Carina ClaassensFrom beautiful blossom prints to large painterly designs, interior decorator Kirsten Di Clemente shares quick and easy ways to introduce this season’s florals to your home
Flower power
“To make a statement in a predominantly neutral room, upholster a single armchair or sofa in a bold floral,” says Kirsten. “Keep the rest of the room fairly simple so that the design stands out. An inexpensive way to create your own art, is to frame offcuts of other gorgeous floral fabrics in embroidery hoops and arrange them on the wall. As they’re light, they’re easy to hang.”
Tropical breeze
Fallen in love with an expensive, imported fabric? “One of the best ways to enjoy a small piece of it daily is to use it to cover a pinboard above your work station. In this home office, the botanical print looks striking against contemporary black furnishings,” explains Kirsten.
Wall flower
“As the headboard is usually the first thing you see in a bedroom, slipcovering it with one of the latest fabrics is an excellent way to introduce a floral fabric and make the most impact,” advises Kirsten. “Don’t be put off if your room is painted in a dark masculine colour – here a gorgeous yellow and teal floral is shown off to perfection by the charcoal wall.”
Prints charming
“If you want to introduce florals to your home but don’t want to make a big commitment, start with a few scatters in a pretty floral print,” says Kirsten. “These go beautifully with neutral furniture like these cream chairs and can be swapped with others when you want a change. To make your scatters more versatile, use a floral on one side and a stripe or geometric on the back.”
Blossoming talent
“Florals work in all types of rooms,” says Kirsten. “Even if you’re a strict modernist, you can use them to balance geometrics and plains, and as a contrast to angular furniture. I like to bring in a geometric when using florals. It looks fresher and more current. I’ve also combined a lampshade in an embroidered floral with a faceted ceramic lamp base.”
