Get a fresh look with the new florals

Thought florals were just for traditionalists? These loud and proud looks prove that prints inspired by the natural world can work in contemporary schemes, too.

Plump for patterned seating
If patterned wallpaper isn't your style, incorporate florals into a living room scheme with upholstery, instead. Feel free to mix and match pattern, just keep walls and floors pared-back so the pattern isn't fighting for attention.

Embrace a wallflower
To give your scheme a modern look, choose a wallpaper featuring loud, blowsy blooms that are anything but shy and retiring. Double the impact by choosing a print in bold shades, like this bright pink and yellow design. Pick out the colours in the pattern with blocks of matching colour elsewhere, like the contemporary pendant and dining chairs used here.

Anchor a colour scheme
Barely there florals don't need to be small prints. This large-format floral wallpaper acts as an understated backdrop in this room because it is complemented by the furniture and upholstery. For a similar look, pick a simple wallpaper design that features just two colours, then choose fabrics and furniture in the same shades to create a harmonious scheme.

Layer pattern on pattern
Using a mix of mismatched florals will ensure your scheme feels fresh and modern, instead of formal and outdated. Add cushion covers in different prints to a patterned wallpaper - just make sure they balance each other out by mixing large florals with other large prints, or small with small. You can even add patterned artwork on top of a patterned wallpaper as long as you choose designs that stay within the same colour palette.

Mix co-ordinating prints
Rather not take on a large decorating project? Simply add hits of floral pattern to your exisiting scheme by replacing soft furnishings. Choose a statement floral design for curtains to act as the focal point of your room, then mix up different plain and patterned cushions that feature the same colours in the floral design.

Take it to bed
Add a burst of floral pattern to a neutral bedroom scheme with bright and beautiful bed linen. This gorgeous design adds a hit of summery colour and a hint of vintage style - find similar designs at Joules.

******