Decorating
Safari Style: Decor That Roars
Is it time to take your home on a decorating adventure? Then go for a walk on the wild side with these African-inspired interiors
Exotic, romantic and a little bit rustic, safari style is a celebration of nature. The vibrant yet earthy colours of the African landscape (think the reds, oranges and yellows of a savannah sunrise, or bold monochromatic zebra print) are combined with furniture and accents made from natural materials (think wooden bowls, woven baskets, rattan chairs and dark hardwood furniture). The look can be softened with pops of lush green foliage, and can be as striking or subtle as you desire. Once you’ve mastered your safari chic makeover, sit back and imagine you are sipping a cocktail in your luxury lodge while overlooking the game reserve as the sun goes down.
Sunny safari. Monochromatic black and white is a simple entry point into safari style, but the addition of bright yellow lends a fresh, contemporary feel to this eclectic living area. Assorted safari animals are also hidden on the shelves, including giraffes and an elephant, keeping the elegant antelope on the side table in good company.
Natural elements. This room is a beautiful reflection of nature – from the zebra-print ottoman to the woven seagrass wingback chair and earthy tones in the soft furnishings. The oversized leaf-print wallpaper in muted gold takes the look to a new level and gives it a unique twist and a more modern edge.
Bold and beautiful. If you only have a small area to work with, you can afford to be bold. Here, vibrant red zebra-print wallpaper, assorted lounge cushions (including a tiger print one) and elephant figurines on the side table create a stunningly striking effect.
Subtle safari. You don’t have to go all out with leopard-print chairs and red walls to bring the safari feel to your interior. Even small touches using the right materials can be highly effective. In this dining setting, the wooden elephant wall hanging, elephant’s ear pot plant and wooden table gives a subtle nod to safari chic.
Kudu Head
On the hunt. Here, three kudu heads in different finishes create a strikingly simple safari-style wall feature. Such kudu heads are an eco-friendly and cruelty-free version of the traditional African animal trophy head. You can rest assured that no African antelopes were harmed in the making of these stunning wall features.
Gorilla in the midst. A white model of a gorilla is all that’s needed to bring just a touch of the African wilds to this modern yet eclectic space.
Lodge-style luxury. A decorative wooden wall screen, textured hanging light shade and touch of lush greenery, including the table-top bird of paradise cutting (which is indigenous to South Africa) bring a contemporary African lodge feel to this outdoor area.
E is for elephant. A safari-themed nursery is a great idea – particularly if the baby’s sex is being kept a surprise. Deep greens and yellows are perfect for a gender-neutral colour palette. And the monochromatic animal-print wallpaper would no doubt provide hours of visual stimulation for a baby.
Animal magic. This eye-catching, custom-made door handle is adorned with the shapes of exotic animals. How many can you spot?
Wild washroom. Quirky, brightly coloured, prancing zebra wallpaper transforms a plain bathroom into an unforgettable one.
Out of Africa. Luscious palm frond wallpaper combined with an elegant armchair and black and white-striped claw foot bath and side table all lend a refined colonial feel to this bathroom.
Colonial chic. Assorted birdcages and bird figurines combined with the lush green palm fronds and wicker chairs also lend a British colonial safari feel to this bright and airy sunroom.
Tribal touches. Mix and match tribal-inspired patterns work well in this predominantly black and white colour scheme, and work in harmony with the woven armchairs and red-framed dining table and chairs. The potted plant in the corner adds just the right amount of green.
More is more. Usually, less is more when it comes to animal prints but this sitting area features an abundance of safari-inspired prints. There’s the cheetah armchair, leopard-print carpet – not to mention the tiger in the painting on the wall. The look is kept inviting rather than overpowering thanks to the muted, earthy colour scheme.
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Have you introduced safari style in your own home? Tell us what you did and send us some pictures in the comments section below.
SHOW US
Have you introduced safari style in your own home? Tell us what you did and send us some pictures in the comments section below.