There’s something inherently joyful about birds. Their vibrant colours, graceful flight, and cheerful songs have captivated us for centuries. So, it’s no surprise that bird patterns have fluttered their way into interior design, bringing a touch of nature’s whimsy and charm into our homes. From soft and ethereal watercolours to bold graphic prints, incorporating avian motifs can add personality, depth, and a sense of playful sophistication to any space. Let’s explore some inspiring ways to feather your own nest with these delightful designs.

Bringing Life to Interior Decor

The allure of bird designs lies in their inherent grace and vibrant energy. Whether captured in a delicate sketch or a bold textile print, birds bring a sense of lightness and freedom. Their diverse plumage offers a rich tapestry of colours and patterns, from the subtle iridescence of a dove’s wing to the striking hues of a tropical parrot. Beyond their visual appeal, bird motifs often evoke feelings of joy, tranquility, and a connection to the natural world, making them a timeless source of inspiration that adds a touch of poetic beauty to our surroundings. They are also extremely versatile and can seamlessly integrate into a range of interior styles:

• Coastal: Seabirds like gulls in muted blues and sandy tones, paired with natural materials like driftwood and shells make for a beautiful coastal-inspired scheme.
• Exotic: Tropical creatures such as birds of paradise and parrots in rich jewel tones will add an air of exoticism to your interiors.
• Rustic: Owls or woodpeckers, paired with earthy tones and natural textures lend themselves well to more classic and rustic aesthetics. Detailed depictions of birds and their natural habitats exude timeless elegance.
• Modern Farmhouse: Incorporate simple black and white bird silhouettes on textiles or artwork to add a touch of country charm.
• Mid-Century Modern: Stylised bird motifs / silhouettes together with bold geometric shapes and abstract patterns inspired by flight and feathers in vibrant colours reflect the era’s design aesthetic.
• Chinoiserie: Elegant designs with exotic birds and lush foliage can add a touch of Eastern-inspired sophistication.
• Children’s: Fun and whimsical bird prints with a cartoonish quality are ideal for children’s rooms or for adding a touch of lightheartedness to any space.

Avian design can be introduced in many ways, from a beautiful furnishing fabric or bold wallpaper to gorgeous finishing touches that help bring your rooms to life. Feel inspired below.

Alternatively, create a bolder exotic scheme with depictions of tropical bird species in rich palettes and qualities. Consider eye-catching designs from the Sara Miller London range such as the Deep Navy Birds and Heron velvets or go for the magnificent Sanderson Glasshouse Rain Forest Embroidery (image 1 below). Other bold designs include the Wedgwood Botanical Wonders Golden Parrot velvet, Harlequin’s Dance of Adornment, Salinas and Solana fabrics or Clarke & Clarke’s Alfresco Toucan outdoor fabric, perfect for extending the avian exotic theme to outdoor settings.

For an air of coastal charm and freshness, consider Sanderson’s Swallows, Swallows at Sea, or the magnificent Shore Birds print from the gorgeous Port Isaac collection (image 2 below). The Studio G Marina Fly Away fabric also works particularly well. In curated colour ways evocative of the seaside, these fabrics lend themselves beautifully to our Traditional Coastal trend. Playful bird patterns can also enhance your little one’s nursery or playroom. Designs such as Owls (image 3 below), What A Hoot and Skies Above from the Harlequin Book of Little Treasures collection work beautifully in children’s settings, as does the Disney Home for Sanderson Donald Nautical fabric and the Hide and Seek or On Safari design from Prestigious Textiles, abundant with fun wildlife.

Roller Blinds

If you prefer the look and functionality benefits of a roller blind, you may wish to consider a beautiful bird design from our Clarke & Clarke made to measure roller blind range. Discover design led prints across practical fabric types from standard and blackout to textured and waterproof to suit your desired room, privacy and light / shading requirements. Roller blinds are also great for layering with curtains or blinds for additional shading and thermal benefits.

Avian-patterned roller blinds offer a fresh and modern way to inject personality and a sense of nature into any room. The Clarke & Clarke Laridae and Fly Away blinds (image 1 below) lend themselves beautifully to coastal-themed spaces whilst the Bird Trail (image 2 below) and Bird Song prints exude floral romance and country charm. View more designs here.

Wallpapers

Extend the theme to your walls with a striking avian wallpaper. Whether you decorate an accent wall or make a statement with an all over look, a bird-inspired wallcovering can work beautifully in any space. Many collections such as Sanderson Port Isaac and Harlequin Book of Little Treasures feature co-ordinating bird wallpapers that complement the fabrics for a cohesive scheme. Discover direct pairings perfect for coastal and children’s settings. We also love the eclectic nature of Sanderson One Sixty, accommodating a host of different styles from coastal and country to unique, maximalist schemes with wallpapers such as Picture Gallery and Flamingos.

Little Greene offers some superb choices including Aderyn (image 1 below) and Volieres, both part of collections made in collaboration with the National Trust. Their Riverside Capers Mural from the recent Storybook Papers collection is a particularly stunning addition, perfect for children’s rooms with its cartoon style farm animals including a hen with her chicks and a playful line of running ducks originally painted by children’s illustrator, Cecil Aldin. Laura Ashley also features some timelessly elegant and romantic designs within their wallpaper portfolio, from Osterley and Summer Palace to Animalia (image 2 below) and Belvedere.

For a more playful, statement look, consider one of Joules’ lighthearted bird wallpapers such as Flirty Pheasants or Guinea Fowl. Alternatively, you could add a designer touch with Diane Hill’s Valentina wallpaper or scenic Florence mural (image 3 below) and even Emma J Shipley’s Audubon wallpaper offering a unique take on the bird theme.

Explore all our bird-inspired wallpapers here.

Homeware

Nature’s avian wonders offer a boundless source of inspiration for homeware. We are delighted to offer a stunning range of designer bedding, ready made curtains and accessories enriched with various bird species and accompanying foliage. Each piece is beautifully designed to help inject luxury and style into your interiors.

Tips for a Harmonious Habitat

• Consider the Mood: Different bird patterns evoke different moods. Delicate watercolors can feel serene, while bold graphic prints can feel more energetic. Choose patterns that reflect the desired atmosphere of your space.
• Pinpoint your style: Are you longing for your own coastal escape or does your style resonate with classic country charm? The type and colour palette of the bird patterns you choose should complement the look you want to create. If you’d like to make a bold impact, don’t shy away from more prominent bird-inspired pieces such as statement wallpapers and murals. If you’d prefer a more understated approach, consider delicate bird motifs such as embroidered swallows and feathers for elegant cushions, framed wall art with vintage bird illustrations or minimalist line drawings, and other small decorative details.
• Think about Scale and Proportion: Ensure that the size of your bird patterns complement the scale of your room and furniture.
• Mix and Match Textures: Combine smooth ceramics with textured fabrics featuring bird prints for added visual interest. Don’t be afraid to mix different scales and styles of bird patterns, but ensure they complement each other in terms of colour and overall aesthetic.
• Think About Colour Palette: Choose avian designs that complement your existing colour scheme, either by blending in or providing a pop of contrasting colour. Grounding your bird patterns with solid-colour elements that reflect the palette can also help to create balance and cohesion.
• Don’t Overdo It: While a touch of avian charm is beautiful and characterful, consider choosing a few key pieces that you truly love to avoid overwhelming the space.
• Have Fun! Ultimately, decorating your home should be a reflection of your personality. Embrace the joy and whimsy that bird designs can bring to your space.

Overview

Bird patterns offer an eclectic approach to interior styling. Charming and versatile, they allow you to bring the beauty and joy of the natural world indoors in a plethora of ways to suit your individual taste and preferred style. Whether you choose subtle accents or bold statement pieces, bird motifs are sure to add a unique and uplifting touch to your home.

If you’re embarking on a home project and would like any help, advice or samples sending out, please do get in touch. We offer a complimentary bespoke design service where we can provide fabric, design and paint colour advice to help you pull a full room solution together. We can also make up your perfect window dressings with our bespoke, made to measure curtain and roman blind making service.

Email sales@thehomeofinteriors.co.uk or call us on 01590 615775.

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