From leopard to zebra and cheetah, animal-print is doing a roaring trade in the world of interiors right now, perhaps as a backlash to the subdued restraint of quiet luxury that has dominated in recent years?
Beloved by cultural icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, soap characters like our very own EastEnder Kat Slater and Corrie’s Bet Lynch, and celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, bad-girl RiRi and Kate Moss, spots and stripes have long been a favourite when it comes to being fashion-forward.
Indeed, animal-print has recently been championed on high-end catwalks by Prada and Gucci and on the high-street by Ganni and Zara, amongst others, so it’s hardly surprising that they’re finally spilling over from the fashion world and into our living rooms.
Big-cat energy
“Leopard print made a splash in fashion last year and now it’s creeping into our homes,” reveals Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, which offers furniture for the home and garden. “In 2025, we’ll see bold animal-print adorning statement pieces like cushions, curtains and even wallpaper.
“To keep this trend sophisticated, focus on mixing prints with subtle textures and neutral tones. A leopard-print armchair paired with a jute rug or velvet sofa adds an eclectic yet balanced feel to a room. Accessories like animal-print lampshades or ottomans can also make a bold statement without overwhelming the space.”
Accessories like animal-print lampshades can make a bold statement without overwhelming the space
For bigger pieces, Cath Kidston at NEXT is offering a leopard-print chair in the form of Lily while Dreams has an ottoman divan bed base featuring a similar pattern. Fancy something bespoke? ILIV has designed a wildcat fabric that really will let your imagination run, er, wild.
Elsewhere, there’s a fancy Floor Story rug from The Roost, pretty napkins from Rosie Dalia and accessories aplenty at OKA. Sue Jones, the brand’s co-founder and creative director, is a fan. “Animal print is such as joy to work with,” she says, “as it’s bold, playful and surprisingly versatile. But you don’t need it to dominate a room to make an impact.
“Sometimes, it’s the more considered touches that really make the difference, whether simply a pair of cheetah-print fire fenders by the hearth, a floor cushion to add a layer of depth — especially if you have plain upholstery in linen or velvet — or even a couple of playful leopards posing as table lamps,” says Jones. “It’s all about those little moments where a hint of animal-print brings a space to life and adds personality in a way that feels stylish, eclectic and, above all, effortless.”
Not feeling brave enough to festoon your interiors with fierce prints? The Leopard Bar at The Montague on the Gardens hotel just off Russell Square will let you luxuriate in animal-print without committing just yet.
Moo-ve over, leopard
But the hottest animal motif for 2025? Cow print – yes, really. “From the catwalks of fashion weeks to the latest sell-out Sambas from Adidas, it’s clear we’re most definitely in our cowboy Carter era,” explains Gill Baker, head of décor at B&Q.
Its authentic, earthy tones make it surprisingly versatile
“Cow-print is one of the most traditional animal-prints and carries a warm, organic aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any home style. Its authentic, earthy tones make it surprisingly versatile, whether you’re leaning into a full Western-inspired interior or just adding a subtle touch of texture.”
Indeed, searches for ‘modern ranch interiors’ have racked up a whopping 14.2 million posts on TikTok with cow-print — characterised by its black, brown and white markings — as its undisputed star. To cater to demand, the DIY retailer is offering everything from a faux-cowhide rug to an accent chair and a storage ottoman emblazoned with the distinctive print.
Dayna Isom Johnson, trends expert at Etsy, says: “Where these pastoral prints really shine, though, is on a rug to add a fun and whimsical touch.”
Otherwise, how about going all-in with a cow-print wallpaper? A bold but beautiful wall covering can be bought from Hovia with a roll or two of its Moo Monochrome featuring handpainted black and white patches that’s playful but not cartoonish.
Clearly, singer and actress Suki Waterhouse was ahead of the curve when she showed off a stylish cow-print chair at her London flat for Homes & Gardens last year.
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It’s giving Cruella
For those who want to go even little wilder — Cruella de Vil wild, say — Hillarys Blinds has teamed up with Poodle & Blonde, which offers hand-designed wallpaper and fabric inspired by vintage finds, on its Tottenham Dalmatian material for Roman blinds and curtains.
Available in cocoa or ginger, the irregular spots are actually softer and more sophisticated than traditional animal-print to lend spaces a playful but refined aesthetic.
So, if you fancy taking a walk on the wild side at home, you better be quick — the claws will be out for the most covetable animal-print designs.
