Beautifully Practical: Animal Magnetism

Hide... hide... oh hide... how I love hide!!

To continue the trend of having fun with all of the animal accessories out there (and I don't mean animal prints on fabric... Get that real stuff, or faux real, if that even makes sense) now it's time to feel the texture on your floors and sofas, etc. While playful and trendy, these hides and furs will stand the test of time. Below are just a few of my favorites (and there is soooo much more).

OK, this white hide mirror from Jamie Young on the right is just fabulously fun. It's fairly lightweight, easy to hang and takes up that vertical space on a skinny wall that otherwise might make a round mirror appear disproportionate when hanging it at a useable height. Place it in a teenager's room, in your entry, covering part of a window, or spice up a drab bathroom glue-in mirror and put one in front of each vanity sink.

Hide ottomans are easy to find and I just love the splash of texture they bring to a room. Whether a pouf (Graham and Green), foot stool (Oly Studio) or ottoman (Kyle Bunting or Jonathan Adler), these additions will bring the element of surprise into any style of room.

Oly Studio's Hide Hank Stool


Graham and Green Billy Skin Pouf

Jonathan Adler's Mongolian Stool

Kyle Bunting's Ottomans - Yummy!!

Animals on the floor: Placing a hide on top of your sisal rug, layering one on top of another or finding one for your entryway floor is an easy way to add a bit of texture and fun to any space - AND spills clean up easily from them. Personally i would keep it light and simple if it's in your living room, but if you find a great pattern or bold color, place it for that pop of visual interest in your foyer.

While in the design industry, Kyle Bunting is in my mind the King of Hide (and a good place to get inspiration), there are other lesser-expensive options that are accessible to you.

Rondo Rug from Bo Concept

This penny-round hide rug from Bo Concept is tons of fun. I would caution putting it in a high-traffic area just due to the threads that keep the pieces together, but it is a great, round area rug.

I also gravitate towards the patchwork hide rugs. Design Within Reach has them, Horchow, of course Kyle Bunting, but a more affordable option is the manufacturer NuLoom (see below).


Patchwork rug from NuLoom

For an irregular floor covering, that doesn't define a space as much, throw a full hide on the ground. While I would take this neutral one and layer several over each other, throwing in some color in this orange hide or pattern in this zebra hide are stand out design statements.

NuLoom Hide

Tangerine Hide from Horchow


Zebra Hide from West Elm

This just in: Kyle Bunting's Zebra pattern rug in different and customizable shades of hide - oh, how absolutely fabulous!!!

For something more subtle, look for pillows or sheepskin throws (or this hide lamp, below).

Alumet Hide Lamp from Made Goods

Throw a Mongolian or sheepskin pillow (available in an array of colors) on your couch or side chair. Add a sheepskin or teal sheered Mongolian throw over a chaise or the end of your bed. It's fun, adds a bit of whimsy, and is, oh, so textural!