Floral prints can seem intimidating at first, but once you have a few guidelines, they’re not difficult to work with—and they’re guaranteed to add life and joy to a space. From subtle accents and statement features to full-on layering and clashing prints – go as boldly botanical as you dare. These much-loved prints can be modern or traditional, the choice is yours.
The key is to mix it up with contrasting styles – put ditzy blossom prints next to big flamboyant blooms and layer up cushions, furniture, upholstery, wallpaper and paintings for a full-on floral vibe. Florals can be used all over the home.
Floral Wallpaper
Whether you paper a whole room, cover one wall, or frame a small piece as art, floral wallpaper is great way to transform a room in a few hours. Forget everything you thought about wallpaper designs, modern designs are chic and striking rather than fussy and old-fashioned. Want florals on your wall, but don’t want to commit to wallpaper? A decorative wall panel makes a pretty, yet dramatic, statement.
Window Dressings
What’s beautiful outside your window can be beautiful on your window so florals make the perfect choice for window dressings. Make a statement with bold floral Roman blinds. You need less fabric for a blind than you do for curtains so you can splash out on a more expensive fabric to really make a statement.
When using florals for curtains, the size of the design is a key thing to consider when choosing your fabric. Large floral designs suit full-length curtains, particularly ones with high ceilings. Small more delicate floral designs suit light bright spaces like kitchens or bathrooms or smaller spaces with lower ceilings like an attic bedroom.
Upholstery
When it comes to floral upholstery fabric, larger designs work best on larger pieces of furniture. They make a statement while the pattern is fully visible.
To ease yourself into decorating with florals, try upholstering just one armchair or footstool or use scatter cushions covered in pretty blooms on a big linen sofa. For a whimsical, romantic look how about using a floral fabric for a bed headboard – what better way to relax than under a bed of flowers?
Rugs
Floral carpets get a bad rep but floral rugs can be real statement pieces. Floral rugs and runners are beautiful and functional and work in both traditional and modern decorating schemes. An eye-catching rug grounds a space and if you choose the colours carefully can pull a whole room together.
Artwork
Every famous artist from Monet to Frida Kahlo has painted flowers. Art is a great way to add florals to your space without the commitment of investing in curtains or cushions. A picture can always be changed and adapted as your tastes evolve. Whimsical floral paintings are having a moment, or think about a pop-art inspired Poppy painting to give your home a cool retro look.
Bedding
A matching floral duvet and pillows will bring life to a neutral bedroom. Floral bedding doesn’t have to look old-fashioned. It’s all about the choice of pattern and how you style it. Pair floral bedding with contemporary lighting and mid-century modern bedside tables and it will look quirky rather than dated.
The key is to mix it up with contrasting styles – put ditzy blossom prints next to big flamboyant blooms and layer up cushions, furniture, upholstery, wallpaper and paintings for a full-on floral vibe. Florals can be used all over the home.
