• MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
From bold bouquets on walls and furniture to posy-sized pops of print, here’s how to make the country floral look work in your home
Give your home a boost by embracing floral patterns
CHOOSE STATEMENT SEATING
Upholstery can dramatically change a living space and is the ideal opportunity for a hit of flower power. Bold designs draw the eye – keep the rest of the room fairly neutral to allow them space. For a contemporary twist, opt for a vintage print in zingy shades on a sleekly shaped sofa, armchair or footstool.
ADD PANELS OF PATTERN
Framed botanical prints are an obvious go-to, but you could think outside the box and display a wow-factor wall mural instead. To prevent overpowering a room use muted shades. This stunning design, hand-painted by artist Sian Zeng, highlights the simple beauty of the clematis flower: choose from a white, pink or blue background to ensure a fresh, summery feel in your home all year round.
SWEET PETITE
Meadow carafe, £19, Emma Britton. Flora velvet cushion, £40, John Lewis & Partners. Pressed flower frame, £12, Paperchase
PLAY WITH SCALE
When working floral patterns into a room, size matters. Large prints can make small rooms feel even smaller, so use daintier designs in spaces such as a stairwell or hall. For interest, choose a floral print with subtle detailing – the Andhara archive pattern from Sanderson features hand-painted butterflies, birds and dragonflies.
BE BOLD WITH ACCENTS
If florals on walls feel like a step too far, add statement botanicals through textiles and accessories instead. Bright throws and cushions will instantly give a sofa a sunny lift and can be easily updated as trends change. Echo the floral prints with bunches of freshly picked flowers dotted around the room.
LOOK ON THE DARK SIDE
Consider what sort of floral best suits the room you’re decorating, and the mood you are trying to create. Vintage ditsy prints create a lovely soft feel but bold designs in darker shades add drama, not to mention being bang on trend. Create a cohesive look by picking out colours from statement wallpaper and carrying them through to furnishings and accessories.
HOT PETALS
Resin floral coasters, £12 for four. The Contemporary Home. Wild flowers tea cosy, £36, Poppy Treffry. Flower market beverage bucket, £73, Amara. Apricity pink velvet bedspread,
£140, The French
Bedroom Co
OUR EXPERT SAYS…
❝SIGN UP TO A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE SUCH AS BLOOM & WILD, WHICH DELIVERS FRESH FLOWERS SO YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN HOME❞ ARRANGEMENTS AT
TARA KING, STYLE CONTENT EDITOR
MIX AND MATCH
Give a family dining area a fresh new look by mixing up prints featuring different flower types – the more the merrier. Create continuity by sticking to florals that share the same colours – pick just a few key shades. A mix of painted and natural furniture brings a modern edge to wildflower curtains, cushions and table linens.
KEEP COLOURS SIMPLE
Neutral-tone floral wallpaper can be perfect for adding some texture and depth to a bedroom while still retaining a calm and relaxed feel. For subtle elegance that lends itself to any setting, choose a print with shades close to nature’s own palette. Keep floors and walls light and incorporate materials such as weathered wood, rattan and wicker.
GO BESPOKE
Personalise a plain chair with wallpaper. Cut to size and glue to the back and seat using Mod Podge. When dry, give two more coats to seal. To add colour, dip legs in a contrasting shade.
BRING FLOWERS TO THE GARDEN
In an outdoor setting, don’t leave it to your beds and borders to provide the visual entertainment. By adding flowers to the table, the simplest supper is an alfresco feast. Pick a few blooms to create a link with the garden beyond, or give the illusion of a more abundant plot with a shop-bought bouquet. Complement the floral selection with a cloth and cushions in similar colours.