Wallpaper Crush: Rose Cumming's Zebrine

I've always had a penchant for a good animal print.  Simultaneously bold and timeless, utilizing animal prints can bring new energy and life to a space.   Unfortunately, they are so often done wrong when it comes to decor that they seem to get a bad rap.  One animal print motif that remains popular with designers since it's release in the 1930s, when it was used as a fabric in the post-prohibition nightclub El Morocco, is Rose Cumming's Zebrine wallpaper:

{Elizabeth Bauer via Lonny}

While not for the faint of heart, Zebrine jazzes up contemporary and traditional spaces alike.  I love how decorator Elizabeth Bauer used the navy and white color way on the walls and ceiling in her Gramercy Park studio apartment.  The coral sconce shades and accent pillows add a lively contrast to the blue. 

The black option is lovely in this stair landing:

{Megan Winters}

I love the versatility of this paper.  While the pattern at first might seem limiting, Zebrine works for a variety of rooms- like this home office designed by Elizabeth Kimberly:

{Elizabeth Kimberly Design}

Ashley Whittaker used Zebrine in her NYC apartment kitchen, and added accents of yellow and red. 

{House Beautiful}

She also gutted her entire kitchen and replaced dark cabinetry and terra-cotta floors with Carrara marble and white paint.  I love the bright, happy feel!

{House Beautiful}

If you're afraid the lively pattern might be overwhelming, take a page from designer Mona Berman's book and use it on an accent wall, rather than the entire room:

{Mona Ross Berman}

So what do you think?  Would you use Zebrine in your own home?

 Zebrine wallpaper can be purchased through Dessin Fournir.