Animal prints have been a serious staple in every thing from vogue to inside design for many years. In the present day, it’s extra than simply their distinctive patterns making an announcement in house décor. Animalcore design takes your inside fashion to the subsequent degree by that includes the animals themselves in all their glory.
Whether or not it’s a novel murals within the eating room of your Portland house, an announcement piece in your espresso desk in your Chicago condominium, or a full on safari in your Houston rental house, we’ve rounded up loads of professional suggestions on this Redfin article that can assist you discover your wild facet.
Picture courtesy of BaBoo
What’s animalcore design?
Animalcore design emphasizes using three-dimensional animals as inside design items. “Nature has always been the most brilliant designer,” says Galit from BaBoo, an artisan house décor assortment in New York Metropolis. “Their shapes, textures, colors, and movements are pure poetry. They don’t try to be charming–they just are. Why not bring a little of that wonder into your home?”
There are an limitless variety of methods to interpret and incorporate this distinctive development into your individual designs. “We’re not talking about building a jungle in your living room, unless you want to,” Galit provides, “but adding an animal-inspired piece is a great way to inject life and whimsy into a space.”
“This trend can really be interpreted in many different ways,” provides Andrea, designer and creator of Andrea Sinkin Design. “It’s timeless, whimsical, and quirky, and while it may not be for everyone, it sure is for me. Animals are a source of comfort, love, fear, and fascination. You can highlight a number of different moods and themes depending on the animals you lean towards. Incorporating it can be as simple as a wicker side table shaped like an animal or printed wallpaper. The main thing: don’t be shy, and have fun with it!”
Picture by Lo Austin Picture courtesy of Andrea Sinkin Design
Why is animalcore essential?
Whereas using animals in décor might be enjoyable, edgy, and stylish, it additionally offers an essential reminder. This development opens up the chance to assist actual wildlife along with your design decisions. Right here’s what Brett Blumenthal, wildlife conservation artist of Brett Blumenthal Artwork and kids’s artwork line Tiny Toes Design, notes about animalcore:
“It’s important to me that we embrace this aesthetic in an authentic and purpose-driven way and promote real conservation efforts. You can make your design both beautiful and meaningful by incorporating intentional elements into your space. Choosing animals you have a personal connection to, highlighting ones you want to support for conservation, or seeking out pieces from designers who give back to conservation efforts adds a layer of ethical consideration and storytelling to your choices.”
Picture courtesy of Brett Blumenthal Artwork
Key options of animalcore
“Animalcore design taps into our primal connection with nature,” explains Vamsha, designer and proprietor of Saffron Interiors in Millstone, NJ. “This trend brings bold patterns, textures, and silhouettes to everyday spaces. It’s a design language rooted in instinct and elegance, and it’s about channeling the wild in a curated way.”
Relying in your private fashion, there are a variety of distinctive methods to mix animal décor into your inside design.
Picture courtesy of Rachel Jackson Design
Methods to lean into the animalcore design development in your house
1. Playful and enjoyable
Remembering to have enjoyable is arguably an important aspect of any new design development, and animalcore embraces this with open wings.
“We love anything that adds fun and character to a space,” shares Bri, founding father of Yililo, which emphasizes a colourful, feel-good strategy to décor. “From tortoiseshell chopping boards and leopard print coasters to quirky art featuring a cat in an astronaut suit, it’s all about adding playful, personality-packed twists to everyday items.”
“Start with one animal that makes you smile,” suggests Rachel, creator of Rachel Jackson Design specializing in neuroinclusive areas. “The goal is that it sparks a moment of joy or amusement as you pass by during your day. My favorite piece in my home is a dancing frog who often holds a candle, a stick of lit palo santo wood, or a shiny red ornament when it’s time for holiday décor. The best design choices make your home feel more like you.”
2. Unique and wild
“Animalcore encourages homeowners to embrace their wild sides with unique textures, patterns, and sculptural elements that bring a touch of the exotic indoors,” shares XoticBrands, a curated house décor assortment with a concentrate on distinctive, classically impressed designs. “Think expressive art, unique textiles, or sculptural accents that speak to your favorite creatures and bring nature’s power and beauty into your home.”
“If you can’t go to the animals, bring them to you, in the safest, warmest way possible,” says Rebecca, print and floor sample designer of Rebecca Milner Design. “Animal décor is a joyful way to add character, comfort, and a touch of the wild to your home. Surround yourself with creature-inspired artwork, patterns, or playful home décor.”
Picture courtesy of James Ort
3. Rooted in nature
The guts of animalcore is its celebration of nature and the animals we share the world with.
“We believe people need to stay close to nature to feel truly grounded, and animals are one of the most powerful ways to connect with that energy,” provides Zxy Chair, a supply for premium fashionable chairs. “Animal shaped furniture brings that natural vitality into the home. It’s especially meaningful for families with children, helping to foster a love of nature from an early age.”
“In a time where society feels increasingly disconnected from the natural world, animalcore gives us all a chance to reconnect and truly appreciate nature,” says James Ort, an artist who focuses on ceramic animal items. “I love how my ceramic animals can occupy a space and add a wild ambiance.”
4. Daring statements
Whereas leopard spots and tiger stripes function camouflage within the wild, they remodel into placing accents that outline the boldness of the animalcore design development.
“Nowadays, leopard print is almost a neutral in my home décor,” shares Stephanie, principal designer and creator of Rumble Interiors in Ellensburg, WA. “Skulls also make a striking statement, and blend well with various styles; however, incorporating them requires a bold and daring approach to truly integrate them into your home’s aesthetic.”
“Just one bold piece can anchor a room and spark conversation,” provides Dekadron Warehouse, house to a plethora of distinctive metallic wall décor. “We love seeing the animalcore trend celebrate the spirit of nature through statement wall art, especially in our metal silhouettes of wolves, deer, and birds. It’s a perfect way to personalize your space without a full makeover.”

5. Enchanted and charming
If massive and daring doesn’t suit your fashion, embrace the extra refined, charming facet of animalcore.
“It’s all about bringing the gentle magic of the forest into your home,” assures GreenLeaf Woodworks, a small household owned enterprise in Greeneville, TN. “It can have a whimsical aesthetic that blends the cozy charm of woodland creatures with rustic, nature-inspired décor to evoke a sense of storybook wonder. Using key visuals like foxes, deer, mushrooms, and soft earth tones paired with natural textures makes homes feel like enchanting forest retreats.”
“This trend is so imaginative and whimsical,” provides Sabina, house fanatic, designer, and creator of Residence Type Issues. “I love how it blends cozy cottage vibes with playful, lifelike animal elements. Adding fox-shaped cushions, vintage wildlife prints, or ceramic woodland creatures nestled on bookshelves is a great way to add animal décor to your space.”
FAQs concerning the animalcore design development
With so many choices come so many questions. From dos and don’ts to one of the best methods to mix this fashion with your individual, these specialists have all of the solutions you want.
Q: How can I make animalcore design really feel private to me?
Burst Dwelling, hand-carved wood nature décor specialists primarily based in San Diego, counsel figuring out your favourite animal so as to add a private contact.
In case you’re a fan of turtles, their hand-carved tropical turtles are a good way to get began with animal décor, mixing properly with quite a lot of interiors and offering a novel focus to replicate your distinctive fashion.
Picture courtesy of Burst Dwelling
Q: How does animal print evolve into animalcore?
“Say ‘animal print’ and we likely think first of leopard which, like the animal itself, often represents power, fierceness, allure, and independence,” says Jill Hawkins, development researcher, vogue psychologist, and creator of The Future Thief. “However, these prints aren’t for everyone, and it’s now so saturated in the fashion and interiors space that style mavens are seeking something else, something different, to satisfy their needs.”
“Animalcore embraces the thirst for another option,” she explains. “It offers a message that you want to showcase your fun side, but want a neutral that’s a little different. Dressing yourself or your home in a nod to deer print, llama shapes, or anteater motifs offers a sense of humor and a bold hint of stylistic savvy.”
Q: What animals are trending in right now’s designs?
“At my homewares boutique in Abilene, TX, Oakstreet Shoppe, you will find everything from pups and swans to bunnies, crafted in silver, pottery, brass, carved wood—you name it,” shares Rebecca, proprietor of Rebecca Gibbs Design + Construct. “I am constantly sourcing vintage pup figurines because our shoppers love dogs, and they don’t last long on our shoppe floor, whether doorstops or shelf sculptures. Swans also sell really well. I love this vintage pair I used to style a kitchen remodel.”
Picture courtesy of Rebecca Gibbs Design + Construct
Q: How can I embrace this development with out redesigning my entire house?
“For those who want to embrace this trend without a complete overhaul, consider adding animal-themed throw pillows, wall art, or decorative accents that showcase your favorite creatures,” suggests Jen, proprietor of Homecrest & Co. an internet store for house décor and specialty presents. “Incorporating lifelike animal motifs, textures, and sculptures can create a space that feels both adventurous and cozy.”
“With how often trends come and go, it’s really important to remember that they should be layered, not forced,” provides Hanna, founding father of The Espresso Desk Ebook, a novel, practical décor piece that holds your reminiscences and adapts to your area with swappable covers. “Add one or two bold, intentional pieces that nod to the animalcore aesthetic. If it clashes a little, that’s even better.”
Picture courtesy of The Espresso Desk Ebook
Q: How can animalcore be each enjoyable and practical?
“A fun way to incorporate animal décor is finding pieces that provide not only style, but function,” says Lindsey, store supervisor of Kitsch & Shade, house to retro, vibrant, and enjoyable house décor. “We love décor that is larger than life with an unexpected surprise, like a cookie jar that looks like you’re reaching into a lion’s mouth or a striking 1960s black panther glass coffee table.”
Q: Can I mix animalcore design with different tendencies?
One of many nice advantages of the animalcore development is its versatility. It doesn’t matter what fashion you’re presently into, it’s straightforward so as to add animal décor to any development. “Both wicker and animalcore are wildly popular trends,” shares Beth, inside designer and design blogger of Chinoiserie Stylish. “Combine the two with wicker animals that add a touch of whimsy and nature to your home décor. Go with purely decorative pieces like wicker dogs, monkeys, or flamingos, or choose functional elephant-shaped tables or wicker baskets in the shapes of giraffes or rabbits.”
Animalcore design: A moo-ving development match for any fashion
Animalcore design provides an limitless array of choices so as to add character, character, and pleasure into your inside design. Whether or not you’re connecting along with your internal baby, on the lookout for a brand new aspect so as to add to your maximalist designs, or honoring your favourite animals, there’s an ideal technique to match this boldly whimsical development into any area in your house.

