Call of the Wild

The blogosphere has been atwitter over the fabulous leopard print-clad room designed by Mary McDonald (in the Feb. issue of Domino)- and understandably so. This homage to Madeleine Castaing is stylish and fun. And while McDonald used the same leopard print for the walls, curtains, sofa, and armchairs, it's not animal overload. Fortunately, McDonald has not abused the leopard print, something which some people so cruelly do in the name of style (and if you need proof of this, then read my book review of "Dictator Style" for some truly terrible examples of animal prints gone bad). But I digress.

If you want to dip your toe into the sea of animal prints, you could add some leopard or tiger print pillows. Elsie de Wolfe did so at Villa Trianon, and they look quite smart against the caramel colored velvet sofas. Nan Kempner obviously thought so too.


Villa Trianon, Elsie de Wolfe's home



If you're feeling confident and want to mix your prints, you should see the apartment of writer and stylist Julie Fowler. I had to take photos from the TV as this apartment was featured in an old episode of Sheila Bridges show, so forgive the quality. Anyway, Fowler has a very small apartment, and she chose to incorporate various animal prints (something which she has always been drawn to) mixed with shots of bold color. I especially like how she has draped the ottoman with the leopard fabric. (If any of you readers know Julie Fowler, have her email me because I'd love to have photos of her apartment to show you. I think many of you will really like her home.)


Living room of writer Julie Fowler


A vignette from Fowler's home

Or, you could throw restraint out the window (like Mary McDonald), and embrace the animal print. Betty Sherrill of McMillen did, and how chic is this dining room?


(Photo courtesy of New York Social Diary)