I've always had a weakness for leopard prints, but until recently was afraid that it was too much of a statement in the interior, too over-the-top, too 'bordello' — and not necessarily in a good way. But lately I've noticed a new, subtle side of leopard. For decades, it turns out, a lot of decorators have used leopard print in rugs and carpets, where it becomes almost a neutral, mixing with a variety of patterns, textures and colors.

Top Row:

  • An unexpected touch in a classic library, via From the Right Bank
  • A lounge fit for a pasha, via La Maison Bohème
  • The Grand Salon of Irène Lievoux's Paris flat, via Emily Evans Eerdmans
  • The hallway at Templeton, C.Z. Guest's estate, via Habitually Chic
  • A leopard stair designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber, via bilhuber.com

    • Second Row:
  • Interior designer Anne Coyle's own living room, photographed by François Dischinger for the March 2005 Elle Decor
  • A Hillary Thomas-designed Bedroom from Lonny, via Elements of Style
  • An area rug in a living room designed by Craig Schumacher and Philip Kirk, photographed by Nathan Schroder for House Beautiful
  • A small area rug jazzes up an entryway by the firm Elizabeth Kimberly, via Marcus Design
  • Barclay Butera's living room, photographed by James Carriere for Traditional Home

    Images as linked above

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