THE POWER OF COLOUR – ZEBRA SKIN RUG EDITION


Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” - Wassily Kandinsky.

Ever wondered what the phrase ‘just say it in black and white’ means? I’d imagine it meant a request to explain or state something clearly about what you are thinking. Stripes of truth. Black and white stripes... zebra imagery forms. Take a look into our world for a minute...

Just picture this... a group of zebras standing together, stripes almost aligned - a clear balance of a striking black and white depiction - is called a dazzle.

Image : A dazzle of zebras

A dazzle… Who wouldn’t want a dash of razzle dazzle and natural gleam brought out by a zebra skin rug in their living rooms, patios, bedrooms, study’s, offices, the list is practically endless... and this article will show you just how much sensory appeal the colors matched with this beautiful hide accentuates, in the aesthetics of space designs and colour. But first, what did color mean to the indigenous home of the motion dazzle zebra?

Africa is a continent with diverse cultures and traditions. From the white sands of the Sahara desert to the rainforests of the Congo, there are many different ways to experience Africa. One of these is through her colours. The power of colour in Africa is not only seen in her wildlife and landscapes, but also in her people’s clothing and jewellery.

Source : Trust For African Rock Art

Whether it was patterns, symbols, lines or shapes, they all told a story as evidenced by fossils, cave readings and writings discovered over the years. Zebras have been featured in African art and culture for millennia. They are also depicted in rock art in Southern Africa dating from 28,000 to 20,000 years ago. 

Decorating with neutral colors is a safe, timeless, and chic way to go. On top of that, if you've had a look at as minimalistic and monochromatic design trends, then you'll have noticed the trend growing, and choosing the zebra hide is a hot choice! So while drawing much attention to the zebra, keep in mind that they have been associated with beauty and grace, with naturalist Thomas Pennant describing them in 1781 as "the most elegant of quadrupeds". Their colour... belonging to a class so unique, that the highly conspicuous, often repetitive or complex patterns makes people want to look at something, or remember it… you know? The Maasai actually have a proverb that states, "a man without culture is like a zebra without stripes". Deep, no?

Source : Eyefordesign

Colour is a powerful force. It can evoke emotions, influence our mood, and even affect the way we perceive the world. People add color to rooms to create a mood, disguise flaws, and create illusions by making a room look bigger - using light to create an atmospheric look. The invigorating fact is that a certain color on the charts can either soothe your frazzled nerves, agitate a hostile adversary, motivate and empower you to take action, and also to bring healing energy when you need it. As Wassily Kandinsky (one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art) proclaimed, “Color provokes a psychic vibration. So you can just imagine the revolution of how much good you would be doing to your mental health, space, mood, and feel of your surrounding when paired with a natural element…say a zebra skin rug?

Source : myblogdeco.fr

Zebras have been popular subjects for abstractmodernist and surrealist artists. Such art includes Christopher Wood's Zebra and ParachuteLucian Freud's The Painter's Room and Quince on a Blue Table. Incorporating a rug with a zebra’s unique pattern or detail to add some interest underfoot a room might be the best road on your way to pomp! An area rug with this outstanding component in rooms with different tones and shades, or monochrome colors is a brilliant way to ease into more colorful décor. It has meaning in a space.. it is not just an addition, but a masterpiece in an aesthetic manner… a place where you can experience the world in a way that changes your perspective. Your personal and private piece of art. Fun fact, the oldest tribe in Africa; the San people, associated zebra stripes with water, rain and lighting because of its dazzling pattern, and water spirits were conceived of having zebra stripes.

Source : carlaaston

Colors paired with natural products is a combo you have to try! A grouping of like-colored accessories can add impactful and transient pops of color to your space. Create bold statements in an otherwise neutral space! This goes a long way in the overall balance and flow of your rooms and layouts. Even with loud hues, the pair makes the room look cohesive and balanced. You see, natural products are not just a trend, they have the power to create a space that is special. Zebra hides are also known as ‘bovine leather’ which means they come from cows. Their rarity and uniqueness makes them a high end fashion item.

Source : lauramitchellinteriordesign

If you want to make a bold statement, zebra-hides are a perfect way to do it. The zebra-hide rug especially is a popular choice for decorating because of its outrageously fascinating, exotic look. It adds an artistic touch to any room, and can be used in many different ways, and in many different room colors as seen in the article. It can always be used as the focal point of a room or as an accent piece, as wall art, furniture upholstery, or even draperies. A bold single item that commands attention from across the room. A dazzling effect. 

Let’s go shopping!