Timeless Chic: The Irresistible Allure of Safari Style

While décor and fashion trends come and go, one remains perennially in vogue: safari style. The quintessential look that started in colonial Kenya continues to evolve in new iterations—chic and timeless, with just the right amount of edge.

African-inspired design also appeals to our sense of wanderlust. Can’t escape IRL? No problem. A touch of the exotic in your interior or wardrobe instantly brings it all home.

Inspiration abounds. Look no further than the extraordinary African destinations featured in travel expert Melissa Biggs Bradley’s Safari Style. The former travel editor of Town & Country—and now owner of boutique travel company Indagare—gives readers a glimpse inside exceptional destinations in seven countries, from lavish resorts throughout South Africa to Rwanda’s enviro-friendly camps.

On the home front, safari design is inspired by nature, utilizing natural shapes, textures, and finishes. Colors lean to the rich and warm—deep earth tones, burnt orange, and burgundy—often accented with soft beiges and creams. Materials include sandstone, terracotta, rattan and wood (think ebony, mahogany, cedar).

On the fashion front, animal prints are a forever favorite. “It’s usually a matter of pinpointing what specific fauna-inspired graphic that designers are gravitating to en masse—it could be leopard spots one fall, then zebra stripes the next,” according to Fashionista.com.

The good news is the look is not just reserved for risk takers.

Here, ways to make a statement—whether you go bold, subtle, or anywhere in between.

Treat animal prints as neutrals.

Feel free to mix and match with an array of colors and patterns. Leopard and bright florals? Yes, please.

Designers also love to layer multiple animal prints. The key is varying the scale. A larger zebra print rug, for example, appears right at home with pillows sporting a smaller-scale design.

Before taking the plunge, you may want to just dip in a toe. (Leopard print pumps, anyone?)

Along with pillows, other low commitment options include throws, bedding, tabletop, and decorative items.

Wallpaper designs run the gamut, from stylish and sophisticated to fun and fanciful. Go over-the-top in a guest bathroom, more whimsical in the nursery.

Finally, treat yourself to an investment piece.

A Casa Armani chair, for example, is eternally chic. Or for art aficionados, renowned British photographer David Yarrow specializes in capturing the natural world and its endangered beauty. And as any fashion girl can attest, a chichi animal print handbag is a sure-fire way to elevate any outfit.

Meet travel expert Melissa Biggs Bradley at Dallas’ Interabang Books on Wednesday, Nov. 17 to sign copies of Safari Style.