Mel B's Scary Spice-centric sofa follows a bold design trend that adds instant excitement to a neutral space

Leopard print may eternally go in and out of style, but there's one person who has consistently been an informal ambassador for the bold, animalistic pattern: Mel B, AKA Scary Spice. 

The singer, who makes up one-fifth of the '90s pop supergroup The Spice Girls, is known for utilizing animal print as a neutral; that is, wearing leopard print as a base and styling around it. 

It turns out that her affinity for this vibrant print extends to her home. The vocalist and America's Got Talent judge posted a photo to her Instagram page recently, and it's impossible to miss her leopard print sofa (affixed with Union Jack pillows, naturally). While this purchase stays true to Mel B's longstanding association with the print, experts say that the trend is back in a major way in 2024. 

Reminiscent of the 'mob wife' aesthetic that took over our social media fees earlier this year, animal prints are daring, yet surprisingly versatile designs to add to the home.

'Animal print is in many ways, the ideal pattern to work with,' Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert states. 'Though the print is louder than say, a muted floral, its neutral colors of brown and black allow it to match practically any existing color palette.'

Animal print can be implemented into a space in ways big or small – for example, a piece of furniture, like Mel B's, or an accent piece, such as a throw pillow.

'Upholstered, animal print furniture makes a bold statement in a room, but if you decide to introduce a striking feature like this in a living room or bedroom, I would recommend balancing it out with more muted, neutral decor so as not to make it feel overstimulating,' Ebert says.

Meanwhile, leopard print wallpaper can have the same effect but its wall placement allows it to blur into the background a bit more.

For those who prefer color in their rooms but still want to try the animal print trend, there are a few non-neutrals that pair perfectly with this vibrant accent.

'A dusty rose or mauve is highly complementary for animal prints,' Ebert says. 'These hues make a leopard print-decorated room feel elegant and refined. Try using a pale pink as a wall color – it's the perfect background for an animal print statement piece, like a sofa.'

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Shop the Scary Spice inspired edit

Below, we have rounded up some animal print essentials for every color of living space.