As I read through decorating and shelter magazines, I have discovered that many designers and home owners are introducing just a touch of the African safari in their home decor.  This might be something as simple as a small piece of statuary from Jonathan Adler‘s Giraffe series, for example, or the ever popular zebra rug as seen here.

It is not necessary to design a room around an African “theme” to enjoy the rich heritage and warm feel of this design.  Here are a few suggestions that might help you introduce the wild and exotic to your home decor.

1. Collections:  If you are fortunate enough to have traveled to Africa, and other exotic locales for that matter, and you picked up a few souvenirs here and there, proudly display them in your home.  Place small baskets and statuary on bookshelves or frame beautiful artwork and textiles.
2. Fabrics:  Incorporate fun and exotic animal prints in your home decor.  Upholster a small footstool, add some animal print throw pillows, or replace those old and worn chair seat covers with a new and exciting animal print.
3. Rugs:  Add some warmth to cold wood floors with an exotic zebra rug.  These rugs have been a design trend for many years and are showing up in both contemporary and traditional spaces.  Depending on your own personal tastes, you can use an actual animal hide rug or choose a synthetic that might be a bit more eco-friendly.
4. Accessories:  It is possible to purchase authentic items from faraway places that will give your home a world-traveled feel.  Have you heard of Juju hats? These unique and colorful items have found their way from Cameroon in West Africa to homes across America and are being used as wall art in many areas.  Hang one above the fireplace mantel or group a couple together for a colorful wall display in the dining room.  
   

   Robert Allen Tiger Path in Chai

P. Kaufmann Panthera in Honey