If you like a look that is out of the ordinary, bold and dramatic, exotic living room decor offers the perfect look and atmosphere for your home. From leopard and zebra prints to tropical plants and bold colors, this is a look for those who aren’t even a bit on the shy side. Love a dramatic, intriguing look? Here are some tips for turning your living room in to one suitable for a safari.
Make a bold, exotic statement with large items
In order for your living room furniture to look dramatic yet neat and organized, it’s best to use leopard or zebra patterns in larger pieces such as a sofa. Avoid placing smaller items that are designed with exotic patterns all over the room, as this will give it a confusing, scattered look.
Moroccan furnishings offer the perfect complement in exotic decorating. Sofas and tables are often set low to the floor, relying on elaborate wrought iron scroll work. Lush fabrics with intricate textures are common in exotic decorating; throw pillows and lush cushions abound.
Color the walls bold and beautiful
In exotic decorating, the use of many colors you wouldn’t ordinarily use in your home is perfect. Colors such as aqua, hunter green, white, ivory and pale blue lend to the look and contrast the gold, silver and black colors often found in exotic decorating.
Paint the walls any of the colors mentioned above; stick to lighter colors if your living room is small. A beautiful look for a larger living room is to paint a single wall hunter green, then design a silhouette mural that evokes the landscape of any country where you usually find leopards such as Africa or Asia. The perfect touch to create the mood would be an African mural depicting tall grass stalks waving in the breeze with a single acacia tree silhouetted in the forefront.
Carpets and floors for exotic decorating
Stone or tile floors will work in exotic decorating as long as the colors and patterns add to the look. Ceramic tile is particularly popular in this decorating theme, as it offers a coolness that is often welcome in hot climates. Dark hardwood floors take on a new life with Persian rugs and cushions which are stacked to create extra seating.
With carpeting, stick to a subtle leopard print, or consider a solid beige accented with smaller leopard area rugs. Loud or campy leopard carpet may get old quickly, so consider carefully whether you can handle such a strong look over a long time period.
Accents complete the look
You don’t have to go overboard with accents since exotic decorating is bold to begin with. A few well-chosen pieces will go far in creating the rich, dramatic look you desire for your living room.
A single large canvas print of leopards or even an antelope is all you need for one wall. Use two or three larger potted trees and plants to add to the “jungle” appeal.
Instead of a dull end table, consider stacking wooden crates or even vintage suitcases for a unique look. Large black ceramic vases or those crafted of teakwood hold large grasses; brass or chrome accents on tables and picture frames contribute to completing the look.
Creating an exotic living room is easy, and can be accomplished without spending a substantial amount of money. If you like things a little on the wild side, consider the rich, bold look offered in exotic decor.
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