Make rooms look blooming lovely with floral designs guaranteed to grow on you...

Ham & High: Classic Country: Woodchip and Magnolia's Botanical Wallpaper Nostalgia, 85 a rollClassic Country: Woodchip and Magnolia's Botanical Wallpaper Nostalgia, 85 a roll (Image: Archant)

Florals never fade or go out of fashion, thanks to our enduring passion for reflecting nature and the great outdoors in our homes - and right now, they’re in full bloom everywhere.

But just as you wouldn’t have a wilting bouquet of flowers in your home, any floral look you introduce should be fresh and bang-up-to-date too.

Luckily, today’s designers are making sure their interpretations are a world away from the old-hat chintz and fussy ‘grandma’ looks of yesteryear. They’ve embraced petal-power with bright, bold, new designs, aided by up-to-the-minute digital techniques.

So pick one of these looks - no water needed, and they’re guaranteed never to wither...

Ham & High: Dramatic Blooms: Red hot poker plants feature against a dramatic forest background in Upper Brook Street, Minuit wallpaper, 170 a roll, available from Little Greene. Door painted with Little Green French Grey Pale 161, from 38 for 2.5LDramatic Blooms: Red hot poker plants feature against a dramatic forest background in Upper Brook Street, Minuit wallpaper, 170 a roll, available from Little Greene. Door painted with Little Green French Grey Pale 161, from 38 for 2.5L (Image: Archant)

The new pretty

Think pastel pinks and wallpapers featuring petals and pretty blooms, for a fresh, feminine spin on florals...

Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at Furniture Choice (www.furniturechoice.co.uk), says: “When people talk about florals, it tends to be centred around spring and summer fashion and interiors, with powdery pastel pinks a hot favourite both for the catwalk and the home this year.

“Unusually, the trend will carry through late into winter and those pastel hues will move into deeper, darker reds and pinks. Plum and deep magenta against a smoky black background will conjure a dramatic, gothic effect.” Woodchip & Magnolia has a stunning Eunoia Watercolour Floral Wallpaper, £99 a roll.

Decor tip: Hot house botanical prints are packing an interiors punch this year, featuring vibrant Caribbean colours on dark backgrounds. Turn up the heat with English Blinds’ Menton Tropical Roman Blind, from £53.95.

Dramatic blooms

Striking, pared-back, nature-inspired designs and bold colourways are perfect for a no-fuss or frills approach to this look.

“Giant florals have been the stars of the catwalk shows, and now, from wardrobe to walls, we’re reviving floral patterns and embracing large-scale designs in bright, vibrant colours for a statement look,” says Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist at Graham & Brown.

“Expressive, elaborate blooms are making their way onto our walls, furniture and homeware to create dramatic, coloured backdrops for the home. People are becoming much braver in their choice of design and colours and after decades of plain magnolia walls, Brits are falling back in love with these patterns. It’s time to be colour-confident again and express personality through dynamic palettes and opulent patterns.”

Decor tip: Plants and flowers will always stand out against a dark backdrop of deep grey or black. Test your taste by painting an alcove or the inside of a dresser in a dark hue and then arrange bright flower displays in front of the backdrop, so the colour really pops.

Classic country

Botanical illustrations, that could have come straight from the pages of a traditional nature study book, combine with natural textures and a neutral colour palette for an update on that perennial favourite - classic country.

“If, like me, you love reflecting the subtle tones that you find in the garden, a palette of lavender, sage, rose and heather is a perfect place to start,” advises Claire Hornby, creative stylist, Barker & Stonehouse.

“These can be incorporated into your scheme through soft furnishings, or smaller upholstered pieces featuring designs reminiscent of natural history drawings, which will inject character into your living space.”

“If an abundance of flowers, plants and all things natural appeals to your sense of style, then don’t be afraid to use a large variety of plants and blooms in one room, to help achieve a fresh feel. These can be potted plants, vases of flowers, or even indoor trees. Intersperse greenery with country-themed decorative objects.”

Decor tip: Wallpapering stair risers with floral papers is an inventive way to conjure a country-cottage look. Strip a staircase of carpet, sand and paint with floor paint, then use wallpaper off-cuts or a paper of your choice for each stair. Attach using wallpaper paste or a strong glue.