How to decorate with florals

While floral designs can seem intimidating at first, once you begin pulling a scheme together you’ll soon discover that there are no hard and fast decorating rules when it comes to working them into your look.

Every print, pattern and petal is different depending on its colour, size and design, so it’s all about experimenting with different combinations and adding in as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

For a subtle introduction of florals, choose bedding with a pretty print that will stand out as the focal point in the room. This illustrative-style flower motif oozes classic charm and the muted colour palette isn’t overwhelming in a small room. Priory 300 thread count duvet, from £65 for a double; Priory 300 thread count pillowcase pair, £20; Beeston wool throw, £140, all Amara

There are several factors to consider when choosing how to incorporate florals into your interior; the most important being which style is best suited to your home. Ditsy prints are perfect for creating a vintage-inspired, playful vibe, particularly when used in a pastel colourway, while more traditional designs will contribute to a sophisticated and romantic scheme.

Retro or modern patterns often include abstract floral motifs and are a good choice if you want to avoid a room looking overly feminine or are after a more daring, graphic look.

For a contemporary take on the trend, look out for designs that use floral motifs in less realistic ways. This watercolour print will work in both modern and vintage-style interiors. Mila towels, from £8; Mila wash bag, £4; wooden bath rack, £15; Mila laundry bag, £10, all Dunelm

Do some research into designers that specialise in your preferred look to gather inspiration: try Cath Kidston for colourful kitsch, Laura Ashley for timeless floral designs and Orla Kiely for a bold, mid-century edge.

Choosing your colour scheme will affect the type of florals you introduce into a room. For a fresh, summery feel, consider greens and whites with pops of pink or, for a cosy, more intimate space, go bold with dark floral designs in deep blue hues with metallic accents.

Floral decorating doesn’t only apply to the spring and summer months; choose deep, rich shades to give the look a wintery feel and go for designs featuring large-scale photographic blooms for a romantic edge. Whisperings floral rug, from £25; bouquet artwork, £49; inky florals cushion, £12; whisperings check throw, £35, all JD Williams

You’ll find when looking for wallpapers and fabrics that a lot of designs are available in a range of colourways so it’s easy to pick and choose the perfect combo once you’ve settled on a design.

If going all out with florals seems a little daunting, consider incorporating a few smaller touches here and there to build up the look gradually. Soft furnishings will allow you to give your space a small dose of this look through elements such as bedding and cushions, which can be interchanged affordably. Consider upholstering a footstool in a floral fabric or updating a lampshade or your window dressings for a subtle pop of pattern, too.

If delicate blooms aren’t your style, consider a graphic retro print which uses the form of flowers in a more abstract way to create a bold design. The shapes and repeat will make a statement in any room, whether used in wallpaper, soft furnishings or artwork. Orla Kiely striped petal orange vintage roman blinds, from £68.45 for a 55cm x 60cm made-to-measure blind, English Blinds

If going all out with florals seems a little daunting, consider incorporating a few smaller touches here and there to build up the look gradually. Soft furnishings will allow you to give your space a small dose of this look through elements such as bedding and cushions, which can be interchanged affordably. Consider upholstering a footstool in a floral fabric or updating a lampshade or your window dressings for a subtle pop of pattern, too.

Some retailers sell arrangements already set-up in vases or you can choose to buy individual faux stems to give more flexibility in how they are displayed. If, however, you prefer the real deal, why not consider a subscription service, such as Bloom and Wild, that delivers seasonal fresh flowers through your letterbox every week or month for you to create your own arrangements at home.