Focus On Trends: Florals

By Author: Alexandra Toso
Total Articles: 3
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As usual a trend born on the catwalk has filtered through down to interiors and florals are big news in everything from designer furniture and flooring to wallpaper and fabrics.



And anything goes with this trend from retro to chintz to subtle to bold, there's something for everyone as long as it focussed on blooms.



Here's how to make this trend work for you.



Textiles and fabrics



Having floral patterned textiles in the home is nothing new but this year floral cushions, throws and cushions are everywhere. A plain sofa or chair can instantly be brought to life with a couple of cushions or two. Choose different scale florals in the same shades to create a really style statement without overdoing it. Similarly, a floral throw will add an instant touch of chic to plain bed linen or a tired chair.



Window treatments



Window treatments are the perfect way to tap into this floral trend. Try being creative with curtains by layering different scale florals at the same window. A subtle floral-patterned ...
... voile will work well under colourful, patterned floral curtains and make a real statement for your windows. For something more dramatic, look at Ella Doran’s floral roller blinds which are available in a variety of designs and colours.



Flooring



While you can of course buy floral patterned carpet, even I think this is a little over the top. Instead use plains flooring such as a neutral carpet or wooden floors and add a floral rug. For those who want to go all out with a floral decor then the Cath Kidston collection at Harvey Maria is a good choice. In my opinion this sort of flooring would look best in a bathroom and will instantly change the boring into the blooming beautiful.



Furniture



From designer furniture to designs available on the highstreet, floral has taken over our upholstery. Whether you choose to go for a vibrant and bold patterned piece of furniture or something chintzier, there really is something for everyone. You will need to be careful when using floral furniture, if you choose a sofa and two armchairs in the same fabric, this will look dated – instead opt for a statement chair or sofa in a floral pattern and coordinate with plain pieces.



Wallpaper



Floral wallpaper is nothing new but this year it is even more prolific and is the perfect way to add a touch of nature to your walls. Retro patterns are everywhere, thanks in part to the anniversary of The Festival of Britain, florals are available in clashing colours and the bigger the better. For those who prefer something for subtle, hand-drawn florals are making a comeback. Usually the preserve of country cottages, these wallpapers are great for adding some vintage chic to any room. As with all other floral decorating elements, less is more needs to be your motto. Instead of wallpapering an entire room, try using your floral wallpaper on just one wall or in an alcove to create a statement without being too overbearing.



About the Author: Alexandra is Features Editor at furnish.co.uk, the designer furniture search engine. When she isn’t blogging about chairs, rugs and cushions, Alex can be found trawling vintage shops, websites and fairs for great one-off pieces.