Animal print has never been about playing it safe—but right now, it’s stepping firmly into its boldest era yet. Forget the idea of a single leopard cushion or a subtle nod to zebra; this is about embracing print in its most unapologetic form. Maximalist interiors are rewriting the rules, where layering, contrast, and personality take centre stage—and animal print sits right at the heart of it.
This approach isn’t about chaos, it’s about confidence. Done well, a maximalist take on animal print feels curated, expressive, and undeniably chic. It invites you to mix, clash, and experiment—turning your space into something that feels less decorated and more discovered.
More Is More
Maximalism gives you permission to go all in. Think leopard armchairs, zebra rugs, and even animal-inspired wallpaper working together in one room. The key isn’t matching—it’s curating. When different prints share a similar colour story (warm neutrals, rich browns, deep blacks), they start to feel cohesive rather than chaotic.
Resene Cirque Act Two Wallpaper Collection available from Resene ColorShops.
Statement Pieces That Lead
Start with a single hero piece and let it set the tone for the entire space—whether that’s a dramatic animal print sofa, bold floor-to-ceiling wallpaper, or an oversized rug that anchors the room. From there, build it out with smaller, considered layers like cushions, lampshades, and ottomans that echo the same motif. It’s this sense of repetition, carried through in a curated way, that transforms the look from chaotic to cohesive, making the overall space feel intentional, styled, and confidently maximalist.
Rexington Home Harwich 3 Seater Upholstered Sofa, $3532. Little & Fox Wild Stripe Tropic Round Ottoman, $700. Catherine Martin Tiger Knot Chilli rug, POA. Queen K Gigi Cherry Blossom Fringed Lampshade, $209.
Layering Like a Stylist
Maximalist interiors are all about creating depth and richness through layering. Animal prints come into their own when paired with contrasting textures like velvet and silk, alongside glossy finishes such as lacquer or glass that add a polished edge. Metallic accents—particularly gold and brass—bring in that essential touch of glamour. The key is not to overthink it; mixing eras and influences only enhances the look. Animal print naturally carries a sense of vintage, a hint of old Hollywood, and a touch of safari-chic, making it the perfect foundation for a space that feels eclectic, bold, and effortlessly styled.
Clash (But Do It Well)
The trick to mixing multiple prints lies in confidence, balanced with a loose sense of structure. Varying the scale—pairing a larger statement print with something smaller or more textured—helps create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Keeping at least one unifying tone throughout ties everything together, while moments of solid colour give the eye a place to rest. When done well, what could feel like a clash instead reads as curated, intentional, and effortlessly styled.
Colour Beyond Neutral
While classic animal prints sit in neutral tones, maximalism invites colour into the mix. Deep emerald, burnt orange, cobalt, or even blush can elevate the look and make it feel more fashion-forward than traditional.
Resene Smoke Tree paint, Resene Stromboli paint, Resene Cobalt and Resene Blush paint available from Resene ColorShops.
It’s a Mood, Not a Moment
A maximalist animal print space feels immersive. It tells a story—one that’s confident, a little daring, and highly personal. It’s less about following trends and more about creating a home that feels styled, collected, and completely your own.
Style Director Louise Hilsz’s picks
Doing Goods Grassy Zebra Rug, $399. Dogwood Style 'Sloane' Laying PINK Ceramic Leopard Statue, $434. Versace Jungle Animal Wild Service Plate 33cm, $700. Next Pink Zebra Runner Bath 100% Cotton Bath Mat, $50.
Release your wild side.