Bring the beauty and elegance of the outdoors into your home with an injection of flower power. Whether you like your flora bright and bold or dainty and discreet, here’s how to use floral fabrics effectively and create a space which blossoms all year round.

Balance your blooms

The main thing to remember when decorating with florals is not to overdo it – disparate patterns and contrasting sizes will keep things fresh, while too much matching chintz will look busy and outdated. A good rule of thumb is to use at least one large, one medium and one small pattern, while offsetting prints with white will provide balance and prevent your room from looking overcrowded. Florals don’t have to look feminine either, mixing in larger prints and vivid colours will keep things male-friendly.

Connect with colour

It’s important to be able to bring contrasting prints together so your room stays cohesive. Top designers pair prints with a matching background colour, or use complementary colours for coordinated results. You could also counterweight dominant floral pieces using block colours; for example, if your curtains are flowery, offset against a plain wall in a single shade. 

Fawn over fauna

Inspired by the English countryside, the pairing of flora and fauna is a key trend for Spring/Summer 2015. For this season’s modern take on traditional floral décor, couple floral fabrics with subtle animal prints – think quirky birds or farmyard animals to create country-style living with a twist. If you prefer to keep things more traditional, layering large florals with paisley or plaid fabric will emulate the art deco movement for a look that’s bang on-trend.   

Accent with accessories

The simplest of sofas will spring to life when adorned with pretty florals, so cover your cushions in flowery fabrics, remembering to mix prints here too. Complement with mismatched flowered china, tie everything together with a floral rug, or even use fabric to create a flower-patterned lampshade. Create contrast with furniture – dark wood in particular looks stunning against a floral print.

Go subtle with silhouettes

Bold floral prints aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make this trend work for you. Try flower silhouettes in neutral colours for a much more subtle take on florals. Or, if you’re keen to create the English garden look but are worried about overdoing things, incorporate prints of non-flowering plants such as fern, bracken and heather for an understated countryside feel.

How are you using florals this season? Share with us in the comments section below.