Winter 2013 how balanced is your teeter totter? the art of the scoop on 1 new year animal appeal by traci zeller w ould you “take a walk on the wild side” and use animal print in your interior design? Please tell me the answer is yes! If your room is lacking a little bit of “oomph,” an animal-inspired need. The pattern, color and texture of animal prints or furs add interest and energy to just about any space. Zebra, leopard, cheetah, snake colors range from those found in nature to those only imagined. Best of all, animal prints and furs are available at all price points and in real or faux versions. In this traditional living room, I relied upon animal print pillows to strengthen the color story and add another layer of pattern and texture. The small scale of the print does not compete with the striped window treatments or the classic styling of the spool chair, but instead makes the vignette more vibrant and youthful. Pillows, throws and rugs are easy ways to incorporate animal print or furs into your décor. A few of my favorites are the Black and White Spotted Pillow from Furbish, the KOLDBY cowhide from IKEA, the Mongolian Lamb Pillows from West Elm, and the Celine Cheetah Rug from Ballard Designs. If those things are too much for you, pick something inexpensive and start small! It’s the perfect way to experiment. Small elements like coasters make a difference in the overall look of a room and let you try out the style with little risk. I found these faux snakeskin coasters from Zara Home for a little shot of pattern that costs less than a pack of diapers. 40 multiplicity Remember, too, that animal prints are not limited to fabrics! Tortoise glassware – like those available at Horchow -- adds punch to the most basic white dishes. A horn bowl or cup, such as this one break alternative to glass accessories on a coffee table. Similar items are often available at Home Goods and other discount retailers. In the right space, I also love the look of papier-mâché animal sculptures like those sold at West Elm. Happy decorating … and remember that these wild things don’t bite! Named by Charlotte Style magazine as one of Charlotte’s 50 Most Stylish People in 2010, Traci Zeller is an interior designer known for her clean, sophisticated mix of classic and modern aesthetic through years of extensive travel, including around the world. As a busy wife and mother to active twin boys, she appreciates the need for spaces that are beautiful and functional. Traci also authors a blog, in which she shares her stylish favorites with over 120,000 provides full service design and e-decorating packages. the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples