If there’s one classic in home decor that never really goes out of style, it’s animal-themed accessories. Whether you’re decorating a foyer, living room, dining room, or bedroom, there’s always space for at least one stylishly-placed animal-inspired piece. While I know that there’s a fine balance between stylish and garish (I’ve crossed that line a few times myself 😉 ), I also believe that it’s all in the eye of the beholder. So whether you are a maximalist or minimalist in your decorating style, whether you love modern farmhouse or industrial chic, here are 3 animal-themed decorating tips for us grownups that are sure to add some quirky, grown-up style into any space.
ANIMAL-THEMED DECORATING TIPS FOR GROWNUPS
Tip #1. Use Textiles
Textiles are a great way to introduce animal motifs in both subtle and bold ways. By textiles, I mean accessories such as pillows, throw blankets, curtains or rugs.
For example, I’ve used my fair share of pillows over the years. Easy to change out and move around, pillows are a great way to add a sense of fun to a space without overpowering it.
Take this caribou (or is it a reindeer?) pillow. On it’s own, it makes quite the bold statement.
But, adding it to a sofa in a living room allows it to blend into a space very easily, while also adding a soft, rustic touch.
Another pillow that I’ve often moved around my home is this hipster owl print pillow.
On his own, he makes quite a statement. But, adding him to my foyer – as I did a few seasons ago – only enhanced the modern farmhouse style that I was going for.
The same goes for any textiles that suit your tastes. The trick is to integrate them into the style and/or colour palette that you’ve already established in your home.
Take these faux fur rugs that I used to refresh our Great Room for summer. After adding them to our winter decor where I created a cozy, layered effect (see my 5 Treeless Christmas Decorating Ideas (To Up Your Home Style!)), I found that they blended just as well in a light & bright, fuss-free sitting space for the summer.
(For more summer decorating inspiration and tips, check out the full tour: Serene Summer Living Home Tour. )
Tip #2. Use 3-Dimensional Decor
Another great way to add animal decor is through 3-dimensional accessories and sculptural elements. Items such as candles, bowls, handcrafted pieces, life-like (or real) decor.
Whether it’s a small bird sculpture, antlers or even a deer head, I have been known to add these to a seasonal or holiday vignette. And as with animal-themed textiles, the idea is to incorporate these items seamlessly into a space.
Take this bird sculpture in this vignette. He looks quite substantial here.
But, take a step back and he all but disappears, adding a small, but lovely touch in this living room vignette.
Sometimes, that bird has been known to fly around and land elsewhere in our home…such as our den.
But, wherever he lands, he doesn’t seem to make much of a fuss 🙂
Like our little bird sculpture, the antler (below) was a decor find in one of my neighbourhood shops. It’s been so easy to add this antler to several vignettes, whether it’s for a late summer tablescape…
…or a holiday vignette.
I’ve also used real shed antlers in both subtle and bold ways around the home.
Now, if you’re not much for a ‘rustic’ look, but still love animal-themed decorating, then do not despair! You can always inject a bit of glam into your home, like I did here with this vintage swan dish.
Even up close, this swan dish integrates seamlessly into this coffee table vignette. When you take a step back, the swan dish fits in beautifully, and all without overpowering the space.
(For coffee table decorating tips, check out: 3 Steps To Easy-Breezy Coffee Table Styling).
An outdoor patio or porch is another great space where you can add animal-themed details. Can you spot the animal planter below?
Yes, you guessed it! He’s been corralled into an outdoor tray with a few other accessories.
(To take the full pictorial & video tour, see my Colorful Curated Patio Space).
SOMETIMES, however, I’ve been known to break my own rule (for integrating animal motifs subtly, that is) with a big ol’ statement piece like this floral crown I DIY’d and attached to this deer head. Here’s my boldest take on animal-themed decorating at home. (Note the chipmunk pic on the candle – I just couldn’t resist 🙂 ).
(To get the tutorial, click here: How to Make a Floral Crown for a Deer Head).
Tip #3. Use Animal-Themed Wall Art
Last, but not least, is integrating animal-themed wall art into your space. It’s one of the easiest ways to add a touch of your favourite animal-inspired decor into your home.
Here are just a few of the ways that I’ve done this:
Can you spot the ducks in this artwork?
Here is a closer look.
You’re artwork need not be bold to make a statement. Take this butterflies print. I love how soft and sweet this artwork is, making it easy to add to any vignette.
(To see how I transformed a thrift store find into the above-pictured centerpiece, check out: Simple Fall Pinecone Bowl Decor DIY.)
But if you don’t mind a more bold print, then something like this deer head (a favourite of mine) may suit you better.
Indeed, not all wall statements need to be subtle. A craft room or a baby’s room is the perfect place to add more whimsy into a space. As someone who loves textures, it will come as no surprise that this vintage owl art/dish made it’s way into a display showcasing the wall weavings & punch needle hoop art that I’ve created this season. I think he fits in well. Don’t you?
(To take the full tour, go to my Facebook Live video recording: My New Craft Room Tour).
Final Thoughts: Animal-Themed Decorating Tips for Grown-ups
Whether you prefer things soft and subtle, or bold and colourful, these animal-themed decorating tips are a great way to help you figure out how to layer in animal motifs in a stylishly quirky way.
Here are some more thoughts on incorporating animal-inspired decor at home:
Bonus Tips:
- Add no more than 1-3 animal-themed accessories per room. Of course, this all depends on the scale of your items, but if you’re not sure, then it’s best to keep things subtle.
- Stand back & take a picture: The best way to determine if you’ve gone from stylish to garish is by adding one piece, then standing back to re-assesses the space. Take a few pictures, while you’re at it. Sometimes, seeing your space in a photograph will give a better perspective.
- Mix it up: If you’re adding more than one animal-themed accessory, then try to mix things up. 1 pillow + 1 antler + 1 art print = a balanced animal-themed space. Too much of any one thing could overpower a space.
I hope these animal-themed decorating tips for grownups has you thinking about animal decor in a positive light. I know it’s not for everyone. But for those of us who love animals (and you know who you are) then I say ignore the naysayers and add a little fun and furry personality into your home. Decorating is personal and it should be fun, so enjoy the process.
Happy decorating 🙂
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