I never thought this daring print could feel tasteful, until Reese Witherspoon's sofa immediately changed my mind
When used intentionally, this print can feel utterly timeless, and designers reassure that success is easier than I always thought


In my home, minimalism reigns supreme. I love working with neutrals, from my cream and beige cushions to my subtle rattan accessories that sit alongside my houseplants. You can imagine, then, that introducing animal print was never on my agenda. Then I saw Reese Witherspoon's zebra-printed sofa.
While researching Reese Witherspoon's property portfolio, I had the opportunity to revisit some of the actress's archival shots, when her animal-printed piece stopped me in my tracks.
I'd always thought this pattern was daring, and far too audacious to introduce in a minimalist living room like my own. However, Reese's black and brown print doesn't feel overly intrusive. It simply makes a statement without being overpowering. It's one of the chicest sofas I've ever seen, and I never thought I'd say that about zebra print.
A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)
A photo posted by on
Shop the look
This stunning sofa is the first step in achieving Reese's look. It's upholstered and covered with high-quality zebra gold velvet fabric, making it both luxurious and functional. With this piece, no cushions are needed. The print does all the talking.
You don't need to invest in a new sofa to draw inspiration from Reese's living room. I love that this cushion cover has a similar high-end feel. It instantly draws the eye with its plush texture and distinctive pattern, making it a standout addition to any colored sofa.
Versatile usage
Crafted with care, this zebra-print blanket is made with high-quality materials that ensure exceptional softness and coziness, offering a luxurious experience when relaxing on your couch or bed. The Reese-approved print adds the perfect amount of boldness and style to any space.
Knowing how to decorate with animal prints tastefully is easier than it looks. I spoke to celebrated designer, Kathy Kuo, from Kathy Kuo Home, who explained that balance is key.
'When used intentionally, animal prints like leopard, zebra, and tiger prints can look really chic and subtle,' she says. ' It's all about setting a balance where the animal print is an eye-catching accent that complements other colors and patterns, rather than the dominant print across the entire space.'
Alongside a zebra print, Kathy has noticed cow prints shaping interior design trends for 2025. However, you don't need to limit it to your sofa. A cow-printed cushion, just like this one on Wayfair, is subtle enough to deserve a place in even the most minimalist of living spaces. Trust me, I would shop for it for myself.
'I love animal print for decorative pillows and hair-on-hide throw rugs especially, but I've also noticed a trend toward western-inspired cow print for ottomans and bench cushions as well,' Kathy says.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
When in doubt, keep the area around your animal prints neutral, and accessories and artwork to a minimum. That way, your space won't feel too overwhelmed with color, and you can enjoy the lightheartness of these prints without worry. Take it from Reese, who did it first.

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Looking for a grown up dessert? This easy gooseberry and elderflower frozen yogurt hides an unexpected kick
This frozen yogurt recipe is fresh and fruity, and if you add a dash of gin or vodka, it's got a nice little kick to it, too
-
6 old fashioned decorating techniques that designers still swear by
I spoke to interior designers to uncover the tried and tested old-fashioned techniques they continue to rely on
-
The wicker sofa in Reese Witherspoon's sunroom is the perfect patio piece for summer 2025 – it brings the quiet luxury look outdoors
I found the answer to my patio furniture woes in Reese's mint-green sunroom – and following her example begins at under $100
-
Inside Reese Witherspoon's property portfolio – including an English-style Bel Air manor and an elegant Nashville home
The Legally Blonde actress hails from New Orleans, but her real estate collection spans the country, from Bel Air to Tennessee
-
I wanted to organize my bookcase in a way that would start a debate among guests – Reese Witherspoon's bold shelves are my blueprint
Reese's bookshelves master this controversial design ideology – everyone I know has a strong opinion on whether I should follow her example
-
Reese Witherspoon and Martha Stewart's gray-green kitchen cabinets are decades apart, but they both perfect this modern color trend
Martha Stewart and Reese Witherspoon have both opted for gray-green kitchen cabinets, which are as versatile as they are trend-forward for 2025
-
Reese Witherspoon upgraded a small corner into a cozy reading nook – designers say you can replicate her 'ultimate little escape' (from $18)
'It’s all about comfort, calm, and just the right amount of cozy': You only need three things to follow Reese's example – and it's not only for book lovers
-
This Reese Witherspoon-approved spring table setting makes the case for a more is more floral mix – let it be your blueprint for spring hosting
The actress's spring tablescape features a floral tablecloth, printed vases, and fresh-cut flowers in a range of colors, for bold results
-
Reese Witherspoon limits her bookshelf to three colors for a cohesive, streamlined impact – it's perfect for a minimalist living room
The actress makes a case for curated book storage – it's the ultimate way to bring the bookshelf wealth trend into even the most pared-back of homes
-
Reese Witherspoon's living room taps into a patterned trend that designers use to 'zone' spaces – it's super easy to replicate
Reese has paired plaid curtains with a floral sofa in her living room, creating visual interest while maintaining uniformity in the color palette