Whimsical Room Ideas Using a Zebra Print
- Zebra print encourages dramatic decorating combinations because the print itself is so dramatic. If you're looking for decorating combinations that play up both the drama of zebra print plus the sense of whimsy that the print brings to a decorating scheme, think about combining the print with strong colors like pink, yellow or red. For example, create a 1960's style pad by painting one of the walls with a zebra-print mural. Paint the surrounding walls a bright color like hot pink, neon orange or banana yellow.
- Patterns in decorating add visual interest and variations in visual rhythm. Mixing patterns is possible in a decorating scheme if you give the patterns a common element. One of the most common elements that decorators use to combine different patterns is common colors. For the zebra-print enthusiast, this means that other types of prints, like black and white cow spots and dalmatian spots, can be combined with the zebra print as well as other patterns like black and white paisley, black and white stripes or patterns of solid black or white. These will work together because the black and white elements on all of these items will tie them together. The way you would use this technique to introduce different patterns into your decorating would be to find items like couch throw pillows with a variety of patterns and incorporate them into your decorating style.
- Decorative accessories help set the tone for the decorating style in the room. In a serious room, introducing patterns like zebra-print decorative elements helps you to add small whimsical surprises throughout the space without overwhelming it with a strong pattern. To do this, add items like zebra-print candle arrangements to the fireplace mantel, hang a mirror with a zebra-print frame on the wall, liven up a corner floor lamp by adding a zebra-print shade or show off a zebra-themed decorative plate collection by perching them on desktop easels on the bookshelves or on the entertainment center.
- For those who are not faint of heart and would like to feature larger decorative elements with zebra prints on them, there are large furniture pieces like couches, chairs, ottomans or coffee tables that come printed with the telltale signs of the zebra. Use a zebra-print couch as your room's focal point for your living room or den. Look for a large coffee table with a zebra-print top. Add a matching set of zebra-print chairs to the area in front of the fireplace. Introduce the zebra element to a child's room by throwing a zebra rug on the floor and accenting the area with stuffed zebra toys.