It’s the perfect time of year to infuse your home with a bouquet of floral prints and textiles. Phoebe Harper gets the latest on a timeless interior trend
Unlike the ephemeral nature of the blooms and perennials they typically depict, there is an enduring, timeless appeal to floral interior decorative touches – whether it’s your choice of wallpaper or the textiles used in soft furnishings.
For a traditional look reminiscent of English country houses, you might favour a ditsy chintz exuding a gentle, feminine charm, or perhaps a more contemporary look showcasing bold botanical graphics to complement more urban interiors. Whatever your preference, the versatility of floral prints means they could be just the fresh finishing touch your home is missing.
Coming up roses
Although florals have long been a staple of interior design, in 2020 the ‘cottagecore’ trend truly reached its apex, along with other aesthetic buzzwords including ‘farmcore’ and ‘countrycore’. With it came an almighty floral resurgence, as pandemic-weary folk sought whimsical rural escapism during otherwise dark and uncertain times.
Glasswells suggests some vivid patterns like this Marsha sofa
Prioritising a dreamy look emanating cosy, countryside comforts to enshrine our personal sanctuaries, the bucolic nature of the trend had strong nostalgic overtones. It saw a revival in perhaps the most iconic of floral moments in interior history with the widespread designs of arts and crafts movement forerunner William Morris, who once wisely said: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” To this day, Morris & Co fabrics, wallpapers and accessories are still widely used, none more so than the iconic archival print, Strawberry Thief. Despite their Victorian origins, the timeless appeal of Morris & Co’s designs means they can either complement antiques and more traditional pieces as captivating backdrops, or create a lively contrast when combined with modern furnishings.
A recent collaboration between the charity English Heritage and independent furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse represents another combination of modern interiors infused with heritage influences. Drawing inspiration from three iconic English Heritage sites and famous historic figures, the collection focuses on colour and pattern by bringing dramatic flora- and fauna-based fabric designs into the home. In the Quarry collection, as an example, you’ll find home furniture pieces inspired by the Quarry Garden of historic property Belsay Hall, where abundant rhododendrons have thrived since the beginning of the 19th century. Here, hand-painted floral patterns are complemented by swooping silhouettes and chic, elegant sateen piping.
Use Meadow Green tiles from Harvey Maria
“Floral fabrics embody the enduring beauty of nature, transforming interiors with their delicate patterns and rich, organic motifs,” explains Lena Gierasinksa, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. “Whether rendered in soft pastels for a vintage charm, bold botanicals for a modern statement or even intricate tapestries reminiscent of classic European design, these textiles infuse any space with depth, warmth and a sense of timelessness.
“From airy linen drapes that catch the light to plush velvet upholstery that adds a touch of luxury, floral prints have an innate ability to soften interiors. Their ever-evolving presence in design proves that nature’s artistry, when woven into the fabric, remains forever in bloom.”
Make it maximalist
In 2025, we are seeing a celebration of maximalist interiors, with many designs blending and layering different floral and botanical prints. An excellent example of this is Bridget Jones’ lusted-over Hampstead townhouse in the recent film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Here, in our iconic protagonist’s bedroom, Nina Campbell’s Signature Forêt wallpaper adorns the walls with whimsical woodland scenes, while the adjoining bathroom is laid with lattice and patterned floor tiles featuring a bold floral design (Meadow Green) from Harvey Maria, for an artfully designed palette of contrasting prints.
“We’re now seeing many bolder prints enter their way into homes, bringing nature in and contrasting with vibrant colours, making bold and focal statements,” notes Abbi Travers, a design consultant in the Bury St Edmunds branch of Suffolk’s largest independent furniture store, Glasswells.
A patterned armchair by Barker and Stonehouse x English Heritage
While many people may be hesitant to make big moves by incorporating floral or botanical prints into their homes – perhaps preferring smaller touches to an ‘all-in’ approach – Abbi’s design advice is to have fun with it regardless of the size of the space you’re dealing with. This ties in with the latest trend for ‘dopamine decor’, whereby we are encouraged to decorate our homes with joyous pieces, introducing bright, pleasing colours, unusual shapes and vivid patterns.
However, bear in mind that, generally, big and bold designs work best for smaller spaces, while softer schemes with a more limited colour palette lend themselves better to larger rooms. “For me, it’s go big or go home! I love colour – and you can have more fun with an all-out scheme. Colours, textures and styling are the best parts of interior design, so there’s nothing more rewarding than injecting these main objectives into one space and watching it come alive,” highlights Abbi.
Elsewhere, florals are a regular fixture at French Bedroom – a homeware brand born from an obsession with French designs, textures, craftsmanship, heritage and history. “Floral and botanical homeware effortlessly infuses a sense of serenity and timeless elegance into any interior,” shares Georgia Metcalfe, the brand’s founder and creative director. “By layering soft floral bedding, delicate cushions and nature-inspired decorative accents, you can create a space that feels both refreshing and deeply comforting. The key is to balance classic charm with contemporary touches, allowing floral patterns and textures to bring warmth, romance and a connection to nature into your home.”
Finishing touches
A cheerful burst of colour from French Bedroom’s wildflower bedspread
For small, seasonal touches to bring a smile to your face, we are spoilt with a wealth of decorative choices, particularly during this time of year. Play it safe while nailing that inside/outside perspective with accessories and ornaments including vases, prints and frames.
From vibrant blooms to subtle leafy patterns, these designs can add colour, texture and a refreshing sense of tranquillity to any space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. So, why not let your space blossom?
Want to know how to pair these florals with bold colours? Find out more in our article about being brave with your palette.
