Hot Summer Flower Designs: How to get it right

Hot Summer Flower Designs: How to get it right

Even though it’s been raining non-stop and we’re all still in raincoats, Summer Style in the home refuses to be a washout. Everywhere you look there are floral patterns, country style, and blooming flower power.

If the first thing that conjures up in your mind when you hear about floral, is your Nan’s old chinsey curtains, then you’ll be glad to hear that this seasons flower designs are a million light years away from that particular era. Rather than turning your entire room into a mock garden, with flowery wallpaper, matching cushions covers and tea cozy, today’s summer style is about mixing one or two select flowery pieces with plain, soft accessories.

Relieved? So am I. Having just got used to the minimalist look, flower power seems a bit daunting, But with these easy tips you’ll be able to bring your home up to date, without getting it wrong:

1. Choose a summer colour scheme or particular flower pattern that you like and work it through. For example if you like red poppies. Mix and match plain red and black cushions along with bold prints of poppies. A large poppy picture above a fireplace, followed by a few plain cushions alongside the floral ones to help make it easier in your eye.  
2. If you’ve got very modern furniture, floral can help soften the look of your room. Only add one particular theme of flowers, matching coloured vases, tie backs and coasters can all help develop your theme.
3. If you’re comfortable with the floral theme, and want to embrace it whole heartedly, and then try mixing different floral designs with a range of cushions, floral notebooks laid on the coffee table, even panels added to your curtains. If you’re going to go for it, go OTT and before you know it you’ll be enjoying your very own flower garden, in the comfort of your own living room.
4. Along with floral tea cozies, lining paper has made a comeback. It is now available in a range of fabulous deigns that is easy to work with. If you’re after a small change, why not line your cupboards and display cabinets with it?
5. You’ll find florals everywhere, including the high street. Shop around to find a design that suits your taste and your budget. Hit the charity shops for authentic vintage pieces and even boot sales can be great for picking up some old china. But remember the style is more what you’d imagine Bree Vandercamp drinking from and she wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfect.
6. Create one feature that really stands out. If you like the larger more modern floral prints that are available use them wisely. Mix bold fabrics with simple accessories for a dramatic look. Decorating your dining table is a good way to embrace this look. Add a colorful table runner, tea light holders, matching coloured glasses, tinted bottles, vases of real flowers and chair ties.
7. Think simple thoughts, it doesn’t have to be difficult. A cushion here, a throw there, can all make a subtle but summery change. A new set of floral pictures added to a wall, teamed up with s simple vase, can achieve a nice change.

If you’re not really feeling the floral vibes this summer, but want to make some changes here’s some more ways to let the sunshine in (when we eventually get some).

1. Clear out your wardrobe - find a new place for old winter clothes. Either hide them in storage containers under your bed or bag them up in old suitcase and keep them in the attic until winter time. Remember to keep lighter clothes out as you never know what’ going to happen with the weather.
2. Weed the garden, cut the grass and add a few flowers. Tidying up your garden will make it much more welcoming when we finally do get nice weather. And when you look out the window, it will put a smile on your face. Plan your whole garden, making space for an outdoor eating area, a kids play area, vegetable patch or flower garden. If you’ve got young children encourage them to get involved, they love planting vegetables and watching them grow.
3. A lick of paint will make you feel like showing off your home. If the hallways looking a bit grubby or your guest room could do with an update, simply decide to paint it. A new bedspread and a few accessorized later and your room will be ready for summer guests.
4. Treat yourself to a new dinner set. We naturally eat less in the summer, so treat yourself to smaller plates, salad bowls and general summery accessories. Old style American sundae dishes go down well with kids, fill them with ice-cream then let the kids decorate them with fresh summer fruit.
5. Update your fruit bowl. Either decorate the one you currently have or buy a new one. A new fruit bowl that filled with lovely summer fruit will make your home look and feel healthier. And you’re more likely to pick at fruit if it readily available.
6. Add a flower basket to the outside of your home. It will be a nice welcome for visitors and put a smile on your face every time you go back home.
7. Garden furniture is a good way to enjoy your garden more. Make sure it’s waterproof if you haven’t got anywhere to store it.
8. Ice cubes readily available in the freezer. Add them to drinks to make you feel like you’re on holiday.

These top tips were bought to you by Floorell, www.floorell.co.uk.