Wendy’s awe inspiring Zebra Leopard Palms rug transports us into another world. The swaying palm trees, prowling leopards and rich, jewel blossoms catapult us into a worldly place which heightens our senses to a state that you catch the aroma of fresh soil , the heady perfume of exotic flowers, whilst feeling the much needed soft breeze as your heart pounds in the big cats presence!
Like a painting this statement rug can be the launch point of your scheme. The neutral back drop with classic black and white works with all schemes and the leopard spots being an additional neutral blend in whilst adding interest.
Choosing to reflect the soft pinks of the oriental blooms the Porto Mid Century Sofa by Swoon Editions compliments the rug beautifully. The cleans lines of the sofa somewhat frame the rug grounding it within the room and highlight its story telling characteristics. The rose pink upholstery lifts the black and provides a charming contrast as well as practical seating for everyone.
In order not to lose any of the luxuriant pattern a glass topped coffee table reveals it all ! The curves of the Aula Nesting table by Made, mirror the swaying palms while the brushed brass frame emphasizes the shimmering gold detail outlining the leopard and the beautiful blooms within the rug.
Whilst looking out for glamorous yet useful furniture items, I found the enchanting Lucienne inlay cabinet by Anthropologie. I loved the echo of black and white and the serene peacock which adds a feminine air. Although it’s highly patterned I feel the neutral, complimenting colour only adds to the interest of the scheme as well as being a practical piece of storage. Your eye is lifted from the ground to the walls as entrancing pieces are placed around the room.
If that piece is taller than you need then how about this stunning sideboard by Boogaloo Boutique. It’s had a makeover with a beautiful oriental geisha wallpaper producing another great mid century classic with an up to date feel. The muted and deep neutrals work so well with Zebra Leopard Palms and the pattern continues the flow of intrigue as your eyes roam.
The perfect resting place for your cocktail or your cup of tea is this traditional and stylish Mandalay offering table available at OKA. Nestled beside the rug it enhances the ethnic feel and contrasts with the gloss brass finishes on other pieces. The natural rattan provides an alternative from standard wood and the diamond motif adds a tribal influence in keeping with the exotic theme.
The piece de resistance for me was coming across this emerald green chair on Pinterest. Upholstered in a malachite pattern it simply oozes charm. Tony Duquette was a fan of using this beautiful organic pattern in his interiors and I can see why. The classic design is always in style and its pure pattern works so well with the emeralds of the palm trees in Zebra Leopard Palms. Not only does the chair provide seating but it doesn’t take up too much room. This look is achievable by finding a chair at a salvage yard or vintage shop and upholstering it in a beautiful, malachite green available from Etsy.
My search for chairs brought me to this pair of delightful Antique Chinese bamboo and rattan chairs on 1stdibs. Being an advocate of recycle, reuse I also believe there is so much charm in vintage or antique pieces. Their ‘lived in’ aura feeds the imagination with the stories they could tell. If having an emerald green malachite chair is too much for you what about a couple of emerald cushions on these chairs ? The raw materials tie in with the Mandalay side table and also enhance the tropical theme. Bamboo and rattan are making a strong comeback not only in trend but also due to their natural, eco friendly qualities. They are also light and easy to move around the rug to place where you wish. Being deep they provide comfortable seating. Now you can sit back and admire the leopard in style !
Ideas for lighting were very easy to find. Designed by lighting icon E.F. Chapman the Weller Table Lamp in Coconut White available from Andrew Martin really appealed. The neutral white stem is just perfect for maintaining continuity and flow around the room and the brass base ties in the metal accents. The paper shade compliments the natural fibres within the room such as wool, rattan, bamboo, wood and feathers. I thought two sitting atop either stunning sideboard would add feminine, fun character.
Then I came across a perfect chandelier by Cold Harbour Lights! The eye catching Juliette a circular, feather, light fitting is a match made in heaven. The soft iridescent peacock and cockerel feathers can be teased out to create a wild look quite appropriate for the tropics or they can be smoothed down to form a sleek look which compliments the classic shape of the sofa. It also has beautiful brass accents and the dark feathers blend so well with the black in Zebra Leopard Palms.
When it came to sourcing fabric for curtains the idea of amplifying the blooms on Zebra Leopard Palms led me to choose a rich floral design by House of Hackney. Their Midnight Garden linen and viscose reflects the beautiful rose pinks scattered around the border of our rug. The pastel florals set against a dark dramatic background serves as a reminder of the calm mood and highlights the intrigue of eclectic mixes.
Coming across Nina Hancock’s marble emerald green wallpaper at go wallpaper with its additional gold marbling made me reflect once more on Tony Duquette’s love of this swirling pattern. Used on a fireplace wall with the aloves each side in a deep dark shade or even on the ceiling or just above a picture rail all around the room it adds that maximalist touch enhancing the richness and vibrancy of an exotic interior. To add a little or a lot that is the question !
I was very excited to find the Gosford fabric at Fabrics and Papers. The classic tub chair featured, highlights the subtle beauty of this ubiquitous print. Classed as neutrals these zoological patterns slip so easily into our interior schemes. There’s something so inviting and sophisticated about this look. The sand colourway echos the gold detailing in the rug and the brass and gold accents throughout the board.
Finally for accessories the rich velvet Opium blush black cushion by The Curious Department adds the final flourish to the classic tub chair!
Whilst the elegant Morrocan vase found at Amara ties in the warm pinks. Another interesting find is the glass bead candlestick from Amara that makes the green pop and is perfect for candlelit evenings adding intimate highlights for a collected and entertaining interior.
The pretty Designers Guild Peonia Grande cushion scattered on the sofa balances the masculinity of dark backgrounds and furniture.
If you get a chance to investigate the renowned American artist Tony Duquette then I feel you must ! Wendy absorbed the creative energy he exudes whilst she designed Zebra Leopard Palms and I for one am certainly seduced !
