Tag: Interior Design Ampthill

Creating Balance in Bright Spaces

When we talk about light in a home, the conversation usually centres around making dark rooms brighter. But spaces filled with natural light come with their own challenges too.

Conservatories, glazed extensions, bright kitchens and south-facing rooms can often feel difficult to balance. During the day they may feel overly bright, washed out or too warm, while in the evening they can suddenly feel flat or lacking in atmosphere. Good interior design is not simply about adding more light — it is about learning how to work with it.

Managing Bright Light

One of the biggest mistakes people make in naturally bright rooms is trying to block the light completely. Heavy blinds or dark curtains can quickly make a room feel disconnected from the very feature that makes it appealing in the first place.

Instead, it is usually more effective to soften and diffuse the light. Sheer voiles, lightweight linens and textured fabrics can help reduce glare while still allowing the room to feel open and airy.

Ethereal grid ivory white linen style sheer curtain from www.voilavoile.com

Texture also affects how light behaves within a room. Glossy finishes and overly reflective surfaces can intensify brightness and create harsh glare, particularly in rooms with lots of glazing. Softer textures through flooring, upholstery, timber finishes or matt paint can help create a calmer atmosphere without making the room feel darker.

Introducing a darker tone in selected areas can also help create definition in a naturally bright room. This could be through painted woodwork, a chimney breast, built-in cabinetry or another architectural feature. In spaces flooded with natural light, these darker elements can add depth and contrast without making the room feel heavy. They also help create a scheme that feels balanced throughout the year, rather than a room that only works during the brightest months.

Naturally bright rooms still need carefully considered lighting to feel welcoming in the evening. Table lamps, wall lights and softer pools of light help transition a room from daytime brightness into a more relaxed evening environment.

How Natural Light Changes Colour

Natural light has a huge impact on how colours appear in a room, which is why paint can sometimes look completely different once it is on the wall.

In south-facing spaces, warm sunlight can intensify creamy tones, earthy neutrals and warmer colours throughout the day. While this can create a beautiful glow, it can also make some colours feel stronger or more yellow than expected. Cooler tones can help balance this warmth, but in very bright rooms they can occasionally appear flatter or more washed out.

This is why testing colours properly in the room itself is so important. A shade that works beautifully in one room may behave completely differently in another.

Morning light, afternoon sunlight and evening shadows all alter the mood of a space. The most successful schemes are often the ones that feel balanced across changing conditions.

Creating Flow Between Inside and Out

Inspiration from KLG Rutland

Bright rooms often sit closest to the garden or patio, so creating a sense of connection between inside and outside can make the whole home feel calmer and more cohesive.

This is less about themed styling and more about continuity through materials, tones and layout choices. Flooring can help the transition between spaces feel more natural, while thoughtful furniture placement keeps movement between the house and garden easy and uninterrupted.

Natural materials such as timber, stone, linen and woven textures work particularly well because they soften brighter environments while still feeling timeless and relaxed.

Creating Ambience in Bright Spaces

One of the most overlooked aspects of designing bright rooms is thinking about how they feel after sunset.

A conservatory or glazed extension that feels beautiful at midday can sometimes feel stark in the evening. Layered lighting, texture and zoning all help larger bright rooms feel warmer and more inviting.

Layered blinds look fabulous in Sopwell House, as featured in Boutique Hotelier. This is one of our favourite local hotels, and it’s a great example of using wood cladding to soften a glazed area.

Ultimately, designing for bright spaces is about understanding how natural light changes the way a room looks, feels and functions throughout the day. When those details are considered carefully, bright rooms become some of the most enjoyable spaces in the home.

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Simple Ways to Reflect the Season with Colour

Colour has an extraordinary ability to transform a space. It can lift a tired room, add a sense of fun or calm, and even change how we experience light. But using colour well isn’t about following trends or painting everything the on-trend colours.  It’s about choosing tones with purpose — and knowing how to balance them to get the effect you want.

We are going to help you use colour confidently in your home. Read on and learn how to harness colour to reflect the summer season around us.

  • Start with the Feeling

The first step in using colour effectively isn’t picking paint — it’s understanding the feeling you want the space to create. Do you want a room to feel fresh and energised? Light and airy? Calm and grounding?

For example, blues and soft greens tend to evoke a sense of peace and spaciousness, making them perfect for bedrooms or home offices. Warm tones like earthy taupes and soft terracotta can bring a comforting glow — ideal for kitchens or living areas where you want warmth and welcome.

This emotional connection is where good colour choices begin. It’s also where our role, as interior designers, can be most helpful: interpreting how you want to feel and translating that into a practical palette that suits your home’s style, light and proportions.

To read more about the power of colour, click here to read our blog the power of colour.

  • Balance Your Colours

Strong colours and bold patterns can be beautiful, but they’re most effective when used with care. Rather than covering a whole room in vibrant tones, think about using them as highlights — a carefully planned feature wall doesn’t have to be cliche, it’s about ensuring the base tones are cohesive throughout the space and the wall feels planned and thought through – not added randomly – or try  a patterned chair, or a few key accessories such as lamps or artwork  against a neutral backdrop.

We love… the Hulala Home Modern Accent Chair from Amazon and the Adrianna Linford Stripe Armchair from Dunelm. Stripes are working well right now, but also are more timeless than other prints

This not only creates more visual impact but keeps your space feeling calm and considered. Using colour in this way also gives you the flexibility to update your scheme easily — whether seasonally or simply when you fancy a change. A few cushions or ceramics in a new shade can change the mood of a room without changing everything.

We love… the Woven Palm Cushion Covers from West Elm which are easy to use and style as work well together to give a botanical feel with warm tones.

  • Swap in seasonal textures and fabrics

One of the easiest ways to refresh your space for summer is through textiles. Changing up cushions, throws or even curtains is a quick way to introduce colour without long term commitment — and it allows you to reflect the season with very little effort. If you’re using accessories for pops of colour, you can change the feel of the room whilst making sure the colours are balanced.

In summer, we tend to use more natural, breathable materials: cottons, linens and voiles. These not only feel lighter, but they carry colour in a soft, diffused way that suits the brighter days.

We love… The Sheer Grid Curtain from Anthropologie or for something bolder, go for the Cotton Woven Block Print Curtain also from Anthropologie.

  • Let nature inspire the palette

Summer is a season of rich, natural colour — and it’s the perfect time to bring the outside in. From floral tones to leafy greens and terracotta earth shades, nature provides one of the most timeless and satisfying palettes available.

Consider introducing cut flowers, indoor plants or terracotta pots on windowsills. These bring natural movement and softness to a room, and help create a visual link between indoor and outdoor spaces — especially in homes with gardens, patios or bifold doors. Faux florals and foliage is a great alternative to fresh flowers and plants if you’re not green fingered or want a low maintenance options.

We have recently used the Wally Natural Plant Holders from Hortology in the renovation of Real Coffee Shop in Bedford with plants from Not Another Jungle. These two are just around the corner from each other, so why not grab a coffee and then head for a browse at the gorgeous greenery!

We have used the Moorside Faux Fern Ornament in a Glass Bowl from Shropshire Design multiple times with different clients. It’s perfect for areas where you want a wide but low-profile piece, such as coffee- or side-tables.

These small touches often do more to connect a room to the season than any trend-led makeover.

  • Avoid trend-chasing

At Interiors at 58 we keep up to date with trends and are often inspired by what is around us, we don’t, however, follow trends for the sake of it. This will lead to interiors that easily date and often aren’t quite right for your home. The choice is colour is deeply personal, and what works in one home might not feel right in another, or even if one area or your home or another as light can really affect the way a tone feels in a room. This is why we work with people – our clients – and not from trends. The goal is always to reflect your style, taste and lifestyle — not what’s current on social media.

Currently, we are seeing a rise in softer, sun-washed tones: muted greens, warm putty, earthy pinks and pale yellow accents. These colours are gentle but cheerful — and incredibly liveable. If these are right for you and your home, they could well be on the short list.

If you’re ready to bring more colour into your home but aren’t sure where to start, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a full redesign or a seasonal refresh, we can guide you in choosing the right palette, textures and details to reflect your style and bring your space to life — this summer and beyond. And remember, for more ideas and inspiration follow us on Facebook.

Bring the Outdoors In

This is a hot trend at the moment, and we don’t want you to miss out. Here are some ways that you can bring the outdoors in and create a beautiful space in any home whatever your budget.

Real vs Faux

When you’re thinking about plants and foliage you can opt for either faux or real, both have their advantages.

Faux

There is a huge range of faux plants and foliage to choose from. For the best outcome get the most realistic looking plants you can find, they don’t have to be super expensive with shops like Dunelm and Homesense stocking a large variety. Where possible we’d recommend looking at the plants in situ so that you can select the best ones more easily.

When you’re choosing the plant disregard the pot it is in, that can be changed to suit your tastes and theme. Go for a large pot for a high-end look – slip the existing pot into the new one and fill around the edges with moss or small decorative stones like these stone available from Amazon. By spending a little more over all you achieve a lux look for much less than if you had purchased something equivalent from a high-end store, plus it can be exactly as you want it to be!

For the most authentic look, choose faux plants that would survive in the area where you would place them if they were real, for example in a hot garden room or conservatory you could choose something more tropical whereas in a shady hallway something like a fern would be more appropriate.

These are some of our favourites available in Dunelm at the moment*. You can mix and match these to suit what you want.

Real

If you are choosing real potted plants some of the same tips apply. Choose your pots independently from the plants. You can either put the pot directly in or re-pot the plant while making sure that the plant container is the style you want. We’d recommend choosing something hardy that doesn’t require too much watering if you are after something lower maintenance.

For a statement look, you may be tempted by a living wall or a green wall which is a self-sufficient vertical garden attached to a wall. Although these can look incredible, they are typically hard to pull off particularly on a budget so we would recommend considering getting professional help and either get the real thing with beautiful organic planting or finding a specialist to help you create an authentic looking faux one suitable for the location.

For a versatile and budget-friendly way to add greenery to a wall we would suggest contemporary hanging planters such as these metal plant hangers from Amazon. They bring life and colour to the wall but in a more subtle, affordable and ultimately changeable way      

Tips

  • Use natural fibres, textures and patterns
  • Floral wall patterns and rugs can be used for the botanical element
  • Use natural, earthy colours
  • Use decoration elements that are found in nature, for example, shells
  • Make use of natural light
  • Introduce scents from outdoors using scented candles and diffusers.

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*Links to our featured products:

London Black Framed Planter

Artificial Bonsai Tree in Pot

Ceramic Curves Planter Silver

Trailing Plant in Ceramic Pot

Artificial Fern in Black Pot

Green Plant in Black Pot

Creating a Space for You

Hybrid working seems to be here to stay, and that means a lot of us are both working and relaxing at home. Whilst there is a certain amount of convenience with this, where can you then go to truly disconnect from your day at work? You may have a separate office or office space, but you deserve to have a place to unwind without a constant reminder of the daily grind and chores. Let us show you how you can create a safe haven in your bedroom; somewhere to escape the day and wind down.

Create a Sanctuary in Your Bedroom

We recommend that you invest in your bedding as this is the perfect opportunity to bring some luxury into your bedroom. Choose a colour to complement the colour scheme, or to create a feature, and choose the fabric type you prefer; silk bedding can help keep you cool at night or go for luxuriously soft cotton instead.

Sallie loves both the Dorma range from Dunelm or the White company, both offer great quality without breaking the bank, and as the price is reasonable you can afford to refresh it when you feel the colours have faded a little to ensure the overall look is sharp and crisp. This is the Dorma Meadow Breeze cotton duvet cover set from Dunelm; a calming blue for a good night’s sleep.

Along with the perfect bedding, choose your mattress wisely as a good mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep and in achieving good back health.

Keep your bedroom clear of clutter

You will no doubt find a bed and wardrobe in every bedroom, and there often isn’t much space left for additional storage so daily detritus can often clutter the room. This is where clever storage solutions save the day. Make the most of the space and have tucked away places to hide your technology too if you can’t bear to leave it at the door.

This pretty storage ottoman from Oliver Bonas would work perfectly at the end of the bed or under a window and provide excellent storage for blankets, pillows and anything you want to tuck away.

If you have a wide bedroom, don’t just opt for small typical sized bedside tables, maximise storage and fill the space visually with a lovely chest of drawers that work well aesthetically and practically with lots of extra drawers to keep things neat – and therefore restful! This reasonably priced chest of drawers from Furniture123 gives you additional storage, and its sage colour makes a statement.

Repaint and Relax

Hues of blue and green are known to be calming colours that promote relaxation, so they are the ideal choice for a bedroom’s colour scheme. If you want to make a bigger impact you could repaint your bedroom, or have a feature wall.

The Chiswick Grove Silver wallpaper from Closs & Hamblyn is much more beautiful in the flesh, with a subtle iridescence and it is charming for a restful classic bedroom, or for something stronger and more graphic.

Sallie loves this stunning green geometric paper from wallpaperdirect.com. If you don’t want it all over, make a chic feature wall by painting the rest of the room in one of the green or ivory tones, so that it blends beautifully into the space.

If you don’t fancy decorating, artwork works well too, like this calming sea green abstract painting from Etsy, there will be something for everyone’s taste.

Hints and Tips

  • If you want a quick injection of the colour, you can easily change accessories and soft furnishings
  • Thick curtains or blackout blinds will help you get a good night’s sleep
  • A relaxing scented candle, a fragrance such as lavender, will add to a tranquil bedroom
  • Keep technology out of the bedroom or hidden away at the very least.

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This Year’s Interior Design Trends

We love seeing what the new interior trends are. Typically, there are changes with each season, and of course with a new year there are new ideas popping up. While you may love what you see in interior design magazines, you may struggle to apply it to your home, and be overwhelmed with the choices that you have. We are going to look at some key trends, and how you can use them in your home.

The Use of Green

Green is the colour of nature, and is extremely versatile. After months of being trapped in our own homes, we are appreciating the power of colour and nature to revitalise us and our homes. We do need to make sure that the colours are balanced within the home; it may mean that you wish to introduce green accessories or create a statement wall in tones of green.

It’s aways important to get the shades that tone well together. Where possible ask for samples to match the correct colour and use the same supplier for items that will be placed in the same room. The moss green armchair from Cult Furniture can be complemented by the moss green stool in the same tone.

Ensure that you also consider the tone of green that might be right for your home or style. A bright emerald green can be perfect for a hit of vibrant colour in a contemporary home or to add contrast to a period home, or try a moss green for a more timeless and elegant feel that will be suited to more classic interiors. There is a wealth of choice, as you can see from a snap shot of Dulux’s range of greens for 2022:

Creating Your Own Bespoke Interior

We know that rooms come in all shapes and sizes and to make the most of the space, we would always recommend having pieces that are made to fit the space perfectly. A high-end design has furniture that fits the space and is situated perfectly, avoiding messy gaps and wasted space. Having furniture made to measure will enhance the space both visually and practically.

At Interiors at 58 we have a range of suppliers that we use, and having bespoke furniture doesn’t need to be more expensive than buying the equivalent items ‘off the shelf’.

We often use these gorgeous benches from Angel and Boho. They are available in a multitude of fabrics, with a wide variety of leg colours and button options, they also come in bespoke lengths and are perfect for many occasions such as bedrooms benches and dining benches.

Sculptural and curved furniture

If you are keen on a minimal aesthetic and like to keep lines simple and accessories to a minimum this trend is for you. Pieces that have a sculptural quality to them make an instant statement in the room and will be the perfect complement to a piece of treasured artwork. This style combines practicality with a visual impact, and whatever your budget there is a piece perfect for you!  

Follow us on Facebook for more ways to bring the latest interior design trends into your home and contact us if you would like help refreshing your home.  

The Perfect Winter Accessories

It might be December, but it’s not all about Christmas. We’re sure that you’re thinking about your Christmas decorations, and many of you will have them up, but this right now we’re looking at accessories for the winter season that will last beyond 25th December. You might even be inspired to gift these items!

The weather has turned, and you will be wanting to snuggle down and keep warm. What better way than to spoil yourself or a loved one with this hot water bottle cover set from Cos Stores. Crafted from traceable cashmere it really is a touch of luxury, and it makes a lovely gift.

If you want to invest in high quality key pieces of furniture, we love the Levico Chaise Snuggle chair and the Timothy Oulton Yeti chair from Barker and Stonehouse that are timeless and iconic pieces of design to invest in. Perfect for winter evenings.

A throw is the ultimate winter accessory; stylish and warm. We love this Cashmere Blend Throw from John Lewis and can picture it working with the chaise. Use it on a bed or have it ready to grab when you’re chilly. Use cushions to complement the look; Nordic House supply these gorgeous luxury sheepskin cushion covers and will help you get cosy and comfy.

Take some time to relax this winter. The lighting in your home plays an important part in creating the ambiance that you’re looking for. Keeping the lighting low is perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family, and this timeless table lamp from Heals does just the job.

The Winter Signature Candle from The White Company will make a wonderful Christmas present, although you’ll want to use it yourself! We sometimes forget that fragrances really bring a season to life, but the combination of cinnamon, clove and orange will definitely give you that winter smell. Candles also create a soft ambient mood. Whether indoors or outdoors these hurricane lanterns from nkuku allow you to perfect your scene. Add a pillar candle to complete the look.

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Update Your Interiors Quickly and Easily

Updating your home doesn’t need to be a long and complex process. If you’re going for a major renovation there will be both building and decorating work to consider, but you can quickly and easily refresh the décor of your homes and soon see the difference.

We often recommend that you invest in the key pieces of furniture in your home; your bed, dining table, sofa and alike. An update or refresh will work around these, and keep the costs down. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t make a dramatic change without changing everything. With some consideration small alterations and additions can make all the difference.

Add Greenery

Adding plants immediately freshens a space. If you are using real plants then there are other benefits as well:

  • They make you feel calmer, reducing stress levels
  • They improve the quality of the air through a natural filtering process
  • Plants help you stay focused, and improve mood, productivity and creativity
  • Plants can help you fight colds by increasing the humidity – perfect for this time of year!

If you’re not green fingered, you can opt for faux foliage instead. Whether it’s real or faux it will uplift a room, and you can choose planters and vases that fit in with the décor of the room. We love these ceramic planters from Nordic House; they’re very versatile and work in many different types of colour themes.

This lovely faux fern from Dunelm is a quick and easy addition to any space, including its own iron pot.

Create a Feature in the Room

You can redecorate a whole room if you fancy a change, but that can be an upheaval and if it’s only been decorated recently it may not need it. Instead, pick a one wall and create a feature of it. This could be by painting it a bold colour, adding a striking print or using a luxe wallpaper for effect. We love the Chevron Panel wallpaper from I Love Wallpaper; available in 3 colours it gives a wood panel effect that will certainly make a statement.

Soft Furnishings

This may seem an obvious change to make, but it’s certainly an effective update. Cushions, cushion covers and curtains are straightforward to replace, and instantly change the feel of a room. You could update to reflect the seasons; bright summer flowers and lighter curtains in the spring and summer, moving to the richer autumn colours and plush finishes in the colder months.

If you’re updating now, we’d choose the Aelia cushion covers from Wayfair, an affordable statement cushion set available in a choice of colours. Perfect for a refresh.

Update Your Handles

You’ll notice the biggest change with this in the kitchen; changing cupboard and drawer handles is quick, easy and cost effective, but will change the overall effect. If you want to go one step further, you could update the cupboard and drawer fronts either by replacing or painting them. This is a great example of how you can make a dramatic change without much effort at all. These handles from Buster and Punch are an investment but a pair will give an old sideboard or wardrobe a whole new lease of life!

Upcycle Existing Furniture

As your life changes and evolves, your living needs evolve too. What was the perfect piece of furniture a few years ago now doesn’t quite fit in. Don’t jump straight into replacing it however, upcycling is an option that will allow you to repurpose and continue using loved items. It can evolve with you.

Use Your Dining Table

Dress your dining table and make a statement. For a big event, such as Christmas or Easter, your table often reflects the event and the season. You can continue this all year round, regularly updating and changing the display. Use flowers and foliage for a central display, match this with placemats on a central runner to bring it all together. Use the Rajura hurricane lanterns from nkuku in your table centre, place one large with two small ones on either side – place on a slate or marble platter for even more impact!

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Create a Relaxing Space You Love

At the end of the day you deserve a tranquil space to relax and unwind. You might think that a bedroom is just a place to sleep, but it is more than that. The right tones, textures and furniture can make your bedroom a calm and serene haven.

Consider the following:

Colour

Cool and muted colours are always calming colours. Green and blue tones bring in a hint of nature and can be used in varying depths of tone to create a layered look that is interested and not bland.

Lighting

Subtly is key here; avoid harsh lighting instead opting for softer lighting that creates the desired mood. This light from Ocean Lighting has the wow factor but also contains a diffuser at the bottom to soften the light. For even more flexibility, add a dimmer switch to control the brightness.

Bedrooms are often a place to read, and adding a light suitable for this purpose is a great idea. The Niche wall light from Pooky is both elegant and practical. It allows the light to be directed onto your book so as to not disturb others.

Bedside cabinets

Cabinets are certainly functional, but the right choice will assist with keeping the room relaxing. If you have space on either side of your bed, it’s best to fill it with a well-fitting low chest, not only does it prevent awkward gaps either side but also gives you plenty of storage to tuck away anything unsightly. The Federico by Gillmore Space fits the bill – a contemporary design with plenty of storage space.

Soft furnishings

Accessories are perfect for injecting colour, pattern and texture into a room, and are an easy way to update the décor. In the bedroom, they have the added bonus of softening the room, whether it’s with a plush rug or scatter cushion.

Every bedroom needs curtains; choosing a heavy or thick fabric will help you keep your room dark. We love these curtains from Anthropologie – perfect for keeping the light out, as well as adding texture and colour to the room.

Use cushions to give a real feel of comfort in the bedroom. They can be scattered or arranged on the bed, or added to chairs. These Glacier Powder cushions from Andrew Martin are a wonderful choice for a bedroom with their cool, calming colours. Alternatively, the Sanderson Sycamore cushions in Mist Blue from Bedeck Home fit into a relaxing theme.

If you have the space, you can create a dedicated reading or relaxing area within your bedroom, somewhere to put your feet up whatever time of the day. A comfortable chair is a great addition, allowing somewhere to sit and contemplate. The Mitzi armchair from Atkin and Thyme would work well.

Pair it with the luxurious Supersoft Sheepskin Pouf from Nordic House and quite literally put your feet up at the end of a tiring day.

Some tips to keep in mind when you are designing your bedroom:

  • Make sure you choose furniture that is both comfortable and functional
  • A neutral colour scheme on the walls is ideal, add texture and interest through accessories
  • Comfort is key in a bedroom, soften edges and corners with plush cushions and blankets.

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Keeping Cool in the Summer

It’s been a scorching hot couple of weeks, and with another heatwave predicted keeping cool is definitely on our minds. We may not be able to affect the temperature in our homes, but we can tell you the best ways to use cool colours in your interior design.

All cool colours have a blue undertone and evoke a feeling of calmness and serenity, forming an overall restful effect. Used wisely, cool colours will make space feel more open. Grey, white and neutral colours can also be cool, depending on their undertone.

We work with our clients to achieve a finish that they are happy with; we create the type of space they want to live in. This is one restful space that we have worked on that the owners love, and you can see more finished projects from Interiors at 58 in our Gallery. 

We know that the theory of cool colours works for interior design, but to help you visualise how this could work for you, here are some of our favourite things you could incorporate into your home.

For a classic, cool statement piece, go for the Vantagio Lounge chair from my furniture. This is a perfect example of how a neutral grey works with the silver base of the chair and adds a cool element to any room. You could afford to add a bold coloured cushion to great effect.

We are fans of art and wall hangings because they are just so versatile. They can be a statement piece and they can also be easily moved and rehung to create different effects. This canvas painting from Wayfair is a stunning abstract made with cool colours.

Also from Wayfair, this blue and ivory rug is warm for your feet but fits with the cool finish.

Add a pop of colour with accessories.  A natural green, like this table lamp from Loaf will be a point of interest while still keeping with the cool theme. Of course you can use larger pieces of furniture in cool colours. A mint green velvet sofa from Loaf too is a beautiful colour and the clever velvet finish is a super durable material and ideal for homes with children and pets.

Why not start with a statement piece, like this Etienne sideboard from my furniture, and build your room around it. This would work well with the mint sofa, and add in some pinks for the contrast in the room with accessories.

Tips

  • Cool colours are flexible, and they work well with silver accents as well as black or brass for a contrast that avoids being bland.
  • Cool colours are perfect for rooms where it’s important to concentrate, an office or a study, or those where tranquillity and rest is a priority, for example, a bedroom.
  • Layer the depth of tones using some darker and some more subtle tones but keep within the same cool colour family for the most cohesive look. 

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Enjoy the Summer Inside

Summer is coming, but after a spell of such changeable weather over the last couple of months, we’re forgiven for wondering how long the sun will last. If the weather is warm and sunny you can enjoy plants and flora outside; but what if it’s raining? With the unpredictable nature of the British weather, this month we are bringing you all year round ideas to enjoy flowers and summer floral colours.

Floral designs and patterns are in constant supply when it comes to interior design. With so much to choose from and changing trends, there is something for everyone.

Get an all year round bright, summery feel by using floral print wallpaper in your home. You can create a feature wall or paper the whole room, but be mindful that the pattern doesn’t overpower the space and leaving you feeling a little overwhelmed.

A pretty and calming floral print perfect for a bedroom or dining room is the Sanderson Chiswick Grove wallpaper from Jane Clayton. Whereas the Dark Floral II wallpaper from Ellie, a dark and moody oversized floral print, is perfect for cosy rooms such as snugs and smaller spaces such as the WC or a  bathroom. We would suggest painting the other walls in a complementary dark tone to make the feature wall appear cohesive with the room, rather than randomly placed and at odds with the rest of the room.

Artwork is an obvious choice for bringing bright blooms to your walls. The availability of a vast array of artwork means that you will be able to find a perfect match for your taste. Depending on your budget and preference you could look at posters or prints, hand-painted pictures or bespoke creations. We love these prints from Desenio; keeping the florals slightly abstract in nature with a close up view adds an extra aspect of interest to the flowers, really focusing on the beauty of the petals.

Soft furnishings make personalising your space easy. Choose cushions to complement your sofa, and curtains to create a feature. Small cushions and embellishments allow you to bring in an intricate design without overwhelming you. Matching the cushions and curtains, if the size of the pattern allows, really brings the room together. Use your choice of rug to make a statement with the Peonia Grande Rug from Jane Clayton or have a subtle addition with the Orphee rug from Maison du Monde.

Of course, you can always use flowers for your floral additions. Cut flowers can mirror the season and smell lovely, but artificial flowers are an effective, long lasting alternative to have beautiful blooms on display. Peony.co.uk stock a great range and two of our favourites are the Orchid Terrarium and the Sweet Pea Fish Bowl.

Top Tips for Florals in Interior Design

  • Floral doesn’t need to mean feminine – balanced patterns can be more neutral or masculine
  • Foliage, both real and artificial, is an easy way to bring greenery into a room, and the pot can be matched to the style you are looking for
  • Furniture featuring floral prints can be used as statement pieces to inject colour and energy into an otherwise neutral room. We love the Grey Armchair with Floral Design from Viano Interiors and Broughton Mist Dining Chair from Boo-Burys.

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