Trendy Fashion-Forward Florals

Dominating floral wallpaper is a focal point in a modern living space with white walls, cable railing, a dining table and beaded chandelier. From dark and moody to softer styles, it's all about the drama of playing with scale, says Ashley Scott, co-founder of Scouted Home, an interior styling boutique in Los Angeles and Nashville. Small bathrooms or the wall space above chair rails are a couple of places to play with repeating florals.

A living space by Scouted Home pairs a floral wallpaper and a pink couch, acrylic table and fluffy white rug. "A statement wall is the perfect opportunity for a large-scale floral moment — think behind a bed, sofa or as a nursery accent," Scott says. When choosing scale, take into account both the size of the space and the pieces within it.

Mosaic tile shows off a floral motif in a bathroom by California-based MLK Studio. "Floral trends are definitely more bold right now, and are even being used in the most modern of spaces, even though typically a floral would be a more traditional element," says designer Meg Joannides. She adds that she’s seeing more three-dimensional installations and handpainted florals.

A photograph of flowers on a dark background by Whitney Ott bursts forth in a black-and-white great room designed by Barbara Westbrook of Westbrook Interiors for the Southeastern Designer Showhouse and Gardens in Atlanta.

A whimsical room features a swing chair and draperies of birds, butterflies, insects, and plants in Europe and China. The pattern was inspired by a book of etchings by French naturalist Pierre-Joseph Buchoz. The Buchoz Floral fabric is in a 2018 textile collection by The New York Botanical Garden and Vervain.

Black-and-white floral artwork beckons visitors to a sophisticated living room designed by BAMO. Contemporary artwork joins with classic pieces and antiques in the Hong Kong home for timeless and elegant interiors.

Botanical etchings of banana plants get a modern update in a 2018 textile collection by The New York Botanical Garden and Vervain. The hand-drawn pattern is named Musa Paradis. MLK Studio’s Meg Joannides says she likes to use floral elements in retreats, powder rooms and dining rooms.

Brazilian palms and their landscape are depicted in the "Island Palms" fabric, which is in a 2018 textile collection by The New York Botanical Garden and Vervain. The hand-drawn print was inspired by an illustrated publication in the 1800s. Depending on the room layouts, floral and plant prints could simply be an accent wall or and it may have the best impact when placed on all walls, continuing the pattern as it changes planes, says MLK Studio’s Meg Joannides.

Choose items that will complement, not compete, she says. "Let the bold florals do the work for you," says Scouted Home’s Ashley Scott.