7 Ways to Breathe Life into Dull Spaces with Lively Floral Textiles

Every room can carry floral textiles, just like every woman can elegantly wear florals. The trick is knowing which florals are right for your space. There’s large prints and small prints. Flowers and botanicals. Bright pops of bold color and demure line drawings. Watercolors and modern, abstract representations. You can find just about any interpretation of floral textiles available now.

Even if it’s a small accent, I love using florals in my designs. They breathe fresh life into a room and instantly elevate it to something that feels organic, inviting, and interesting. Here’s how I’d recommend you freshen up your space with floral textiles. Even if you don’t use all of them (actually, please don’t!), incorporating one or two of these ideas will liven your spirits and infuse new life into your decor.

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Play Fast and Loose With Your Definition of Floral

Floral patterns are no longer only small rose buds. There are so many different interpretations of “floral” that you can find a nature-inspired pattern that speaks to you.

When freshening up a room with floral textiles, make sure you’re using only what you really love. Yes, you can change out pillows, but it’s a lot harder to reupholster your couch with every season or change of your mind.

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Layer in Texture With Floral Fabric

When in doubt, use texture! Pulling in a rug, pillows, ottoman, and a throw gives your space plenty of texture and makes it feel lived in and comfortable. Similarly, using florals in your design can provide much-needed texture.

Using a combination of modern and vintage floral textiles will provide a contrast in scale; traditional prints usually are smaller whereas contemporary ones are larger. When incorporating different size prints, you’ll also achieve that layered, textured feel.

You may also like: Flower Power: From the Runway to the Living Room

Embrace the Natural Movement

Florals, like other natural elements, really move in a room. They aren’t static, like some prints (I’m thinking about you, geometric lines!). That movement naturally livens up your space because it feels like there’s activity and life in your room.

Because modern floral textiles are more like working pieces of art rather than static rows of flowers, you can use the irregularity of the pattern to your advantage to guide your eye around your space. 

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Mix Multiple Floral Patterns

One way to make your space feel modern and fresh is by using a variety of floral prints in your design. Mixing patterns is not a bad thing. It actually keeps your room from feeling stuffy and overdone. Matching all your floral prints feels like you’re in your Great Aunt Sally’s drawing room instead of relaxing in your cozy living room!

When mixing your floral textile prints, pick one thing that will be your main focus. Your focus could be your color palette, one main print you really enjoy, or a particular flower or botanical you want to repeat throughout your room. Then, add in supporting characters that coordinate.

For example, let’s say you decide your main print will be watercolor floral fabric. Pick two or three other prints that use the same colors. You many also want to incorporate textiles that are in the same watercolor texture family.

You may also like: Designer Tips for Mixing Fabric Patterns

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Use Floral Textures In Your Upholstery

Floral textiles and sofas were made to be together. While this isn’t as instant of a lift as adding in some pillows and vintage floral quilts, it does make your room feel fresh and bright.

Keep it modern by using designer-inspired floral designs. Think like the Grandmillennial style, which focuses on mixing traditional and contemporary. Pick a large floral print and cover a traditional-style chair. Or use traditional floral prints on a modern, sleek couch.

You may also like: Grandmillennial Style: Three Ways to Get the Look

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Cover a Wall With Florals

A large-scale statement like a wall needs a large-scale floral pop. I love using one wall as a piece of artwork by covering the entire thing in a floral print. If it’s the only statement in a small room, you can even cover the entire room!

Whether you prefer something abstract or more realistic floral renderings, pick a pattern that is big enough to command the attention of the room. A small floral print in a large room just looks busy.

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Let Your Floral Textiles Breathe

As much as I like using statement florals and mixing patterns, you have to make sure your room can breathe. Give your floral textiles plenty of room to make their own statement by not piling on. In other words, don’t crowd your room with every pillow, piece of art, and print known to man! When using floral textiles to freshen up your space, make sure it feels fresh and livable. Let the florals speak for themselves. 

When you think floral textiles, you probably think of pastel shades and small, traditional representations of flowers. Modern florals are quite the opposite. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These florals can open up a small space and anchor a large one. They’ll help your eye move around the room and provide depth and character to your space. If you have a dull spot in your home, use these tips to incorporate florals and feel life coming back into that space.

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