Why Zebra? The Wild Beginning of Our Design Story

When Pacific Zebra Design first opened its doors in 1987, we weren’t setting out to make zebra print our signature. We were simply a family passionate about design, drawn to clean lines, natural textures, and unexpected moments that made a room feel alive. But like all great stories, ours found its heartbeat in something we didn’t plan.

The zebra moment started with a trip to Africa, one that changed our creative outlook forever. Somewhere between the open skies and the rich, sun-washed earth, we found a hide that caught our eye. Not just for its beauty, but for its balance. The sharp contrast, the organic geometry, the way it could bring rhythm to a room. When we laid it down in the center of an otherwise modern, neutral-toned living space, the energy shifted. The space didn’t just look styled. It felt bold. It felt awake.

From that moment on, zebra became more than just a design element. It became a quiet emblem of how we see interiors. At Pacific Zebra, we believe luxury lives in the balance between contrast and cohesion. A sleek, minimalist kitchen can hold warmth with the right touch of stone. A soft, layered living room can feel fresh with a graphic print. A statement piece, if placed with intention, can define a space rather than distract from it.

The zebra motif has followed us through hundreds of homes, always appearing differently. Sometimes it’s a set of pillows that add a wink of drama. Other times it’s a bold bench or a framed piece of art tucked into a library wall. It has become part of the language we use to bring our clients’ personalities to life. It’s not about animal print. It’s about identity. Energy. Presence. It’s about having the courage to be seen and the clarity to stay refined.

Design trends come and go, but what has lasted for us is the belief that homes should reflect the people who live in them. Our work is driven by character, guided by intuition, and rooted in the legacy of two generations of family ownership. That zebra hide may have started as an accent, but it ended up shaping a point of view. It reminded us that beautiful design should never be boring. And that elegance can still have a little wild in it.

So when people ask us why zebra, our answer is simple. It’s because it speaks to everything we love. The contrast. The creativity. The courage. And the connection that happens when a space finally feels like yours.