Wild About Charleston Forge

unique custom upholstery

“We use animal prints a fair amount“ says Elisabeth Becker, Design Director at Margaret Donaldson Interiors in Charleston, SC. “But it’s used sparingly as an accent piece.”

Margaret Donaldson Interiors shared an example of this, the Emmitt Lounge Chair and Ottoman, seen opposite, which was specified for one of their recent residential projects.

From lounge chairs to barstools, Charleston Forge frequently sees a variety of animal prints and hair-onhide leathers being specified by designers. Whether it’s an in-line chair or a customized bench, every upholstered piece Charleston Forge makes has a COM option, and animal patterns are a great way bring out your wild side.

Elisabeth points out that one of the great benefits of hair-on-hide pieces (which are almost always a cow leather that has had the pattern printed on it) is how durable and easy to clean they are.

To that end Margaret Donaldson Interiors are using hair-on-hide animal prints as rugs in foyers and entryways, she says. She points out that the rugs are not asymmetric hides, but cut pieces that are sewn into more traditional rug shapes and sizes.

Springhouse Lounge Chairs (top) and a Naples Barstool (left) . Shown with natural hair-on-hide upholstery.

Emmitt Chair and Ottoman with a faux zebra hair-on-hide leather from Bellaire Dynamik in Charlotte, NC. Design by Margaret Donaldson Interiors. www.charlestonforge.comPhotography by Julia Lynn Photography. 5