Safari Inspired Decorating 101
A really great way to bring nature into your home or office is with basic safari inspired decorating. You can bring the look of safari scenery into your space or the actual feel of being on a safari using different elements. The great thing about the safari look is that it’s been popular for a very long time and there is an abundance of options for you to choose from to create the look that is just right for you. You will want to select the large pieces of furniture first and then highlight around it with accessories later.
The most popular fabrics for a safari theme are going to be exotic animal print fabrics. These can appear as zebra, leopard or animal paw print fabrics. Khaki materials in neutral tones can be a good option for a sofa, arm chair or even decorative pillows. The khaki will give the feeling of being out in the safari watching the animals. If you’re going to be decorating a bedroom you can add a mosquito net over the bed to give the sense of sleeping out on a safari amongst the animals, but without the bugs.
For all the furniture you put into this room you will need to consider the materials you use. Imagine the materials you could find in the wild on safari. You should use natural materials such as stone, wood and glass materials for the structures of the room. This will help to keep the room in the feel of a beautiful safari setting.
On the windows in the room you can use full fabric curtains in a safari print or you can choose to use bamboo blinds. Bamboo is a fresh looking wood that will allow light and shading to come in while maintaining the feel of a safari.
For your lighting you have many options. You can use an old fashioned iron chandelier or wooden table lamps. You can even use candles placed in hurricane vases around the room. The light should be soft in tone to add to the warmth of the safari atmosphere.
Around the room you will need smaller accents and art work. For your walls you can use African handicrafts as art decoration or even photograph prints of exotic animals in the wild. Some larger handicrafts can be used as accents on bookshelves or side tables. Use anything you have picked up in your travels. You can also incorporate some real life features to the room with living plants. Great plants for your safari theme would be palm trees and aloe plants. You can decorate with fresh, brightly colored lilies that naturally grow in Africa. A gentle water feature in the corner could add a calming ambiance to an aggressive safari room.
In everything that you do you can find imitation fabrics and materials that will not cause harm to animals, particularly endangered animals. Some of these can look quite realistic and beautiful without ever having touched any animal skin. Whatever details you choose be sure that this is a safari room that will inspire you and others when you enter. Allow your wild animal to come out in these decorations.
