Decorating
Flower Power: How to Make Florals Work in Any Room
Do you love florals but aren't sure how to use them in a modern house? We'll show you how
Florals often get a bad rap. And quite unfairly so. A lot of the time they’re seen as synonymous with grandmothers and gaudiness when, in reality, they can be much more glam. Consider how fashion designers constantly revisit florals in their collections, be it rosebuds on a floor-length Dior skirt, fluoro blooms on a Josh Goot neoprene dress or even the classic white Chanel camellia that appears on accessories season after season. They simply never go out of style.
For many homeowners flowers bring a sense of joy and beauty in the garden, but that’s where it ends. If you’re a fan of a blossoming baby’s breath, ruby-red tulips or handfuls of hydrangeas, then why not experiment with this loveliness indoors, too? Because being a fan of florals does not mean your rooms have to look all Laura Ashley. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. All we’re trying to say is that they can easily translate across an array of styles, including those which you wouldn’t normally associate blooms and buds. Like contemporary design, for example. The key is finding the right floral design to match your space. Now all that’s left to say is: “Hello petal!”
For many homeowners flowers bring a sense of joy and beauty in the garden, but that’s where it ends. If you’re a fan of a blossoming baby’s breath, ruby-red tulips or handfuls of hydrangeas, then why not experiment with this loveliness indoors, too? Because being a fan of florals does not mean your rooms have to look all Laura Ashley. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. All we’re trying to say is that they can easily translate across an array of styles, including those which you wouldn’t normally associate blooms and buds. Like contemporary design, for example. The key is finding the right floral design to match your space. Now all that’s left to say is: “Hello petal!”
Install an artwork
The stunning floral-inspired artwork is the hero of this dining room. The softness of the fabric used to create each bloom matches the fluidity of these cool retro chairs. If you’re feeling creative, make something yourself with material scraps.
The stunning floral-inspired artwork is the hero of this dining room. The softness of the fabric used to create each bloom matches the fluidity of these cool retro chairs. If you’re feeling creative, make something yourself with material scraps.
Like in a bathroom, this form of tiling can be used as a statement splashback in the kitchen. Here, the owner has created one focal flower using metallic tiles so it literally shimmers in the light.
Line cupboards
If you love a flutter of floral but not always on show for others, consider hiding it in a special place just for you. Lining the inside of cupboards or drawers is the perfect way.
If you love a flutter of floral but not always on show for others, consider hiding it in a special place just for you. Lining the inside of cupboards or drawers is the perfect way.
Look for printed furniture
For lovers of contemporary design, these Philippe Starck Mademoiselle chairs fuse bright floral fabric with sleek transparency. They reflect cool contrast and stand out against this otherwise soft natural palette.
For lovers of contemporary design, these Philippe Starck Mademoiselle chairs fuse bright floral fabric with sleek transparency. They reflect cool contrast and stand out against this otherwise soft natural palette.
Scatter floral cushions
Florals offer warmth in either guest or kids’ bedrooms. This cushion configuration could work in living rooms, too. Clash a bold floral with a contrasting print (in this case stripes) and a block shade.
Florals offer warmth in either guest or kids’ bedrooms. This cushion configuration could work in living rooms, too. Clash a bold floral with a contrasting print (in this case stripes) and a block shade.
Install metal screens
These are a fabulous way to use florals without necessarily being feminine. Here, they are used in contemporary home, with the swirling design offering a stylish sense of privacy.
These are a fabulous way to use florals without necessarily being feminine. Here, they are used in contemporary home, with the swirling design offering a stylish sense of privacy.
Wallpaper an entire room
It would be sacrilege not to feature some form of cherry blossoms. Naturally, the classic Japanese floral looks most effective against dark wooden surfaces. This tip is not for the timid. Embrace that you’re making a statement and just go with it.
It would be sacrilege not to feature some form of cherry blossoms. Naturally, the classic Japanese floral looks most effective against dark wooden surfaces. This tip is not for the timid. Embrace that you’re making a statement and just go with it.
Reupholster existing furniture
This is a great choice in the living room. However, ditch the idea that you have to cover an entire chair or sofa with one floral-printed fabric. Instead, split the segments and balance it out with a block colour. The result is pleasant, but not overpowering.
This is a great choice in the living room. However, ditch the idea that you have to cover an entire chair or sofa with one floral-printed fabric. Instead, split the segments and balance it out with a block colour. The result is pleasant, but not overpowering.
Mount an installation
Think metal-like sculpture pieces of branches and buds, as seen here in a home office. They create beautiful interest but aren’t bright. For a more subtle take, look for smaller pieces you can place on a side table.
Think metal-like sculpture pieces of branches and buds, as seen here in a home office. They create beautiful interest but aren’t bright. For a more subtle take, look for smaller pieces you can place on a side table.
Hang a print
There are about 400,000 species of flowering plants in the world, so you can find at least one to complement your room. A print is inexpensive and can be changed easily. In a soft space like this, look for a sketch, soft illustration or watercolour.
There are about 400,000 species of flowering plants in the world, so you can find at least one to complement your room. A print is inexpensive and can be changed easily. In a soft space like this, look for a sketch, soft illustration or watercolour.
Run a runner
Think fabric swatches or wallpaper, albeit used horizontally. It can be done on virtually any table, from the dining to a dressing room, as seen here, and is super inexpensive.
Think fabric swatches or wallpaper, albeit used horizontally. It can be done on virtually any table, from the dining to a dressing room, as seen here, and is super inexpensive.
Be creative with accessories
This is especially effective in a child’s room or nursery, where floral bunting, walls decals or light fixtures are easily available. Play around with colours and prints to create a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere for your child.
MORE
Bloomin’ Marvellous Ways to Arrange Fresh Spring Flowers
Say It With Flowers: Give Yourself a Lift With a Little Floral Whimsy
Flower Power: What to Pair With Floral Upholstery
This is especially effective in a child’s room or nursery, where floral bunting, walls decals or light fixtures are easily available. Play around with colours and prints to create a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere for your child.
MORE
Bloomin’ Marvellous Ways to Arrange Fresh Spring Flowers
Say It With Flowers: Give Yourself a Lift With a Little Floral Whimsy
Flower Power: What to Pair With Floral Upholstery
A bright personality calls for a bright floral wallpaper. Here the pink print works well against matching fuchsia cupboards and the hint of lime picked up in the dining chairs.