Animal prints have been a major staple in everything from fashion to interior design for decades. Today, it’s not just their unique patterns. AnimalCore’s design takes interior style to the next level by characterizing the animals themselves in glory.
Whether it’s a unique piece of art in a Portland home’s dining room, a statement on a coffee table in a Chicago apartment or a full safari in a Houston home rental, this Redfin article has put together many expert tips to explore the wild side.
Photo courtesy of Babu
What is AnimalCore Design?
Animalcore Design emphasizes the use of 3D animal interior design. “Nature has always been the most incredible designer,” says Garit of Babu, a New York City artisan’s home decor collection. “Their shapes, textures, colors and movements are pure poetry. They don’t want to be attractive. They’re just like that. Why not bring that wonder to your home?”
There are endless ways to interpret and incorporate this unique trend into your own design. “We’re not talking about creating a jungle in your living room, unless you want it,” adds Garit.
“This trend can actually be interpreted in many different ways,” adds Andrea, designer and creator of Andrea Sinkin Design. “It may be timeless, whimsical, quirky, and not for everyone, but that’s for me. Animals can emphasize many different moods and themes depending on the animal you lean.
Photographed by Austin, courtesy of Andrea Sinkin Design
Why is Animalcore important?
Using animals in decoration can be fun, edgy and trendy, but it also offers important reminders. This trend opens up opportunities to support real wildlife with your design choices. Here’s a note about Animal Core, Brett Blumenthal, wildlife conservation artist in Brett Blumenthal’s art and small toe designs for children’s art line.
“It is important to me to embrace this aesthetic in a genuine, purpose-driven way and promote actual conservation efforts. By incorporating intentional elements into your space, you can make your design beautiful and meaningful.
Photo courtesy of Brett Blumenthal Art
Key Features of Animalcore
“Animalcore designs take away the primitive connection to nature,” explains Vamsha, designer and owner of saffron interiors in Millston, New Jersey. “This trend brings bold patterns, textures and silhouettes to everyday spaces. It is a language of design rooted in instinct and elegance, channeling the wild in a curated way.”
Depending on your personal style, there are several unique ways to blend animal decorations with your interior design.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Jackson Design
How to lean towards animal core design trends in your home
1. Playful and fun
Remembering to enjoy is undoubtedly the most important element of the new design trend, and Animalcore embraces this with its open wings.
“We love anything fun and add character to the space,” says BRI, founder of Yililo. “From Tortoischell chopping boards and leopard print coasters to quirky art featuring cats in astronaut suits, it’s all about adding playful, personality-filled twists to everyday items.”
“Start with one animal that will make you smile,” suggests Rachel, creator of Rachel Jackson Design, specializing in neuroinclusive spaces. “The goal is to inspire moments of joy and entertainment as you pass by the day. My favorite pieces in my home are dancing frogs that often have candles, Palo Santo wooden sticks in lighting, or shiny red ornaments when it’s time for holiday decorations.
2. Exotic and wild
“Animal Core encourages homeowners to embrace the wild side with unique textures, patterns and sculpture elements that bring an exotic indoor touch,” says Xotic Brands, a curated home decor collection focusing on unique, classically inspired designs. “Talking about expressive art, unique textiles, or sculpture accents that will speak to your favourite creatures and bring the power and beauty of nature to your home.”
“If you can’t go to animals, bring them in the safest and warmth possible,” says Rebecca, a printing and surface pattern designer at Rebecca Milner Design. “Animal decoration is a fun way to add character, comfort and a touch of wildness to your home. Surrounded by creature-inspired artwork, patterns, or playful home decorations.”
Photo courtesy of James Ort
3. It’s rooted in nature
At the heart of Animalcore is the celebration of nature and the animals we share the world.
“We believe that 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,” adds Zxy Chair, the source of premium stylish chairs. “Animal-shaped furniture brings that natural vitality to the home. It is especially meaningful for families with children, and helps develop a love of nature from an early age.”
“In an age where society feels increasingly detached from nature, Animal Core gives us the opportunity to reconnect nature and truly appreciate it,” says James Ort, an artist specializing in ceramic animal pieces. “I love the way ceramic animals take up space and add a wild atmosphere.”
4. A bold statement
Leopard spots and tiger stripes act as wild camouflage, but turn them into impressive accents that define the boldness of animal design trends.
“Today, leopard prints are almost neutral in my home decor,” said Stephanie, principal and creator of Rumble Interiors in Ellensburg, Washington. “Skull has also made impressive statements that blend well with the different styles. However, incorporating them requires a bold, bold approach to truly integrate them into the aesthetics of the home.”
“Only one bold piece can fix a room and trigger a conversation,” Dekadron’s warehouse has plenty of unique metal wall decorations. “We love to see animal core trends celebrate the spirit of nature, especially through the art of statement walls, with metal silhouettes of wolves, deer and birds. This is a great way to personalize your space without a complete transformation.”
5. Enchanting and charming
If it doesn’t suit your big, bold style, embrace the more subtle and appealing aspects of animal cores.
“It’s all about bringing the gentle magic of the forest into your home,” assures Greenleaf Woodworks, a small family-run business in Greenville, Tennessee. “There is a whimsical aesthetic that blends the cozy charm of forest creatures with rustic, nature-inspired ornamental decorations, which evokes the wonders of picture books. Using important visuals such as foxes, deer, mushrooms and natural textures, the home makes the home feel like a mesmerizing forest retreat.”
“This trend is very imaginative and whimsical,” adds Sabina, a home enthusiast, designer and homestyle creator. “I love the way to blend the cozy cottage vibe with playful, realistic animal elements. Adding fox-shaped cushions, vintage wildlife prints, or ceramic forest creatures surrounded by bookshelves is a great way to add animal decoration to your space.”
Animalcore Design Trends FAQ
There are so many options there are so many questions. From Dos and Dos to the best way to blend this style with your own style, these experts have all the answers you need.
Q: How do I feel about Animalcore’s design personally?
Burst, a San Diego-based hand-carved wooden nature decoration specialist, suggests identifying your favorite animals and adding a personal touch.
If you’re a turtle fan, their hand-carved tropical turtles are the perfect way to start animal decorations, and they blend well with a variety of interiors and provide a unique focus that reflects your unique style.
The photo is courtesy of Burst Living
Q: How does animal print evolve into an animal core?
Say it “animal print.” We would think, like the animals themselves, they are often the first of those leopards to represent power, intensity, charm and independence,” says Jill Hawkins, a trend researcher, fashion psychologist and creator of future thieves. “But these prints aren’t for everyone and are now so saturated in fashion and interior spaces, Mabel of Style wants something else, something different, to meet their needs.”
“AnimalCore accepts the thirst for another option,” she explains. “It provides a message that you want to showcase your fun side, but you want a slightly different neutral. It nods you or your home to deer prints, llama shapes, or alititer motifs, and gives you hints that are familiar with your sense of humor and bold style.”
Q: Which animals are popular in today’s designs?
“My homemade boutique at Oaks Street Shop in Abilene, Texas, I give it a name from a bunny made from silver, ceramic, brass and carved wood from puppies and swans. “Because our shoppers love dogs, I always source vintage puppy figurines. They don’t last long on our shopping floors. Whether it’s door thumps or shelves sculptures. Swans sells really well too.”
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Gibbs’ Design + Build
Q: How can I accept this trend without having to redesign the 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,” said Homecrest & Co. Jen, the owner of the company, is an online shop for home decoration and specialist gifts. “Incorporating realistic animal motifs, textures and sculptures create an adventurous and cozy space.”
“It’s really important to remember that trends are not forced, with the frequency of in and out,” says Hanna, founder of coffee tables, a unique and functional decoration piece that holds your memory and adapts to your space with a swappable cover. “Add a bold, intentional piece or two nods to the aesthetics of animal core. If it collides a bit, that’s even better.”
The photo is courtesy of the Coffee Table Book.
Q: How can Animalcore become fun and functional?
“A fun way to incorporate animal decorations is to find pieces that offer not just style but features,” says Lindsay, Kitsch & Colour Shop Manager with retro, vibrant and fun home decorations. “We love the decorations bigger than life with unexpected surprises, like cookie jars that seem to reach for the lion’s mouth or reach for the impressive 1960s black panther glass coffee table.”
Q: Can I blend AnimalCore designs with other trends?
One of the major benefits of animal core trends is its versatility. Even if you are interested in it now, it is easy to add animal decorations to any trend. “Both Wicker and Animalcore are extremely popular trends,” says Beth, interior designer and design blogger at Chinoiserie Chic. “Combine the two with wicker animals that add a whimsical touch to your home decor and a touch of nature. Use purely decorative pieces such as wicked dogs, monkeys, flamingos, or choose a functional elephant-shaped table or evil basket in the shape of a giraffe or rabbit.”
AnimalCore Design: Moving trends suitable for any style
AnimalCore Design adds endless options to add character, personality and joy to your interior design. Whether you’re connecting with your inner child, looking for new elements to add to your biggest design, or respecting your favorite animal, there’s the perfect way to fit this bold, whimsical tendency to fit every space in your home.
