Guest Picks: Fabulous Florals
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com... More »
Is there anything as uplifting and joyful as a flower? Such simple yet powerful things they are. A fresh bouquet adds instant sunshine, color and texture to your space, and they can be wonderful for creating drama (Black Baccara roses, for example). However, keeping up with fresh blooms can be very expensive. Luckily, there are endless ways to bring florals into your space through print, texture, art, textiles and scent. This ideabook offers products that can help you achieve that fresh, summery feel in your home year-round through both permanent and flexible pieces. — Denise from The Swelle Life
by Stephanie Stow
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Amongst The Lilacs »
I just adore the way the artist, Stephanie Stow, interprets flowers and plants and renders them in her gestural style. The cheerful colors of this particular work would pick up pastel accents in a room and make them pop.
Large Floral Painted Chest of Drawers - GBP 2,875.00 »
There's nothing more lovely than hand-painted florals on wood. I especially love them in soft colors in the bedroom, as they create a soft and dreamy atmosphere. This romantic four-drawer chest is painted in olive green with autumn brown flowers and finished with slightly splayed feet that add a subtle elegance to the piece. It would be beautiful in an ivory dressing room.
Vintage Rose Garland - GBP 8.00 »
I love what a simple string of flowers can do for the feel of a space. This vintage garland has a soft and delicate look, which keeps the room from appearing overdecorated and too froufrou.
Two or three lengths would look gorgeous wrapped around the branches of an indoor tree for instant blossoms.
You can also take it outside and weave it through a wrought iron bench for an English garden party, or simply to make your outdoor space a bit more beautiful.
Two or three lengths would look gorgeous wrapped around the branches of an indoor tree for instant blossoms.
You can also take it outside and weave it through a wrought iron bench for an English garden party, or simply to make your outdoor space a bit more beautiful.
by Jill Campion
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Gertrude Jekyll Tile, Design 2 »
The dense pattern of this tiny floral design is drawn from the archives of The Royal Horticultural Society and The British Library. It would make a lively backdrop for a kitchen bursting with colorful ceramics and fresh flowers.
by Lover's Lounge
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Floral 2 Seater Sofa - GBP 875.00 »
I love the classic romanticism of toile de jouy, which is prettiest in soft blue and ivory florals. To emphasize these lovely qualities, I would have this high-backed, two-seater sofa in a sitting room with lots of ivory-painted French pieces and a light wood plank floor.
by Designers Guild
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Magnolia Tree Fabric, Peony »
Painterly patterns add such a lovely, tactile quality to fabrics. This lightweight floral linen done in a long curtain would instantly lift and lighten a room, even more so with sunlight filtering through. It would be gorgeous in a room of soft whites or when mixed with other floral prints to create a garden atmosphere.
Steve Madden Clear Flower Shower Curtain Hooks - $14.99 »
Tiny accents can be all a space needs to get some extra oomph. I like the look of colorless transparency around water, and these PVC flowers are versatile enough to work well with clear, solid and patterned shower curtains.
by Burke Decor
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Anaglypta Supaglypta Spencer Floral Paintable Wallcovering - $77.00 »
I love the understated texture of this wallcovering. It's such a simple and inexpensive way to create the look of a custom-crafted plaster wall treatment. The floral design is soft and subtle, allowing for a wide range of decorating options. This paper is also paintable, so you can match it to any color you want and create your own Petite Trianon!
The Rug Market 5 Chic Romantique French Rose Bouquet Rug - $788.00 »
The soft yellow, pink and green florals of this area rug are so fresh and pretty. I would use it to lift a room full of dark woods or a space that gets little natural light.
by Designers Guild
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Paseo Doble Pastis Cushion »
One of my favorite ways to do florals is with elegance and luxury, both of which are exuded by this cushion. Although I can't imagine being bored with such a gorgeous thing, I do love that the reverse offers an altogether different look in a bold silk satin stripe.
Tall Iris Centrepiece - GBP 159.00 »
I love seeing a fresh bouquet on the table whenever I walk into my kitchen or living room, but a flower budget is a pipe dream at the moment. The faux variety, however, offers some incredibly lifelike alternatives, such as these tall irises. I like mixing fresh with artificial in a room, especially because I only have throw out half of them after a week.
by Floris London
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Floris Hyacinth & Bluebell Room Fragrance Spray - $50.00 »
The first time I had hyacinths in the house, I fell in love with their sweet scent, something that can't really be said for most cut flowers. When the flowers had done their duty, I missed the aroma. While there's nothing like the real thing, a room spray can bring back that gorgeous olfactory experience. This spray combines the fresh, sweet notes of the Blue Hyacinth in full bloom with the potency of the Bluebell for a well-balanced fragrance.
by The Modern Baby
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Sass & Belle Floral Fabric Lampshade, Red Ditsy - GBP 14.95 »
I love the retro feel of the ditsy floral and its endless capacity for mixing with other patterns. I've seen this fabric lampshade styled in pairs over a white gloss dining room table, and the effect was surprisingly modern. Use it to add some tactile warmth to a minimalist space, or have fun contrasting and complementing it with other patterns.
Classic Dog Sofa Bed, English Garden, Tea - $895.00 »
This is the first piece of pet furniture I've seen that can actually enhance your decor. It's custom upholstered in your choice of cotton fabric to match your room, and the wooden legs are painted to coordinate with the fabric. The English Garden fabric, as shown, is a lovely and bright floral cotton that would be perfect near a bay window with cream gauzy drapes. Clean paws are a must, though.
One Hundred Flowers - $31.65 »
I love the welcoming feel of a gorgeous coffee table book. To complement a floral decor, or for a touch of spring any time of the year, a stunningly photographed book of flowers proudly displayed in a visible spot will add instant sunshine to your space. Open it to a different page every day, and it will continue to draw attention.
Shengzu TV Unit - GBP 1,085.00 »
This sideboard is so gorgeous that its main function could be simply looking lovely. With its hand-painted floral doors in distressed cream on traditional black lacquer, this piece could serve as the focal point of a space and inspire the decor of the entire room. Play up the richness of the lacquer and the Japanese style with black and crimson pieces, or do lots of cream for a brighter look that will make this sideboard pop.
Jane Packer Hatbox Flower Arrangement, Blue Rose - GBP 45.00 »
Though I will never tire of a simple vase of flowers, this hat box presentation would make a charming variation from time to time. It comes filled with fresh roses, and the woven hat box can be used for storage once the flowers are gone. I would play around with my own arrangements of both cut and artificial flowers, moving it around to whatever space would benefit most.
Jasper Conran Chinoiserie White Plate - GBP 25.00 »
I think every home would be better by having one piece, or a set, of chinoiserie. With the green and blue sharply elegant motifs rendered on white fine bone china, these plates are almost too beautiful to eat from. This set deserves to be displayed on something befitting their quality and theme; they would look striking on a black lacquer sideboard with soft lighting.
by Designers Guild
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Portier White Bedding With Pink Floral Motif - GBP 105.00 »
I have a soft spot for embroidered florals on bed linens, especially when they're so fresh and modern. These jewel tones are timeless and versatile, mixing well with light and dark wood as well as painted pieces.
Romany Love Seat - GBP 285.00 »
Mixed florals can be exhilarating, bringing a burst of colorful energy to a space. I like mine more refined than boho, and this patchwork bench has elegant features like scrolling arms, piped edging, and turned, black lacquer legs. It would give just the right amount of pop to an otherwise understated space without stealing the show.
More: Designing With Florals
More: Designing With Florals
