Guest Picks: Heed Your Animal Instinct

More times than I can count, my husband, Scott, and I have had friends and family members mention that the decor in our home is, in their words, “very animal-centric.” I suppose it’s only fitting, as we are both huge animal lovers — going so far as to have four pets. If you poked around our home, you’d find everything from hippopotamus artwork to owl bookends to miniature dinosaurs tucked into terrariums. Considering this love, I thought it would be fun to embrace that quirk and share some of our favorite animal-themed decor! — Kim from Yellow Brick Home

Safari Wallpaper, Blush - $135Look closely at this wallpaper and you’ll find prancing, chubby safari animals. In a blush hue, this feels right for a half bath, but when I noticed those details, I couldn’t help but think it’d be equally sweet in a baby girl’s nursery.


‘Bear’ Photographic Print - $25Sharon Montrose’s photography is lighthearted in spirit, even if the subject matter is anything but! I’ve always loved this print, if only for that juxtaposition.


‘The Big Monument’ Glicée Print - $24Artist Ricardo Solís urges you to think of the existence of a creator — just where do these animals come from? The elephant in this print is chiseled from stone, and the artwork is perfect for any child’s or adult’s room.


Hummingbird Decorative Outdoor Faucet - $54.99This hummingbird faucet would jazz up any outdoor garden hose. But better yet, why not take it inside?


Woodpecker Knocker - $40This woodpecker door knocker is quite literal, but it’s also polished and pretty — a fun conversation starter for guests dropping by.


Black Cat Print of Original Painting With Phrase by Tiny Confessions - $20Every year around the hockey playoff season, Scott and I often wonder if the saying on this print is true. I suppose we’ll never know, but this whole collection of quirky pet prints is endearing and hilarious. They’d be cute on a gallery wall, or try one as a standalone piece in an unexpected place — I’m thinking a bathroom or home office.


Animal Print Bed Linen - $19.90In all honesty I don’t know if Scott and I would be brave enough to dress our bed in an animal print, but I bet these sheets would be really fun tucked under an all-white duvet cover. In a black-and-white-themed room, they could be just the right amount of drama.


Shoes Off Mat - $24This doormat says it all. Now if only the pups could learn to wipe their paws at the door!


Penguin Pillow, Orange on Natural - $18Penguins have been my favorite animal since childhood, and this pillow would make me smile every day. Who says adults can't have fun too?Buy


Prideful Prowl Doorstop - $24This proud lion doorstop reminds me of the statues outside the iconic Art Institute of Chicago, not too far from my home. For that reason this tough guy would pull double duty in my household.


Bear in Mind Wallpaper, Sand - $102Close up this wallpaper features a mother polar bear cradling her cubs, which is too cute for words. But when you pull back, the pattern looks like it’s straight out of a kaleidoscope. Tricky!


Peter Pug Lamp - $124.34A pooch that’ll stay when you ask him to! This playful lamp would look adorable as a pair on two end tables, or one would be a sweet touch on a foyer’s console table.


‘Nope’ Grumpy Cat Mug by John Medbury - $15The grumpy-cat meme has yet to get old in my book, and it feels appropriate for my cup of morning joe.


Faux Fur Throw, Gray Ombré - $129Bring in texture and warmth with a cozy throw, especially when it’s faux fur. It’s a less literal ode — but still a little nod — to animal-inspired decor.


‘Jimmy’ Budgerigar PrintI first saw Leila Jeffreys’ amazing large-scale bird species photographs in a retail store. Never mind the couch that was on sale; I was sold on the art. Printed large, any one of her photos would be a showstopper in any room.


Dapper Animal Plates - $8This crew of forest friends is dressed to impress. What a fun way to inject a bit of humor into your next dinner party.


Handmade Wool Rug, Otis - $662.40This playful rug would be the star of the show in an equally playful nursery. On the other hand, at this price point, perhaps it would be better suited as large-scale wall art. In either case it’d surely make me smile.


Brass Duck Bookends by Harper’s Flea - $32I see these brass duck bookends at every flea market I attend. Perhaps it’s a sign that a pair needs to come home with me soon.


Dino Wallpaper, Yellow-Green - $107.77As an adult who has a 3-foot-high print of a T. Rex in her living room, can I just say that I love this dinosaur wallpaper?


Animal Clothes Hanger, Gray Cat - $12I’ve long had an infatuation with this kitty hanger. What a pleasant surprise to take your guest’s coat and hang it on one! Smiles all around, guaranteed.

Next: Expert Talk: Walk on the Wild Side With Animal Art

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