Gardening enthusiasts will flock to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month, but you don’t need green fingers to create blooming stylish rooms, says Gabrielle Fagan
FLOWERS are blooming in our rooms, as our love affair with nature and all things botanical continues to grow. Whether your taste is for exotic blooms, pretty posies or a scattering of country flowers, they should be blossoming on walls, or at the very least, on accessories.
‘‘Florals have made a big comeback in interiors as people move away from minimalism,’’ says interior designer Joanna Wood (joanna wood.co.uk). ‘‘They are an enduring favourite in decor with their colour and beauty, but to interpret them in a fresh, contemporary way, the use of bright vibrant colour is key – especially bold pinks, aquas, turquoise and bang-on-trend deep, dark blues.
Floral wall sticker by Oakdene Designs, £24
A particularly striking way to follow the trend is to let one statement piece, such a sofa or chair, curtains or perhaps a paper on a feature wall, dazzle.’’ Anything can be a catalyst for for an interior scheme, and you could be inspired by the glorious displays at the highlight of the gardener’s year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Luckily, there’s no need for green fingers to have home-grown florals – just follow the advice of the experts for fresh-as-a-daisy settings.
Bright and beautiful
While a bold shade, like red, coupled with a strong floral pattern isn’t a combination for the faint-hearted, this duo can make a real impact.
‘‘Tired of the quiet neutralism of the recession, we’re once again waking up to the idea of experimenting with bold colours,’’ says Mike Constable, managing director of JAB international furnishings.
‘‘Big bold prints, inspired by painterly florals and the catwalk, are making their way back into the home. One bold piece can make a room really pop, and then you can neutralise the bright colours with natural tones in the rest of the room.”
Floral tip: Consider the type of flowers in the print design and the impression they will create: English roses conjure a traditional, homely feel, which pairs well with white painted furniture, while bird of paradise blooms and hummingbirds offer a touch of the exotic, complemented by dark, lacquered woods.
Floral snip: Gigli Print Cushion, £9.99, Dunelm.
Blooming blues
Blue is the decor colour this year and deep sky, azure, cobalt or navy floral patterns, paired with white, will look crisp and uplifting.
Not On The High Street; Blue rose wallpaper, from £40 a panel
‘‘Petal-powered prints are very much in demand this year,’’ says Kate Tansley, creative director at Multiyork. ‘‘It reflects our desire to bring the outdoors in, and nature-inspired designs are enormously popular. Florals are classic and there are all sorts of colourways and prints to appeal to everyone, with blue one of the stars of the show this year.
Digetexhome; Marks & Spencer Maisie Armchair, from £749
Complement a floral print on sofas and chairs with single colour scatter cushions and throws.’’ Floral tip: Cramped rooms require smaller prints on wallpaper, while larger rooms can take bigger scale patterns. As an alternative, consider floral stencils or wall stickers. A vintage inspired floral wall sticker, £24, Not On The High Street.
Flirty Floral wallpaper panel, £40, Digetex Home
Floral snip: Rosalie teacup and saucer, £10, and Rosalie bowls, from £5 each, Oliver Bonas.
Pretty in pink
Formerly confined to girly interiors and children’s rooms, pink is enjoying a renaissance thanks to our confidence in using bolder versions of the shade, rather than simply the sugary pastels, and it’s perfect with florals.
Fearne Cotton Fleur cushion, £15, Very
‘‘The floral trend is great for adding colour and vibrancy to a room, but to avoid this style looking chintzy, choose bold, modern prints in vivid colours, such as candy or hot pink,’’ says Claire Hornby, interior stylist at Barker & Stonehouse. ‘‘Whether you opt for tropical prints or wild flowers, this is a versatile trend that’s here to stay. For a contemporary look, the rule to follow is ‘less is more’ – several punchy flower patterns will often be enough.
Riviera floral mugs, four for £4, Asda
If your taste is more traditional, follow a colour theme and mix up the scale of the patterns, both large and small, which will avoid a dated ‘matchy-matchy’ look.’’ Floral tip: Simplified block colour motifs evoke a retro Sixties style, while pale colours have a summery feel.
Tulips plate, £85 Royal Crown Derby
Charcoal grey or monochrome floral prints are modern and subtle, and can be enlivened with vibrant accessories.
Floral snip: Large Roses ten-light string, reduced to £6, Cargo.
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