On Trend: Painterly Florals

If you are in need of a pre-spring pick-me-up, you should not have to look much farther than your closest interior design store. Floral prints are making their way back into all regions of the house, increasing the walls in background designs and landing underfoot in crewel-work rugs.

But there is something which divides the latest patterns in the chintz and botanical prints of the past, and that I had to return to my days at college Art History classes to define it. There is a”painterly” quality to this flowery style, where the focus is less on realist perfection and much more on an artistic belief, brushstrokes and all. The design began popping up on runways all the way back in 2010, but it’s really making its way to the home market now.

Another characteristic of the newest floral prints: super-saturated hues, such as a Van Gogh. Have a peek at some examples below to see what I mean.

More florals in layout

FLOR

Cut Flowers Carpet Tile at Geranium – $13.99

Carpet tile firm Flor has got in online flowery action with a couple new designs added to their roster. Cuts Flowers (shown here on the dark green squares) fits the trend. I really like it mixed with a lot of other new styles including Cambium (second row, centre ), which resembles layers and layers of vivid brushstrokes.

dporthaultparis.com

The venerable brand of luxury linens is by no means new, but D. Porthault is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Their petal-flecked sheets are just as beautiful on the skin as they are into the eyes.

Anthropologie

Esperanza Quilt – $228

If you are not in the market to drop beaucoup dollars on bed linens, to not worry; there are loads of cheaper brands picking up on the floral trend too. This quilt from Anthropologie features big blooms for a statement piece.

Lulie Wallace

Bouquet for Kate – $275

Artist Lulie Wallace could be the poster child for this trend. Her striking paintings feature blossoms done in a bold palette of orangey-red and pinks.

Anthropologie

Finishing Flourish Pillow – $98

I could fill this entire ideabook with things from Anthropologie, one brand which seems to wholeheartedly embrace this unabashedly humorous trend.

Amrapali Wallpaper at Peony

Floral wallpaper feels more current when performed in a brilliantly bright colour palette.

Chronicle Books

Background in punchy pinks and reds surely makes a statement. To get a more cautious spin on the design, try out a few well-placed cushions or bedding.

Next: 2012 Design Forecast: Maybe Not So Mellow Yellow

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