Animalcore Design: The Wild New Trend Galloping into Interior Design

Animal prints have been a major staple in everything from fashion to interior design for decades. Today, it’s more than just their unique patterns making a statement in home décor. Animalcore design takes your interior style to the next level by featuring the animals themselves in all their glory. 

Whether it’s a unique work of art in the dining room of your Portland home, a statement piece on your coffee table in your Chicago apartment, or a full on safari in your Houston rental home, we’ve rounded up plenty of expert tips in this Redfin article to help you explore your wild side. 

What is animalcore design? 

Animalcore design emphasizes the use of three-dimensional animals as interior design pieces. “Nature has always been the most brilliant designer,” says Galit from BaBoo, an artisan home décor collection in New York City. “Their shapes, textures, colors, and movements are pure poetry. They don’t try to be charming–they just are. Why not bring a little of that wonder into your home?” 

There are an endless number of ways to interpret and incorporate this unique trend into your own designs. “We’re not talking about building a jungle in your living room, unless you want to,” Galit adds, “but adding an animal-inspired piece is a great way to inject life and whimsy into a space.” 

“This trend can really be interpreted in many different ways,” adds Andrea, designer and creator of Andrea Sinkin Design. “It’s timeless, whimsical, and quirky, and while it may not be for everyone, it sure is for me. Animals are a source of comfort, love, fear, and fascination. You can highlight a number of different moods and themes depending on the animals you lean towards. Incorporating it can be as simple as a wicker side table shaped like an animal or printed wallpaper. The main thing: don’t be shy, and have fun with it!”

Why is animalcore important? 

While utilizing animals in décor can be fun, edgy, and trendy, it also provides an important reminder. This trend opens up the opportunity to support real wildlife with your design choices. Here’s what Brett Blumenthal, wildlife conservation artist of Brett Blumenthal Art and children’s art line Tiny Toes Design, notes about animalcore:

“It’s important to me that we embrace this aesthetic in an authentic and purpose-driven way and promote real conservation efforts. You can make your design both beautiful and meaningful by incorporating intentional elements into your space. Choosing animals you have a personal connection to, highlighting ones you want to support for conservation, or seeking out pieces from designers who give back to conservation efforts adds a layer of ethical consideration and storytelling to your choices.” 

Key features of animalcore

“Animalcore design taps into our primal connection with nature,” explains Vamsha, designer and owner of Saffron Interiors in Millstone, NJ. “This trend brings bold patterns, textures, and silhouettes to everyday spaces. It’s a design language rooted in instinct and elegance, and it’s about channeling the wild in a curated way.” 

Depending on your personal style, there are a number of unique ways to blend animal décor into your interior design. 

Ways to lean into the animalcore design in your home

1. Playful and fun

Remembering to have fun is arguably the most important element of any new design trend, and animalcore embraces this with open wings. 

“We love anything that adds fun and character to a space,” shares Bri, founder of Yililo, which emphasizes a colorful, feel-good approach to décor. “From tortoiseshell chopping boards and leopard print coasters to quirky art featuring a cat in an astronaut suit, it’s all about adding playful, personality-packed twists to everyday items.” 

“Start with one animal that makes you smile,” suggests Rachel, creator of Rachel Jackson Design specializing in neuroinclusive spaces. “The goal is that it sparks a moment of joy or amusement as you pass by during your day. My favorite piece in my home is a dancing frog who often holds a candle, a stick of lit palo santo wood, or a shiny red ornament when it’s time for holiday décor. The best design choices make your home feel more like you.” 

2. Exotic and wild 

“Animalcore encourages homeowners to embrace their wild sides with unique textures, patterns, and sculptural elements that bring a touch of the exotic indoors,” shares XoticBrands, a curated home décor collection with a focus on unique, classically inspired designs. “Think expressive art, unique textiles, or sculptural accents that speak to your favorite creatures and bring nature’s power and beauty into your home.” 

“If you can’t go to the animals, bring them to you, in the safest, warmest way possible,” says Rebecca, print and surface pattern designer of Rebecca Milner Design. “Animal décor is a joyful way to add character, comfort, and a touch of the wild to your home. Surround yourself with creature-inspired artwork, patterns, or playful home décor.” 

3. Rooted in nature

The heart of animalcore is its celebration of nature and the animals we share the world with. 

“We believe people need to stay close to nature to feel truly grounded, and animals are one of the most powerful ways to connect with that energy,” adds Zxy Chair, a source for premium stylish chairs. “Animal shaped furniture brings that natural vitality into the home. It’s especially meaningful for families with children, helping to foster a love of nature from an early age.” 

“In a time where society feels increasingly disconnected from the natural world, animalcore gives us all a chance to reconnect and truly appreciate nature,” says James Ort, an artist who specializes in ceramic animal pieces. “I love how my ceramic animals can occupy a space and add a wild ambiance.” 

4. Bold statements 

While leopard spots and tiger stripes serve as camouflage in the wild, they transform into striking accents that define the boldness of the animalcore design trend.

“Nowadays, leopard print is almost a neutral in my home décor,” shares Stephanie, principal designer and creator of Rumble Interiors in Ellensburg, WA. “Skulls also make a striking statement, and blend well with various styles; however, incorporating them requires a bold and daring approach to truly integrate them into your home’s aesthetic.” 

“Just one bold piece can anchor a room and spark conversation,” adds Dekadron Warehouse, home to a plethora of unique metal wall décor. “We love seeing the animalcore trend celebrate the spirit of nature through statement wall art, especially in our metal silhouettes of wolves, deer, and birds. It’s a perfect way to personalize your space without a full makeover.” 

5. Enchanted and charming

If big and bold doesn’t fit your style, embrace the more subtle, charming side of animalcore. 

“It’s all about bringing the gentle magic of the forest into your home,” assures GreenLeaf Woodworks, a small family owned business in Greeneville, TN. “It can have a whimsical aesthetic that blends the cozy charm of woodland creatures with rustic, nature-inspired décor to evoke a sense of storybook wonder. Using key visuals like foxes, deer, mushrooms, and soft earth tones paired with natural textures makes homes feel like enchanting forest retreats.” 

“This trend is so imaginative and whimsical,” adds Sabina, home enthusiast, designer, and creator of Home Style Matters. “I love how it blends cozy cottage vibes with playful, lifelike animal elements. Adding fox-shaped cushions, vintage wildlife prints, or ceramic woodland creatures nestled on bookshelves is a great way to add animal décor to your space.”

FAQs about the animalcore design trend

With so many options come so many questions. From dos and don’ts to the best ways to blend this style with your own, these experts have all the answers you need.

Q: How can I make animalcore design feel personal to me?

Burst Living, hand-carved wooden nature décor specialists based in San Diego, suggest identifying your favorite animal to add a personal touch. 

If you’re a fan of turtles, their hand-carved tropical turtles are a great way to get started with animal décor, blending well with a variety of interiors and providing a unique focal point to reflect your unique style. 

Q: How does animal print evolve into animalcore?

“Say ‘animal print’ and we likely think first of leopard which, like the animal itself, often represents power, fierceness, allure, and independence,” says Jill Hawkins, trend researcher, fashion psychologist, and creator of The Future Thief. “However, these prints aren’t for everyone, and it’s now so saturated in the fashion and interiors space that style mavens are seeking something else, something different, to satisfy their needs.”

“Animalcore embraces the thirst for another option,” she explains. “It offers a message that you want to showcase your fun side, but want a neutral that’s a little different. Dressing yourself or your home in a nod to deer print, llama shapes, or anteater motifs offers a sense of humor and a bold hint of stylistic savvy.”

Q: What animals are trending in today’s designs?

“At my homewares boutique in Abilene, TX, Oakstreet Shoppe, you will find everything from pups and swans to bunnies, crafted in silver, pottery, brass, carved wood—you name it,” shares Rebecca, owner of Rebecca Gibbs Design + Build. “I am constantly sourcing vintage pup figurines because our shoppers love dogs, and they don’t last long on our shoppe floor, whether doorstops or shelf sculptures. Swans also sell really well. I love this vintage pair I used to style a kitchen remodel.”

Q: How can I embrace this trend without redesigning my whole home?

“For those who want to embrace this trend without a complete overhaul, consider adding animal-themed throw pillows, wall art, or decorative accents that showcase your favorite creatures,” suggests Jen, owner of Homecrest & Co. an online shop for home décor and specialty gifts. “Incorporating lifelike animal motifs, textures, and sculptures can create a space that feels both adventurous and cozy.” 

“With how often trends come and go, it’s really important to remember that they should be layered, not forced,” adds Hanna, founder of The Coffee Table Book, a unique, functional décor piece that holds your memories and adapts to your space with swappable covers. “Add one or two bold, intentional pieces that nod to the animalcore aesthetic. If it clashes a little, that’s even better.”

Q: How can animalcore be both fun and functional?

“A fun way to incorporate animal décor is finding pieces that provide not only style, but function,” says Lindsey, shop manager of Kitsch & Color, home to retro, vibrant, and fun home décor. “We love décor that is larger than life with an unexpected surprise, like a cookie jar that looks like you’re reaching into a lion’s mouth or a striking 1960s black panther glass coffee table.”

Q: Can I blend animalcore design with other trends? 

One of the great benefits of the animalcore trend is its versatility. No matter what style you’re currently into, it’s easy to add animal décor to any trend. “Both wicker and animalcore are wildly popular trends,” shares Beth, interior designer and design blogger of Chinoiserie Chic. “Combine the two with wicker animals that add a touch of whimsy and nature to your home décor. Go with purely decorative pieces like wicker dogs, monkeys, or flamingos, or choose functional elephant-shaped tables or wicker baskets in the shapes of giraffes or rabbits.”

Animalcore design: A moo-ving trend fit for any style

Animalcore design adds an endless array of options to add character, personality, and joy into your interior design. Whether you’re connecting with your inner child, looking for a new element to add to your maximalist designs, or honoring your favorite animals, there’s a perfect way to fit this boldly whimsical trend into any space in your home.

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