There’s a positive effect of having flowers in the home, which is why floral fabric has remained a classic trend each and every year within the world of interior decorating and design. Even with all the other popular patterns that rise to the surface, florals can always be found somewhere among the mix. What can we say? There’s just something about those blooming buds that draws us in and makes us smile. Science says so. 

The Science of Flowers and Happiness 

We already know that plants, in general, are a good addition to any home. Not only are they nice to look at, but they also offer various health benefits, such as removing airborne contaminants, improving mental function, and lowering blood pressure, to name a few. Flowers, while not quite as “medicinal” per se, offer us something else— happiness. 

According to science, flowers give us that happy boost by boosting certain chemicals— dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—  in our brain. Whether you hold them in your hand or view them from a distance, flowers trigger an emotional response, which more often than not, is a happy one! Therefore, if you want to generate happiness, a good place to start is by incorporating some florals into your home— and fabric is a great way to do it! 

Fresh Floral Fabric is Where it’s At

So just how do you use floral fabric? And why should you? After all, isn’t a vase of fresh-cut flowers enough? While fresh posies are certainly a wonderful thing to have around the home, over time, they fade. Floral fabric, on the other hand, is a beauty you can enjoy year after year.  

The great thing about floral fabric is that it can be used in many ways— and here we’ll take a look at what some of those ways are. After reading through some of these tips, you’ll see just how easy it can be to incorporate a variety of florals into your home.

• Accent Pillows: Accent pillows are one of the easiest ways that you can bring color, pattern, and texture into your home. The great thing is that most accent pillows are reasonably priced. However, if you can’t find what you want on the department store shelves, you can easily have some custom-made pillow covers with a fabric you adore. This way, you get exactly what you want and have the option to swap them out whenever you need to clean them or simply want a change.  
• Wall Coverings: Gone are the days where wallpaper is the only way to decorate the walls. Today, more and more homeowners are covering their walls in fabric. It’s easy to do, adds beautiful texture and pattern, and can be changed with less hassle. 
• Window Treatments: What’s a view without beautiful window treatments? From shades to valances to floor-length drapes, window treatments are a great way to finish off the design of a room. And what better way to make a statement than by decking your windows with floral-themed coverings?
• Lighting: Finding the perfect lampshade can be a challenge sometimes, but by picking out some floral fabric you love, you can transform shades on hanging lights as well as table lamps. It’s an easy DIY project and will look great.
• Bedroom Items: While bedding can be a very easy way to bring this year’s brilliant floral patterns in, another way is by upholstering a headboard. A beautifully upholstered headboard can make a huge statement in a bedroom. Some fabric suppliers, like us, also carry custom furniture pieces such as headboards, making your shopping trip even easier. 
• Furniture: What better way to add floral patterns to your home than by upholstering a sofa or chair? If big pieces seem too risky for you, consider recovering pieces like ottomans or dining room chair cushions. Don’t forget about your outdoor furniture either. Recovering your patio sets are easy to do on your own and can really transform your outdoor entertaining area.

Yes, There Can Be Too Much of a Good Thing

It’s important to remember that even something as beautiful as florals can be overdone— and while decorating with them can be tricky to master, it’s not impossible. By following a few guidelines, you can integrate florals into your home smoothly.

Find the Balance

Honestly, if you keep it balanced, there are no limits to what you can do with florals. The key is to limit the number of florals to a few key elements in the room. For example, if you’d love to reupholster an accent chair in a floral pattern, showcase it by keeping other elements around it relatively neutral. On the other hand, if you have solid-colored furniture you’d like to spruce up, bring in some floral accent pillows, a floral lampshade, and/or a floral area rug. The goal is to avoid having the space look as though it’s overpowered by your floral patterns. 

Mix and Match Carefully 

As long as you have a common accent color, you can mix and match any way you want. Feel free to mix florals with stripes or plaids or any other pattern of complementary colors. You can also mix big florals with little florals if you’re maintaining a nice balance. If you have a piece that’s overly flowery, offset it with something neutral in both color and pattern.

Use Florals that Suit Your Decorating Style

If you have a love for modern design, then opt for decorative florals in bold, unexpected monochromatic colors such as black or white. To keep with the modern feel, go with large, graphic prints that pop.

If your fondness lies in traditional design style, try using florals that have a whimsical element to them. Smaller, more intricate patterns can have just as great an impact as large modern prints when used correctly. Smaller rooms, such as a study or bathroom, can benefit from a single wall covered in pretty floral wallpaper.

Keep in mind that size and scale are important no matter which style you choose. Repeating the pattern a few times throughout the space— while maintaining balance— will have your space looking fresh for a new season.

Ready to add more florals to your home this spring? Be sure to stop by one of our showrooms to see our collection of designer floral fabrics and accessories. We have something perfectly suited for your home, no matter what your design style! Come on by so we can help you make the most of your floral patterns!