How to do new season’s florals
Florals and birds are colouring everything around the house. Here’s how they can work for you, writes Colleen Hawkes.
There’s a bit of a riot going on in home interiors this spring – a riot of colour and junglethemed prints. Botanicals – leaves, flowers and exotic birds – are appearing everywhere, on wallpaper, cushions, duvet covers, and chairs.
There are giant palm leaves, roses, peonies, parrots, flamingos, and budgerigars all competing for attention.
But how can you grab a piece of the action without turning your home into a florist’s shop?
Interior designer Janey Larsen says even the word ‘‘floral’’ can strike decor dread into those who associate blooms, sprigs and sprays solely with chintzy, fussy, countrycottage settings.
‘‘But really, if they are used in the right way, it’s a brilliant way to enliven neutral schemes and bring a modern, chic feel to a space.
‘‘I don’t think there are any rules at all with florals – anything goes. There are florals for every style. Using the ‘unexpected’ and applying it in different ways really does make a home unique. Whether you dare to go bold and daring, or you opt for a more delicate, pared-back approach, either is great.’’
Big-patterned wallpapers always work well in small spaces, such as powder rooms. This season, Amy and Stu of The Block NZ used such a wallpaper to great effect, winning the room reveal.
Larsen has also used a large floral wallpaper in her guest bathroom. ‘‘I used an Ellie Cashman wallpaper. It’s a wonderful, dramatic floral design and a modern take on the English Country Garden style of yesteryear. It certainly has that wow factor with guests – everyone comments on it.’’
If a whole wall feel like too much commitment, the designer suggests one way to tone down the look a little is to start with a neutral palette, then proceed ‘‘softly’’ with a floral fabric for a cushion or one chair in the corner, along with a bunch of flowers or a subtle floral ornament.
‘‘A loose interpretation of florals works best in a modern space. It can feel like a natural element, whether it’s a literal flower or not.’’
Rugs are another way to introduce a floral element. ‘‘I say, why not go for it with a standout statement rug?’’ says Larsen. ‘‘They’re perfect for adding some drama, colour and pattern, and some are works of art in themselves.’’
But if the thought of using such a bold, large-patterned item has you worried, you can always go small.
Think coasters and paper napkins. For a minimal cost, you can enliven your outdoor dining table with very similar images and a lot less outlay.
If you want to be a little more adventurous, consider a patterned tablecloth draped over a matching plain one – that’s a look from H&M’s latest collection. You can even find botanical porcelain plates and cups to complete the look. It’s inexpensive and a lot of fun.
Botanicals have an enduring appeal, but you don’t have to go bright. This year, French Country Collections has a toneddown version that harks back to earlier centuries.
The company is calling it ‘‘the season of green’’, and nature’s green hues feature across their latest collection. There’s a Somerset Maugham look to the furniture and leafy textiles – there are even historical botanical prints that look great with the other furnishings.
‘‘Green upholstery is a key trend, particularly plush velvet in eye-catching shades of forest green, pine and emerald,’’ says Larsen. ‘‘Recently, I’ve seen a change towards designs using more of a mix of flowers and leaf shapes, so they’re more reflective of nature, and a move away from more stylised designs featuring only one type of flower.’’
Experts say bright interiors are not just a passing fancy, though.
‘‘Last week at Milan we saw bold colours, most of all primary hues,’’ says Larsen. ‘‘And the other trend is the comeback of pastel colours, to be used instead of neutrals.’’
It seems we can expect home interior trends to be a lot more colourful for some time. And let’s face it, there are many of us who won’t miss the past two decades of ‘‘boring’’ neutrals.