When most of us think about floral prints and patterns, the immediate image is Grandma’s sofa…. and Grandma’s curtains, rug, pillows, and everything else, for that matter.  Florals may get a bad rap for a certain dated look, but these days, floral prints aren’t your grandmother’s kitsch!  During the summertime, they are the perfect pattern choice for a bright and fresh space that’s not short on modern appeal.

Image via Arianna Belle Interiors

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It’s In the Buds

Believe it or not, you can have a floral sofa; it just has to be the right kind of floral.  Pale, faded colors and small, complicated prints will certainly evoke another generation, so look for bright colors in an open, simple design with lots of visible background.  The big, graphic textiles are less feminine and certainly more playful.  Make sure you also opt for floral prints on streamlined furniture: no skirts or carved wood on sofas and chairs.  That way you will avoid an already dated style.

Image via: Eric Piasecki

For a really fashion-forward look, mix different florals correctly in pillows or rugs.  To do this without clashing, start with one oversized-print floral on a pillow or rug, then choose one to two other prints with at least two of the same colors and in a smaller scale (think a few square inches).  You’ll have an eclectic, bohemian vibe in no time!

Image via: Brewster Home Fashions

Image via Stoheim

Contrast Styles

If you bring floral prints into parts of your design, don’t forget to think about how all the pieces will work together.  In order to keep the room from looking overly feminine, mix styles of furniture with the florals for a cool and contemporary look.  Even the most adorable, vintage chair will look edgier when coupled with an ultra-sleek side table and a graphic rug.  Modern lighting or a chunky coffee table can balance the femininity just as much as the type of floral itself.  While out shopping, it’s always a good idea to keep photos, paint samples, and inspiration with you, but it’s even more important when looking for the right flowery print to strike a balance in your room.

Don’t let florals intimidate you any longer; you have the tools you need to make them modern and fun!

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There are a variety of ways to bring the essence of spring into your home. People generally think of decorating with fresh flowers and plants while trying to create a springtime effect in their home. However, you can create the same effect with floral prints on furniture items, floral-printed fabrics on doors and windows, and floral wallpaper in the right rooms.

Image via: Dailymail

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Consider the Background

In order to use floral designs, the two things that you have to be careful about are the background and the object on which to use the designs. A dark background for floral patterns is an element of perfect disaster. A light background or airy floral designs are good for creating a simple but grand effect. Plus, you should not also use the designs extravagantly given the overwhelming nature of floral prints. Choose only one element like throw pillows, area rugs, or a furniture piece of a room to create the design. Too much mixing and matching will engulf your space.

Minimal design is often more

Using wallpaper, especially of floral-printed, can give the room an outmoded look. Even a toned down floral design can create confusion in an organized décor. So, one way to avoid this confusion and to add fun is to hand paint flowers onto the walls. It will work great in your kid’s room. Alternatively, you can use floral wall decal in just one corner or on a single wall of the room while keeping the rest of the décor around it minimal. Do just small patches of painted flowers or wall decal instead of covering the entire room.

Image via: Decoist

Add Excitement with Pillows and Area Rugs

Do you want to bring some pop and zing to your décor? Try floral-printed pillows, cushions, or area rugs. If used the right design, the print of the pillows can complement the print of the furniture or walls. A floral rug is also a great addition to a place and does the same thing as pillows. They create an eye-pleasing effect besides announcing the advent of spring.

Use Floral Artwork

Decorating the rooms with floral artworks is a convenient way to celebrate the spring. Place them on the mantel, bedside table, and walls of the kitchen or living room. One good aspect of using such artworks is that you can both create and put away a seasonal theme easily with them.

Image via: Rugs and Blind

For many, floral prints do not mean anything more than a backdated style used by their grandparents. However, the truth is that these classic flower-spotted designs have been making a comeback in today’s home décor. Just make sure that you do not overdo it because too many flowers can create a suffocating feeling. So, stay simple and use minimal design to make your home smile.

For more spring home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.