Tribal Takeover

If you're already on to the Tribal trend, then read on at your leisure, or take the day off. Well done you. If not, then I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's a new trend in town and it's going to make your bright tropical prints seem a little last year. Say hello to Soft Tribal. Yes, that's right, it's time to retire your tropical brights and get a bit muddy. No, not literally, though you can if you want to.

Don't worry, you don't need to throw away everything you've ever bought and start again, there are some really easy ways to introduce this trend into your home without breaking the bank or your back. Well, there are some break the bank options too of course.

The key here is to think muted, natural, earthy tones. We're talking muddy browns, warm tans and caramels, and texture by the bucket-load. As with any trend, don't go too overboard, we want a nod, not a themed room. Removing some of the brighter accessories in your room might help you on your way, then consider adding a couple of pieces from my picks below, to nail the look. Easy!

Get the Soft Tribal look the easy way by following some of my tips! Think muddy browns, warm tans and caramels and texture by the bucket-load. Use animal print, hides and sheepskins, and natural fibres like jute, mudcloth and leather. But remember, don't go overboard - we want a nod to the trend, not a themed room!


For textiles, go for animal prints, hides and natural fibres like jute, mud cloth, sheepskins and leather. Add some accessories like chunky ceramics and even trawl ebay for some fun African artifacts. For walls, a Juju hat is a total winner (watch out for moths though!) and maybe some abstract black and white art. If you want to add some furniture, you can never go wrong with a classic Safari Chair, like the one above from Aram Store, or check out Pamono for a fantastic vintage selection.

Plants will really enhance the look and bring a bit of colour in, so if you haven't already got a Kentia or Parlour Palm, maybe now's the time. The bigger the better. For smaller specimens, keep your eye out for things like Snake Plants/Mother-In-Laws Tongue, ZZ plants and a Ric Rac/Fishbone Cactus.

You can glam it up a bit by adding some brass accents (never a bad idea!) and go for more of a Glam Safari look.

Oh, and what about wall colour? Well, grey is on the out. So if you're thinking about changing your wall colour, hang in there because I'll be sharing my thoughts on that very soon, along with loads of colour suggestions.

1. Benni Rug - Plantation Rug Company
2. Cow Hide - City Cows
3. Jute and Leather Rug - French Connection Home
4. Albany Wood Bead Chandelier - Abigail Ahern
5. Fernanda Vase - Habitat
6.Viktigt Basket - Ikea
7. Juju Hat - Rockett St George
8. Safari Chair - Aram Store
9. Carpet Cushion - French Connection Home
10. Mudcloth Cushion - Hide & Seek London
11. Shaggy Palm Lamp - Abigail Ahern
12. Black Tyres Original Painting by Al Fears - Fears And Kahn
13. Etched Calabash Gourd Bowl - French Connection Home
14. Dunston Ceramic Elephant - Habitat

Would you add a touch of Tribal to your home? Let me know what you think of this trend...