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Leopard, zebra, and other animal prints have been used in home decor for over a century. While humans have valued animal pelts since the dawn of time, the intentional use of animal prints and animal rugs gained popularity in the 1920s, and since then, animal prints and motifs have experienced waves of renewed popularity every few decades or so. Stylish ideas for decorating children’s bedrooms with an animal theme have long been a staple of home décor, but now the animals have escaped the playroom into the rest of the home with a new design trend.

Animalcore is the wild new interior design trend you can expect to see everywhere in 2025. This whimsical trend takes the idea of using animal prints in home decor to a whole new dimension. Animalcore uses three-dimensional animals, such as sculptures and stuffed animals, rather than just printed fabrics, upholstery, or pictures on the walls. This unique aesthetic has quickly gained the attention of homeowners and interior designers, and your home could be the next hot habitat for this funky trend.

The use of animal prints on throw pillows and area rugs is a recommendation you’ll find in any ultimate guide to art deco decor, but Animalcore goes above and beyond. In this trend, three-dimensional animal forms are used, rather than just animal print fabrics. This aesthetic incorporates more tangible animal elements, such as life-sized stuffed animals, sculptures, and animal-shaped furniture and home wares. 

Although animal print trends in the past generally focused on cheetah, leopard, and zebra patterns, animalcore uses a wider range of animal themes. Everything from large tigers to monkeys and giraffes are on-par with this trend. Smaller accessories can often be found in the shape of birds, butterflies, fish, and other cute critters. Look for pieces with your favorite animal; the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Materials used in animalcore are just as diverse as the animals themselves. Elements include plush, lifelike stuffed animals, ceramic sculptures, metal figurines, glass statuettes, rattan furniture in animal shapes, and more. The decor also ranges in size from small tabletop figurines to large statement pieces that quickly become the focal point of the room. While the design possibilities are abundant, there are some tricks to getting the aesthetic right.

If you’re curious about this trend but afraid to make your house look like a zoo, there are subtle ideas to incorporate an animal theme in your home. Many brands have embraced this trendy style and responded by offering a wide variety of subdued accessories inspired by animals. You can find sculptural animals in everything from small tabletop figurines like this SHTWX King Cobra Snake Figure to functional pieces like these Kakizzy Decorative Owl Bookends.

Of course, you aren’t limited to stuffed animals or sculptures. A fun way to bring this aesthetic into your home is to select furniture in animal shapes that are both eye-catching and functional. Some ideas include adding a wicker table or a metal and glass table in the shape of a grasshopper, giraffe, or elephant. This Kelendle Upholstered Turtle Ottoman is another great example. If space is limited, you may want to include smaller accent pieces, such as a lamp, plant holder, or vase with an animal-inspired design.

The key to incorporating this interior design trend into your home is to use animals intentionally and sparingly. Colors and patterns matter with the animalcore design style. Choose neutral shades or limit your vivid colors and incorporate plenty of solid, non-animal pieces too. It is important not to overdo this design style to keep it stylish and not too over-the-top or tacky. Selecting a few key pieces or one large statement piece will create a stylish and sophisticated effect without making your home look like a zoo-themed playroom.