Leopard Bark, Dh4,774 per square metre. Courtesy of The Rug Company
Leopard Bark, Dh4,774 per square metre. Courtesy of The Rug Company
Leopard Bark, Dh4,774 per square metre. Courtesy of The Rug Company
Leopard Bark, Dh4,774 per square metre. Courtesy of The Rug Company

The hot list: Skin deep


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Leopard, zebra or python – whatever your preference, animal prints will add a touch of spice to any space. Just remember to use them sparingly.

1 Tibetan funk

The Rug Company’s latest collaboration with Diane von Furstenberg offers a new twist on some of the fashion designer’s most iconic animal prints. Hand-knotted in Nepal using the finest Tibetan wool, the collection includes python and leopard print-inspired pieces, including Leopard Bark, a small-scale, graphic interpretation of Von Furstenberg’s signature feline print.

• Leopard Bark, Dh4,774 per square metre, The Rug Company, DIFC, Dubai

2 Snakes alive

We love the neutral colour scheme of this python-print placemat. Measuring 40 centimetres in diameter, it’ll garner some comments, but it’s subtle enough not to detract too much attention from the rest of your table setting.

• Python Placemat, price on request, The One stores nationwide

3 Earn your stripes

Zebra print is a great way to jazz up a monochrome interior, but the Bloom Chair from The One will make a striking statement whatever your interior palette. It’ll also look just as good at the head of your dining table as it will in the corner of your bedroom.

• Bloom Chair, price on request, The One stores nationwide

4 Standing tall

Working with animal print definitely requires a measured hand – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. You also don’t have to stick to the traditional prints, so why not try out some giraffe for size?

• Animal Print Vase, Dh155, Zara Home stores nationwide

5 Reptilian chic

Animal print will always look best when paired with a high-quality fabric. You have to tread a thin line with this trend, as over-the-top prints paired with low-quality materials will always end up looking garish. The Limoges dining chair by the American brand Kravet doesn’t come cheap, but it’s a subtle and striking example of snakeskin done exactly right.

• Limoges chair, Dh17,430, En Vogue, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai