Fresh cut flowers on the table or a beautiful painting of wildflowers in a field. The colors, the togetherness. Floral patterns have been around for a long time and have also come a long way.
Liberty of London has stood the test of time with their signature floral patterned fabrics and goods, illuminating homes and spaces for years and years. More recently, florals have shone their light in clothing and accessories, creating dreamy stories for when getting dressed.
Loving what we’ve been seeing, we thought about how we can start to incorporate florals into our personal spaces. We’ll share with you what we’ve come up with and some tricks to designing with blooms.
As with any design, it is never a good idea to overdo it. And, if there must be a room wrapped in one full pattern, it should be done with thought and intricacy. For instance, if a busy floral wallpaper is what a room may be craving, then go for it! Just know that subtle details throughout the rest of the room’s décor need to be a priority. We’ve loved wallpaper wrapped rooms, especially those that bring in a floral atmosphere. Playing off a floral pattern is always easy to do. It is also easy to incorporate florals once a room has been fully decorated.
Florals can be marked as a feminine look; however, we’ve been seeing a whole lot of masculine-esque florals out there lately. Deep navy’s and greens, teals, even deeper yellows and black. These colorways will all lend a bit of masculinity to any floral décor or pattern. Plus, one of the things we value most about a good floral, whether large or small, is that the language it speaks is one of happiness, relaxation and smoothness.
How about accent pillows in a soft floral pattern? This works in many different design genres as well. Modern, classic, farmhouse. Sometimes it can be vibrant accents strewn throughout or one throw pillow. The florals involved can be monochromatic. Sometimes a pop of anything is just not right in certain homes. That’s okay! Florals can be done in a subtle pattern to play into a room’s minimalism as well.
Floral patterns can span across many different age groups, as well. For instance, back in the day, florals were marked as something to be seen in a Grandmother’s house. A tablecloth or hand towel. Not anymore! We love florals for men, women and children of all ages! They are classic and there are so many different variations to choose from these days! Remember to search for inspiration from all over. Just because the project may be re-decorating a living room does not mean that one should only look in home décor books and magazines. Think about clothing and artwork. Think about different parts of the world and the perspective of florals in other places. Trust us, the inspiration will start to get interesting and hopefully the design process will start moving.
Here are a few ways to easily incorporate florals into home décor (see what speaks to you the most before settling into this classic, yet trendy design effort):
Bring florals in via a whimsical painting. This will add lightness (no need for super serious!) and prettiness to the room.
Bedding is a great and easy way to coordinate different florals. To us, florals feel like they should always be a part of a bedroom.
A soft floral wallpaper can add so much without adding too much. Consider just the top of the walls and contrasting the bottom with clean paneling and a matching color. Or maybe just an accent wall (just the ceiling perhaps?!)?
A statement, bold wallpaper with oversized blooms is a great way to gain attention and a look. Don’t be scared. Some rooms really need this type of direction.
A single pillow with colorful florals is always an inexpensive and easy way to bring the outdoors in.
Whimsical wallpaper can set a tone like no other. If you aren’t looking to be too serious in your personal space, this should be your jam.
Drapes or any window treatment and throws. Also another great way to gain texture, volume and pattern.
An area rug…always classic.
A mirror or picture frame with floral details. They don’t need to stand out, just need to be there.
Upholstery. Speaking of Grandma…you don’t need to recover the entire piece in a floral pattern. Think about bits and pieces and coordinates in the room. Have fun with this, even if the floral you choose is on the serious end.
Dishes and other decorative trinket pieces…also an easy and inexpensive way to bring florals inside without having to tend to them. They double as entertaining pieces as well!
And, if all else fails… Fresh cut flowers on a table top or cabinet. No need to be afraid to commit just yet! Test out different color variations and types of florals by swapping out different bouquets through weeks. Eventually there will be a color pattern or type of flower that really feels like it should adorn that space for the long haul.