Thursday, April 3, 2014

Long Live Classic Decor: Leopard Prints

 Adding to my ever growing collection of design books is a wonderful book by Jennifer Boles, "In With The Old, Classic Decor from A to Z"

 It was a gift from a friend who actually had Jennifer Boles sign it!
For those unfamiliar with Jennifer Boles, she is the author of the popular design blog "The Peak Of Chic."
The book is about 100 decorating essentials inspired by legendary design, cleverly arranged from A to Z.

 For instance, L is for Leopard Prints, a chapter that I read first since I too love leopard and feel that it is classic and will never go out.  I couldn't agree with her opinion of leopard carpeting being the perfect print for dog owners as it hides a multitude of sins like muddy paw prints!

"While you can cover an entire floor in leopard print and it will look chic, covering an entire room in leopard print textiles usually doesn't work."
This is true! 

 
When I installed the leopard runner on the stairs, I was tempted to put it in my bedroom at the same time.  I chickened out and put wool sisal instead.  Now I wish I had done it!  I was afraid it would be too much but it would have worked.

A little leopard goes a long way when using textiles.  I used a Ralph Lauren linen leopard on two Bergere chairs in Asti.  Just enough leopard--not too much.

Lampshades provide a small does of leopard in the living room.
Jennifer Boles suggests, "Try peppering a sofa with a leopard print throw pillow or two..."
"If you wish to be daring, upholster a sofa in a traditional leopard print fabric, but make sure that your room's other furnishings look tame."

I'm loving this book!  As I peruse the chapters, I find myself agreeing with her choice of classic decor, as if I wrote it myself!
Thank you Jennifer Boles for writing such a fabulous book, and thank you to my friend for giving it to me.

Pin It!

12 comments:

Thehouseofhampton said...

My career is in flooring and I wish people had the courage to do exactly what you said! You regret not carrying the leopard carpet in your bedroom, and now wish you had. My happiest clients are the one who pushed themselves out of the safe zone. Long live leopard print! It's a classic...
Sharon
PS Love your stair runner!!!

Kathysue said...

I love a touch of leopard, and in your home it just is the perfect touch, especialy when you put it with tartans, I LOVE that look. I don't have any in my home but I wear it and love to accesorize with it.
Happy Thursday,
Kathysue

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love leopard, I really need to bring just a touch into my home somewhere. Great post, and I love how you use it.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

We are going to cover a client's antique chair in a blue leopard print. Love your leopard runner!!!

Sarah said...

Delores, I have Jennifer's book too. She was one of the guest speakers at the Nashville Antique and Garden Show this year. It's a great resource and a fun format for a design book. I've always admired your touches of leopard in your home. I need to add some. Enjoy the book! ~ Sarah

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Delores,
Lové your Leopard ruiner. I havé à friend who has custody of her grand daughter who made it a fun transition for her move by doing leopard wool carpet very low pile and rich in gold back grounds in her now bedroom, black bed, pink beddings with purples, and a black and gold chandelier, French chair off to the side slipped in creams and a leopard pillow in the chair amongst other throw pillows to throw off the heavy look, it turned out so amazing the she went ahead and ran the caret as a runner inlaid up the hallway wood floors into her master suite the flow of the leopard carpeting looks amazing in her French home, just enough unexpected wow-ness!

I think it would have Ben fabulous in your room as well, yet what you have done to it is just as perfect.
Love your share, love your home, love your style.

See you soon.
I have hung a French Rococo mirror in my kitchen come visit.

Xx
Doré

cindy hattersley design said...

LOVE that leopard runner!

shiree segerstrom said...

Love the sconce and the leopard print runner. Nice pairings with green paint and vintage oils! Shiree, Joy of Nesting

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Love a touch of leopard in a room...I've always loved your runner!

The Tablescaper said...

There is something about the classics!

- The Tablescaper

Mary said...

W O W!!!
I really love that leopard carpet runner. Utilizing that central darkness really draws your eyes.
Please inform me the brand and style number for that carpet! My stairs could use some eye candy like that.

Mary in Oregon
blukazam@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Hey, I am also a leopard print carpet lover. I did have a stair runner in Wilton weave carpet made of 100% of wool. From hallway entry and was elongated to whole staircases . But when we renovated our home, we had to remove the carpets. Now it would not fit anymore to the new contemporary home interior design in our Toronto home. I have an idea to add a snow leopard print rug in my master bedroom.

Related Posts with Thumbnails