Faded florals are the future – experts share five ways to style these traditional motifs

It's no secret that flowers are at the forefront of this year's most beautiful interior design trends. From cottagecore to our fling with botanical wallpaper, these ornate blooms have never looked quite so current – but now – we're going back in time – to shape our future. 

Traditional prints and faded florals are enjoying a renaissance – and blossoms from a bygone era are shaping the most contemporary interior schemes… but how do you get involved? H&G caught up with experts who are celebrated for their nostalgic floral designs, so you can follow their interior design tips and indulge in their ageless allure. 

Why are faded florals trending? 

After more than a year of an increased amount of time immersed in our natural surroundings, the great outdoors is inevitably influencing our interior schemes – and the faded flower trend is no exception. 

Color Therapy Expert Momtaz Begum-Hossain explains this craze links to ecotherapy – and the positive, therapeutic aura we receive from nature's finest asset. 

'Embracing nature can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing, and introducing earthy tones into your home is a way of harnessing this energy,' Momtaz says.

Plus, faded florals work in any room – a living room can be instantly softened by a blousy bloom, and a bedroom never fails to look pretty with a touch of pattern. As Ella Richards, Linwood's Head of Design, comments: 'Who could tire of bringing the glorious countryside into our homes.' 

This trend looks good and makes us feel good too. What's not to love?

How to style traditional florals in a modern home

While we have had centuries to master the art of faded florals, they remain hard to get right. Whether you're looking for a maximalist statement or an understated nod to nature, here are five stylish ways to bring them into your home. 

1. Begin from the bottom up

While thoughts of faded flowers may bless your thoughts with indulgent wallpaper and statement textiles, the Residential Design Manager at Brintons, Jodie Hatton, recommends we begin decorating with a more unconventional space. 

'Pared back designs featuring all manner of floral designs feature heavily in home décor designs this year. A design scheme should start from the floor up, with the carpet being the basis for all design choices; therefore, a pared-back pattern can guide the rest of the scheme,' Jodie shares.  

2. Consider your broader scheme 

When introducing a bold injection of faded flowers into your homes, the Founder of global design brand Andrew Martin, Martin Waller, urges you to evaluate the theme of the entire space. 

'Think about the style of a home. Traditional patterns often suit period homes better, whilst kitsch patterns can add a sense of fun. Don't be afraid to combine different patterns,' he begins. 'Mix classic designs such as stripes or florals with exotic styles such as ikats and kilims. Avoid making the space look too busy by choosing patterns in colors that complement each other,' Martin adds. Our guide is a great place to start if you're looking for the perfect living room color scheme. 

3. Fill your table with (faded) flowers  

Brand Marketing Manager at Burleigh, Kate Cartwright, recommends a way to celebrate the faded floral trend without a maximalist commitment by layering the chintz prints to create a soft yet coordinated scheme. 

'At the heart of a well-considered, timeless table is the concept of layering, and especially the layering of patterns in the floral tradition. From the tablecloth upwards, you should think about adding different textures, patterns, and colors to add dynamic depth to each setting. Within these layers, you could keep to tight color schemes or delve into the world of clashing prints, but the trick is to ensure you build from the base,' Kate shares. 

'Mixing and matching floral, patterned ceramic ware will add pops of color to your table, making each table setting unique,' she adds. 

4. Keep it subtle & stylish 

While you can maintain an understated scheme by following Kate's advice, Ella Richards similarly shared a solution of keeping things subtle, following Linwood's English Garden print collection that launches in September. 'Florals don't have to be a riot of vivid colors. When used in soothing tones, they add patterns in a mellow manner. Just look at Linwood's Tresco Strawberry Punnet (above) – a classic design that embodies the English countryside. It feels understated on this sofa, Ella says.  

5. Take the flower back outside  

It is, perhaps only fitting, that this organic-based trend fuels your garden ideas. Ella also recommends bringing faded florals back into the wild by 'filling a summer porch with chintz-cushioned wicker furniture,' as this look is 'reminiscent of our childhoods which feel rather reassuring in the changing world we are living in.' This is the era of garden flowers, but not as you know them.