Erica Davies – Fashion Editor, Stylist, Author and Interiors Style guide

Erica Davies is a stylist, fashion journalist, brand consultant and author of her book called ‘Leopard Print is a Neutral.’ She is on a mission to empower women to find their personal style, confidence and, perhaps most importantly, get their mojo back! Erica’s love of Leopard extends to her home where she has Alternative’s indulgent faux fur British wool carpet in her bedroom!

Alternative Q&A’s

Describe your home and who do you share it with?

I live in a relatively modern home (13 years old) on the Essex/Suffolk border with my husband James and our son, 12 and daughter, 10. Over the past six years, we have taken what was a magnolia box and splashed a lot of colour and print around! It hasn’t been an instant renovation though, we have taken our time and saved up as we’ve gone along.

Alternative’s Quirky Leopard Snow carpet

 

How did you hear about Alternative Flooring?

I had Alterative Flooring carpet in my previous home and love the fact they’re not afraid of colour and patternwhich is my joy!

 

Alternative’s Quirky Leopard Java and Leopard Snow carpet swatches

 

Tell us why you love Leopard print in fashion.

It’s a classic print that conjures up the glamour of times gone by, but that looks just as relevant today.

Why do you think such a showstopper is also a neutral?

It works so well with so many styles and prints. The fact it is generally a neutral black and taupe colour combination means you can mix it with so many options.

Happy leopard styling mixes by Erica Davies – images as seen on Erica’s Instagram @erica_davies

How do you style Leopard?

Throw it on over other prints (I particularly like it with florals, stripes and spots), dress down denim by wearing a leopard coat over jeans and a simple jumper, or make a glamourous look by pairing it with a simple black dress. It never dates.

How do you think this print works in interiors?

I think the worlds of interiors and fashion are very interlinked. It works by adding drama and contrast to a scheme, so for example on the floor against coloured walls, or on a statement sofa in an otherwise neutral scheme.

Alternative’s Quirky Leopard Snow as seen in Erica’s dressing room

Tell us about the flooring choices in your home.

Downstairs it is practical, I have gone for statement encaustic tiles in the hallway, wooden floors everywhere else. Then I have chosen a bright green stair runner up the stairs which adds a real pop of colour. The bedrooms are a simple pale grey to create a backdrop for other colours, then I have added Quirky Leopard Snow in my dressing room.

Why choose wool in your bedroom.

I love the cosiness of wool carpet. I don’t think you can beat it, particularly layered with rugs and other textures.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Everywhere! I love travel and hotel décor, I love following interior designers on Instagram, I love magazines. But mainly, it comes from seeing something and it sparks an idea.

Alternative’s Quirky Leopard Snow as seen in Erica’s dressing room

How do you put decorating schemes together?

If you start off with something small, like the colour of a candlestick or the print on a cushion, it can start a whole scheme in your head. I love playing with colour combinations and that’s often where inspiration comes from. I think if you can put together an outfit, you can put together a room!

Describe your style in three words…

Colourful, eclectic, vintage

Leopard is a Neutral: A Really Useful Style Guide by Erica Davies

What inspired your book Leopard is a Neutral?

My followers and the questions they would ask me on DM or via email.  For so long fashion has been seen as the preserve of the very tall, or very slim or very wealthy and I wanted to write a fashion book that invited everyone to the party and helped give people the confidence to create looks that felt like them, not just a copy of a trend.

We have a signed copy of ‘Leopard Print is a Neutral’ by Erica Davies to give away. Find out more, follow us on Instagram @alternativeflooring …

Inspired? See how Alternative’s Quirky Leopard Snow will look in your living room or on your stairs with our online visualiser, Show Me My Room

SHOW ME MY ROOM

Alternative’s online Show Me My Room visualiser works for stairs too, further helping our customers to visualise our floor coverings in every space of their home.

Take four simple steps and let Show Me My Room do the rest.
Scan the QR code to start or visit showmemyroom.com

Enter the four-digit code number for your favourite carpet

Take a photo of your room or staircase

Follow the steps and wait a few seconds to see your favourite carpet in your space

Show Me My Room gives customers confidence in choosing carpet and making a purchase.