Enduring floral trends

Florals are a key trend that continue to make waves throughout 2016. There are plenty of ways to incorporate the look: opt for a hero presence with a strong floral, or go subtle with a pretty vintage accent featured in fabric or rugs. Here are our favourites.

Updated country

In this country sitting room, a retro floral fabric is given an updated twist by being paired with playful cushions. The key is to keep the rest of the scheme simple, so that the look is fresh rather than dated. So flagstones, a traditional hearth and a plain sisal rug act as the perfect modern foil, while the whimsical print on the footstool adds a note of contrast. Mixing vintage and modern prints keeps the look fun and eclectic.

A pop of floral

Go bold with a colourful floral print like this one, which is the focal point of this fresh dining room. If you are using a large-scale pattern like this, a white background keeps the look vibrant. Try hanging a floral wallpaper in this year's citrus pops, tying in seating and furniture but keeping floor and woodwork white for a clean, Scandi feel.

Pretty pastels

For a softer, more feminine take, try a pastel floral. A large-scale repeat will keep the look contemporary, while curtains in an identical pattern introduce a note of cohesion. Try keeping furniture utterly plain and unfussy in form to anchor the look, adding cushions in a different colourway for interest.

A vintage vibe

Faded, vintage florals will always add a note of elegance and work well set against period features. The key is to use them in a softly distressed scheme, where nothing looks too new to jar the aesthetic. Here, a sofa upholstered in a faded floral makes a statement against a vintage armoire. Keep lines fluid and colours muted to enhance the look.

All in the detail

If you want to introduce a subtle floral note, try incorporating a floral rug in an otherwise plain scheme. Opting for a slightly faded look in soft tones like this one will create a vintage, relaxed feel, perfect for country homes and rustic schemes.

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