It's a jungle! With maximalism dominating all other decorating styles, people are trying to layer patterns in fashion and interior design, especially animal prints. While you might first think of leopards, zebras have become ubiquitous these days. From the red carpet to your local department store, its appeal lies in its ability to instantly make a statement on any budget.
Zebra's graphic nature makes it pop whether used as a rug or as a pattern on cushions. If you're ready to take a walk on the wild side, read on for easy tips on how to make this trend your own, no matter your home style.
Why are zebras everywhere now?
Animal print is a classic (some would even consider it neutral) and never truly goes out of style, but it's especially overblown right now. Zebra is one of those patterns that seamlessly translates into a variety of design styles and appeals to a myriad of tastes. Additionally, the white and black color combination is easy to add to most color palettes, giving you the flexibility to achieve this bold look.
Zebras are making a big comeback on the runways in 2023, with many celebrities wearing them to events (like Rachel Zoe at the Curators International Women's Day dinner). Fashion trends permeate our interiors season after season, allowing us to continually observe the clothes we'll see around our homes.
It also aligns with the most popular aesthetics trending in home design. Current styles like maximalism can be easily enhanced by adding patterns like zebra, and their strong contrasting look can anchor collections and heritage-inspired decor.
It's easy to see how this pattern can be incorporated into a home filled with more traditional, ornate decor, but you don't have to limit yourself to a layered look. You can even enjoy it in a minimalist home. The crisp black and white of the zebra is very modern and can be a modern take on the trend, making it softer and more delicate to your liking.
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How to use Zebra without making your space feel like a zoo
Zebra has a literal use, like faux leather rugs, which fit perfectly into collected and layered décor like the ones we see here. Using patterns as rugs sets the tone for a room, and from there you can stack accessories to build a rich, textured look. Don't be afraid to add contrasting items. Maximalism means more and doesn't have to match.
If you're interested in stripes but want something less traditional, try large anchor furniture like a sofa or headboard for an exciting, modern look. Zebra print wallpaper is another dramatic and fearless way to capitalize on this trend. However, if you're worried about something this flashy making the room feel overwhelming, try it as an accent wall.
Big and bold may be beautiful, but it's not for everyone. If you want a softer look, move away from the typical black and white and choose gray and white or beige and cream. This color change makes the pattern less literal and more feminine.
You can also start small. Zebra closely resembles stripes, so you can layer it with other patterns to subtly update your sofa cushions. The trick to adding patterns like this and making it seem consistent is to use three different patterns and make sure there's an element that ties each one together. For example, if it's all black and white, you can create zebra, floral, and dot prints together. For a truly seamless effect, consider adding matching woven trim to all pillows.
And now that zebras are popular, there are more accessories to choose from than ever before. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and add unexpected items like printed vases or cloth napkins to add a fun finishing touch to your space.