The New Florals

The garden is in full bloom, so it's the perfect time to talk about florals. Perennially popular (get it?) floral designs change and evolve but are always with us, whether its wallpaper, curtains or accessories. Cottagecore has brought a new audience but there is also a new wave of florals, more abstract and bigger, so if you don't think florals are for you, read on....

Let's start with wallpaper, well actually murals, and this one is Alliums and Heleniums from Wallsauce Murals have grown hugely in popularity recently and its easy to see why, its like artwork, but you don't have to paint it. Anyone who follows me knows I love a mural. The images on here are all from Wallsauce but that is mainly because they are the only ones with decent images, but there are lots of companies such as Surface View, Feathr and Photowall who also make murals so there is an enormous choice.

And guess what? Borders are back! But not as we know them Jim. This Nirvana border, £99 definitely has a vintage, Cottagecore feel to it but teamed with modern elements in this bathroom, its inspiring - I love it. The paint is Pink Cloud Emulsion, £45 for 2.5L both Woodchip & Magnolia

Another mural - Lilac Garden also from Wallsauce which is a bit like a deep border of oversized blooms. The key to getting the look right, and not too overpowering is to keep the furniture simple, and try not to cover the mural up too much. To be honest, I think a plain cabinet would have been better here.

Or add florals with furniture, this traditionally shaped sofa, the Kentwell from Sofas & Stuff in a traditional design looks fantastic with a modern lamp and and artwork. The patchwork rug adds a boho feel for a complete look. Lots of different colours here, but they all work together. And even better, Sofas & Stuff have launched their Eco Pledge - a new design initiative that includes the goal of preventing 1 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean by the end of 2021, the first independent furniture retailer to do this.

If you think floral walls might be a bit much, introduce colour and pattern in the window treatments, like this Pop Art blind from English Blinds with punchy colours that really make a statement, perfect with the pink sofa, yellow armchair, and a vintage painting. So nice to blend different styles to add personality.

Or for something softer, this Nordic Ochre roman blind design from 247 Blinds adds a hint of colour and pattern to a neutral scheme. Don't you just love that flooring too? Perfect for a Scandi look.

Add pattern and colour with the flooring - nothing like the patterned carpets of old, this subtle design is QuirkyB Ashley Hicks Daisy Cosmos from Alternative Flooring. I have always loved red and pink together - such a great combo

For less of a commitment and to add instant colour and comfort, choose a floral rug, this one is Splash Bouquet Floral from The Rug Seller, who have a huge choice.

Hard flooring gets in on the act too, with these fab retro floral tiles in the bathroom which really create an impact. Check out the green tiles as a skirting too, picking up the green in the tiles. The bath is from Kaldewei Sadly I can't remember who's the tiles are but Wallsandfloors have similar as do Ca' Pietra

Time for another mural, again from Wallsauce This is by Carol Robinson and called Neutral Bloom, for obvious reasons. Using calming, neutral shades but with so much detail, you really don't need anything else in the room.

If you don't want to make too much of a commitment, choose a selection of floral prints against a white wall, they you can change them up whenever you want to. From a selection at Desenio.

Moving into the bedroom, choose floral bedding with a wow factor. This is punchy and bright, particularly against that hot pink headboard and the emerald walls. From floral supremos, Bluebell Gray this design is Zinnia

If a whole set of floral bedding is too much, try this beautiful Botanical Chinoiserie bedspread, £158 from The French Bedroom Company - instant style with a retro feel.

Or create a focal point for the room with an oversized floral headboard. This stunning design uses a subtle floral, Turkish-inspired fabric on a shaped headboard with a hot pink trim. Iznik headboard and cushions, fabric, £138 a m, Amanda bedside tables, £835 each, all Andrew Martin.

Add florals in the accessories. If you haven't discovered Mind The Gap yet, you are in for a treat, they create fabulous designs and are big exponents of more is more, layering pattern over pattern and in amazing colours. These cushions have an Eastern European feel for a reason, Mind The Gap are from Transylvania! No Dracula jokes please. These designs are from the Transylvanian Roots collection - and their lampshades are to die for.

Or for something more modern, these designs are from the legendary 60's designer, Florence Broadhurst - Japanese Floral and Small Zig Zag, £95 each from Amara