The hot new trend that your living room needs for summer

Statement seating has been around for a while now, with autumn/winter collections featuring a vibrant plaid wingback, retro-print mid-century-style sofa or richly coloured velvet chaise as standard. But for spring/summer, they're literally coming up roses... and poppies, daisies, ferns, fruit and vegetables, and even butterflies and birds. Now, most of us prefer to play it safe with our sofas - with brown leather and neutral fabrics sitting comfortably at the top of best-seller lists - but don't be quick to dismiss this abundantly gorgeous trend. After all, nothing lifts the heart like a colourful pattern and, if you use your design smarts, it'll make your living room lovelier...

These bright pink chairs really pop against an all-white background. They've been photographed in a rather grand room, but it's easy to visualise them adding character to an all-white room of any size and creating a focal point in a characterless corner. Even though they're traditional in shape with their overstuffed seats and turned legs, the colourways will help them sit happily in a modern scheme teamed with streamlined, contemporary furniture.

Venice chair in Calista Pale Pink; Greenwich chair in Sherwood Cardinal; both Monsoon Home range, Multiyork.

Proof that chintz is back in style, this traditional rose print sofa is perfect for lovers of the vintage look with period or country homes. The tight upholstery and elegant, compact shape is the right partner for this kind of pattern - anything too loose, rounded or slouchy will look more shabby than chic.

Sofa covered in Giselle 223981, £55 per m, Sanderson.

Uh, who said florals were frumpy? If your signature style is sleek and glamorous, then choose a bright pattern on a black background to create a dramatic look. Prints on black look amazing against other deep colours on walls and floor - but do this as a feature wall rather than on all of them if your room is on the small side.

Margot three-seat sofa in Occipinti Wisteria, Design Lab range, Sofa.com.

If too much colour scares you, stick to a two-colour print, and if you're worried that the pattern will date, go for a solidly traditional botanical like this. Used on a simple, modern sofa shape (this one has mid-century credentials with those tapered, splayed legs), the trad print won't come over as stuffy - and you get the best of both worlds.

Harper love seat in Aristo, from £699, Marks & Spencer.

If you prefer a traditional look to look, well, traditional, then you can't go wrong with a Victorian-inspired cherry blossom or Chinoiserie pattern on a neutral background like this. Use the colours in the print to inspire the rest of your scheme, mixing white and beige as your backdrop, with accents in taupe-brown and vibrant blue in the details.

Alpine sofa in Japoniere, Osborne & Little range, Multiyork.

Love traditional style? Find loads more ideas for traditional living rooms

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