktail ottoman in Zebra by Thomas O’Brien brings emphasis and movement to any room. Relating to the Zane Chaise, the legs are crafted in wood with the same Georgian-style beading, yet the piece reads simplicity and clean lines.

This warm and fresh living room by Suzanne Kasler is anchored by a tone-on-tone understated Leopard print rug in soft blue and neutral colors.

The traditional Planter’s bed by Mark Hampton and the Belle canopy bed by Alexa Hampton have been transformed into a relaxing oasis with Animal Print bedding and Bed accessories. Leopard print bedding and Zebra pillows give the purr…fect look!

Here is another classic! The Cluny bench in Leopard print is a great accent piece for  along the foot of a bed,  a foyer beneath a grand staircase or even pulled up alongside a dining table. The upholstered seat, which stretches six feet from end to end, tops understated Directoire details like a squared apron and tapered legs. Available in many finishes.

A few more Zebras: The Camp chair and ottoman with the amazing ergonomic comfort for casual lounging by James River and the versatile Oxford pull-up chair with a tight seat and back. Under the console table, the Charles hassock provides an extra seating in any occasion.

The large Auburn Stool is inspired by a stool that Suzanne Kasler discovered at a Paris flea market. The original is from the 1940’s, with French Modern characteristics. Here with the classic Animal print is a definite winner. Available in many finishes.

Occasional and dining chairs in the favorite neutral Leopard print make another strike in any room. I’m loving it!

For more information on Hickory Chair products please contact us.

Summer is here and it’s the season to spend around the swimming pool or take a little trip to a fun promising destination. Whatever the case, Animal prints are part of the adventure.

For pool lovers I discovered this exotic Zebra pool float to keep you cool and relaxed during the hot summer days. This fun animal print float is accompanied by a convenient floating tray for drinks, snacks and games of chess or checkers.

Do you enjoy the seaside fun? Don’t forget to pack your Leopard beach towel and the handy Leopard tote/mat combo for these wild leisure moments. Your Animal print accessories will keep you comfortable and in style.

Whatever the favorite cooling spot might be, don’t forget your Leopard print Sun protection hat, with the wide brim for that little extra shade,  your Animal print signature sunglasses and your comfy Giraffe flip flops.

Have fun!

I can’t help making a comment on a recent ETHAN ALLEN ad. The girl in the picture is stating:
“It’s all Animal Print to me!” Doesn’t she look like a cat in her kingdom?
But ETHAN ALLEN is not the only one. Animal print chairs of any style are continuously gaining ground in the furniture industry and they are the preference of all designers. Traditional, contemporary or transitional, there is an animal skin pattern that fits the need.
Animal print chairs are fun, decorative and classic. They appear in many different designs and make you sizes. Whether they are made with fabric or leather, they are beautiful, rich in texture and color and they bring the up-beat in any room. Make your pick!

The flowers here in Missouri are in full bloom and the gardens are ready for their colorful outfits. Gardeners pull their sleeves up, get their tools and start creating small oases for birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures. All my neighbors are busy arranging potted plants and flower beds and each planting is like a unique debut…
My beautiful lemon tree is full of buds now and the smell is truly sensational!
Spending time in my garden is so relaxing and entreating. There is something magical about putting my hands in the dirt and letting these little bodies stand up and shine in their natural beauty.

Speaking of natural beauty, let’s not forget the Animal print gardening accessories that go hand in hand with fun and adventure: The Animal print planters–a great accent for a patio or front door– Animal Print birdhouses for garden decor, and the Leopard print oilcloth tote bag for all your garden necessities
Hey, remember to wear your Zebra print cap to protect you from the sun!

Tell me if you have seen anything so adorable than this baby picture! I absolutely love this Animal print pettiskirt! This Mother’s Day the gift is just your baby, wrapped up in this lacy dream…
Cherish your special first Mother-baby pictures and dress your sweet little angel in this heirloom quality newborn pettiskirt in fashionable Zebra! Sweet and sassy, and totally romantic, this special outfit will make your portraits memorable for all the years to come.
The twirly, heirloom quality pettiskirt is made from sumptuous and soft, abundant nylon chiffon. She’ll flounce and float, prance and gloat in this fun frilly frock. Available in Leopard print and bigger girls sizes.

Looking at this traditional guest bedroom, you can see so many elements of the classic timeless design: Chippendale Chinoiserie desk, Regency desk chair, French Toile wall covering and matching draperies, bamboo textured and upholstered bed and -what else? The classic animal print bedding that blends so well with the so many patterns and floral of the room. Once again, the animal print acts like “solid” or geometric and the designer decided to double the effect, by adding a leopard faux fur throw blanket on the bench at the end of the bed. That gives a cozy feel to the room and creates a great background for the bold red pillow. Very inviting! Who doesn’t want to be the guest?

Green is the color of spring, and this sun room designed by Lawrence Boeder makes its presence bold and fresh bringing the outdoors inside. I love the soaring ceilings of the room and the lime green and white contrast in every detail. And  of course the eye catching giraffe print window treatment that brings the “wow”of wild.
I applaud Boeder’s choice to frame the window walls with a minimal size rod above the arched windows and let the large scale animal print on the draperies to do the the wonder.
And like the floor-to ceiling giraffe was not enough, he didn’t stop there. He “threw” the these delicious leopard print pillows in earth tones and let them do the magic of texture!

Images, courtesy of Traditional Homes

Any fashionista knows that style just must be shared with your furry little pooch!
Like humans, pets will feel pampered and all taken care off with this fun animal print collection of pet supplies and pet products. From Toys, to comfy beds, to fashionable outfits, to leash and jewelry, animal prints will fit your pet’s taste purrr…fectly!

I love the tailored clean lines and the inviting feel of this contemporary living room! Los Angeles designer Michael J. Skelton anchored the room with a pair of red Tai Ping rugs, and divided it in two separate seating areas with this gorgeous Chris Lehrecke daybed from Ralph Pucci, in vibrant red Zebra print. The red animal print upholstery is without a doubt an eye catcher and gives life to the architectural and organic feel of the furniture design.

If you haven’t seen the Schumacher’s new wallcoverings collection “Nest”, it is a MUST! You have never seen something like it. “Nest” is part of the  glamorous animal print patterns collection, and it is crafted entirely by hand using all natural feathers; these beautifully textured wallcoverings offer a sense of luxury and beauty that can only come from nature. Humanely gathered and arranged by hand on non-woven paper backed panels, wallcoverings in the Nest Collection have been designed in a range of richly layered patterns that feature an array of luminous shades completely derived from nature. The feather collection is sold by the panel.
Panel width: 38″ (97cm). Panel Height: 118″ (3m).

Since 1889, F. Schumacher & Co. has brought its commitment to superb quality and superior design to interiors where only the finest products will suffice, including the White House, the Chambers of the United States Supreme Court and countless distinguished residences. A fifth generation, family-owned company, F. Schumacher & Co. is proud to be the only supplier of decorative textiles from the 19th century still privately owned and managed by direct descendants of the founder. Today, Schumacher & Co aspires to be the top-of-mind destination for discerning residential and contract interior design customer who places their emphasis on design, service, innovation and luxury.
For more information please contact us.

The Haute Couture runways insist that Leopard print dresses have always a place to be and they are here to stay. Right above a Christian Dior cocktail dress in a resent fashion show and underneath an elegant 1947  silk-chiffon leopard print gown, declare the timeless presence of the animal print glam.

I was in a presentation of Harden Furniture a few days ago, and their Cow hide dining chair completely stole my heart! I love the chair’s cutting edge silhouette, the sleek gracious line, and the taller than normal height. The chair features hair on hide leather in Cow print in the exterior back, white vinyl in the front and the seat, brown leather welt all over and stainless steel nail trim. It is also offered in many fabric and leather choices.
Here is shown with Spring Creek finish.
Dimensions:25W-24D-38H.          171/2″ Seat Depth-20″ Seat Height.

$965each through Frank Patton Interiors
For more information, please contact us.

The HARDEN craftsmanship
The hallmark of all Harden Furniture is craftsmanship. Generations of talented people have contributed to the Harden legacy and continue to do so, honing their skills and training the next generation to continue the tradition of fine furniture building.
Building on centuries of artistry and technical expertise has enabled Harden Furniture to not only survive, but thrive in very competitive economic environments. By blending old-world craftsmanship with modern technology, Harden has empowered individuals to increase the capabilities and productivity while streamlining efficiency and minimizing waste.

The HARDEN quality
Luxurious fabrics, beautiful solid woods, teamed with the famed Harden craftsmanship, create premium quality furniture. The type of furniture you will have for a lifetime. The type of furniture that features…
• 10-way hand-tie springs
• Multiple options for cushion construction
• 4 skirt treatment options
• 7 variations of nail head trim treatment with options for standard, staggered or customized placement
• Stock fabric selection of over 800 materials chosen by today’s current trends and styes
• Customized fabric applications/combinations
• Arm covers standard on all upholstered arm pieces.

The HARDEN tradition
A tradition of excellence is the defining feature of Harden Furniture. From beginning to end, consideration is given to ensuring that Harden not only meets, but exceeds, the expectations of our customers. That measure of quality has continued throughout five generations.
Founded by Charles Harden in the mid-1800’s, Harden has been a cornerstone in the Central New York economy, today employing 400 local craftspeople. Headed by CEO Greg Harden, the company currently services the United States and Canada, but is expanding into international markets. Though focused on growth and expansion in the global economy, Harden’s commitment to the local community has always been, and continues to be a focal point.
With certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Harden again testifies to its ongoing commitment to the environment. With more than 10,000 acres of managed woodlots, long-term sustainable forestry is the focal point of the company’s healthy status. An ample supply of top-quality, domestic wood species allows Harden to control costs.
In order to ensure that furniture arrives in good condition, Harden has, for generations, maintained its own nationwide trucking fleet. By delivering directly to our dealers, we minimize the chance of damage during shipment by controlling all aspects of transportation, from the forest to your door…the tradition of excellence continues.

I recently stumbled on this old add of Millstone Coffee and I couldn’t resist posting it–nothing like a purrr…fect cup of coffee! And  in this wild Leopard mug, you have the ticket for adventure…
Millstone has over 30 blends and a good number of flavors to discover and the promise of  great satisfaction.
I personally prefer the plain or hazelnut decaf, with a good portion of cream and no sugar; how about you?

And if you are interested for the wild cup of coffee, here it is:

Leopard Print Mug:

Leopard Handmade Coffee Mug

The spotty leopard is believed to be a crossbreed of a lion and a panther although physically it most resembles the jaguar! This stunning big cat is beautifully hand painted on a 100% genuine Blue Witch mug.
* Individually handmade and hand painted
* Dishwasher and microwave friendly
* Gift Boxed includes a certificate from Blue Witch
* Product Dimensions : 10cm x 8cm

Safari Wild animals – Leopard – Mug

Another animal print pattern to add to you mug collection. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug in Leopard is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended.

Image courtesy of “Veranda” magazine

Image courtesy of “Midwest Living“

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Courtesy of Atlanda Homes And Lifestyles

Courtesy of Traditional Homes

You don’t need me to tell you that a Zebra hide rug can can give a whole different effect in a room’s flavor and style. From traditional to contemporary, Zebra hides can add color, texture and a sense of movement in any decor setting.  We often see them in more modern setups making their bold statement but lately they even grace more traditional rooms. You can use them on a bare hard floor or on top of a neutral,  non-patterned rug,  going with the flow of the room or diagonally in a random placement.
In today’s market you can find them in many qualities, coloration, sizes and prices–most likely in the form of a painted cow hide that imitates Zebra skin (see  Edelman’s faux zebra on the first image).  As with anything else, make sure you buy a hide that has been through a quality tanning process so you don’t have shedding surprises over the time of use. And for the ‘green’ lovers there are Zebra hide rugs  with 100% man-made materials that  they look pretty good and at the same time they are environmentally friendly.

Zebra Cowhide Mohican Rug

They say it is a trend. I say it is style and fun! Animal print scarves are wrapping up any outfit and they make it classic. They can add a dash of wild or a splash of color and movement. From silk, to cashmere, to cotton, to chenille, animal print scarves are becoming a ‘must’ for women’s accessories. Here is a good example with Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Eva Longoria that they lead the way with Leopard print scarves.

Reversible Four Colors Solid and Leopard Print Long Scarf

Enjoy this double sided Leopard scarf with many outfits. Soft and beautifully colored this Animal print scarf is unisex and very comfortable to wear. 100% viscose, it is available in 4 colors. Buy Now $14.95