Nature has always been a source of inspiration, and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of interior design. From the delicate unfurling of a fern to the bold, graphic shapes of tropical leaves, botanical patterns offer a timeless way to inject life, vibrancy, and a touch of organic beauty into our homes. Botanical patterns aren’t just a fleeting trend; they’re an enduring and versatile design element that can adapt to a multitude of styles, from classic to contemporary and minimalist to maximalist. Let’s explore how to incorporate these leafy delights into your interior spaces.
A History Rooted in Nature
Botanical patterns have a rich history in interior design, dating back centuries. From the Romans who incorporated acanthus leaves into architectural details and the intricate floral tapestries of the Renaissance, through to the bold, oversized leaf prints of the mid-20th century, these designs have consistently evolved, reflecting changing tastes and artistic movements. This passion for the natural world translated into textiles, wallpapers, and decorative arts, cementing botanical patterns as a staple in design that continues to captivate today.
In our increasingly urban lives, botanical patterns provide a connection to nature, fostering a sense of calm and wellbeing. The vivid colours and organic shapes can uplift our mood and create a positive atmosphere. Botanical patterns can also add depth, texture, and visual intrigue to otherwise plain spaces, creating focal points that spark conversation. Simply introduce with a beautiful fabric, make a statement with a bold leafy wallpaper or bring a touch of the outside in with small, interchangeable homeware pieces.
Fabrics
Introducing botanical design through curtain, roman blind and upholstery fabrics is a great way to breathe life into your interior scheme. We are delighted to offer a plethora of leafy prints, embroideries, velvets and sheers from some of the top fabric houses. Whether you’re looking for something bold and stylistic or subtle and paired back, each design offers its own unique take on organic charm.
For a classic country aesthetic, you may wish to consider foliage-rich fabrics from the William Morris At Home portfolio. The Flora & Foliage and The Forager collections present a host of leafy prints such as Acorn and Foliage. The iconic William Morris Willow Bough design also appears in the form of a versatile print, textured weave and a gorgeous wide width sheer, perfect for a relaxed, floaty look (shown opposite in the Chalk colour way). Sanderson has also launched some timeless collections that draw on botanical influences for an air of country charm. The Fern Embroidery, Elm, Hedera, Osier and Spring Leaves fabrics from the stunning Sanderson Country Woodland collection all work well with their simple yet effective leaf motifs and muted, natural tones. For punchier palettes that reflect the changing seasons, consider Robin’s wood, Ancient Canopy, Fernery Embroidery, Oaknut Stripe and the Sycamore and Oak Fabric from the statement Arboretum collection.
Alternatively, if your style resonates with bolder, maximalist interiors, you may wish to choose larger scale botanical designs in confident colour ways. Think big palm leaves and tropical foliage in rich jewel tones to create your own exotic paradise. The Monsoon, Caribbean, Malibu and Maui collections by Prestigious Textiles are some great go to options, offering palm leaves and large scale fronds in abundance. We particularly love the indulgent Nicobar, Tripura and Bahamas printed velvets, really anchoring the exotic theme. For a more laid back tropical aesthetic, the PT Summer House collection works well with designs such as Alano, Analeigh, Marcella, Paloma and the stunning Rey burnout sheer.
The Sanderson Glasshouse Collection is another superb choice bursting with eye-catching pattern and vivid colour. Go bold with the Rain Forest Embroidery, Calathea, Manila Embroidery and Palm House fabrics or tone it down a little with the Fernery and Fernery weave fabrics. Other great options include the Harlequin Salinas Mala and Solana fabrics, as well as the Foglia Decorativa fabric by Designers Guild. You can even extend gorgeous botanical designs to your outside space with the stunning Congo, Majorelle, Alvaro, Kelapa, Calathea and Manila fabrics from the Clarke & Clarke Alfresco, Sanderson and Harlequin Indoor Outdoor Prints ranges to enhance feelings of tranquility, freshness, and vitality. Explore our full range of botanical patterned fabrics here.
Ready Made Curtains
We also offer an array of designer ready made curtains featuring beautiful botanical patterns that will instantly uplift your interior schemes. For an air of elegant simplicity, you could opt for the Laura Ashley Barley Embossed, Coulderton and Waxham ready made curtains. Adorning subtle leaf motifs in natural tones, these designs come fully lined with a contemporary eyelet heading and work well for tranquil, paired back aesthetics. The Laura Ashley millhayes cutains also provide a sophisticated blackout option.
Alternatively, for more defined pattens with pops of seasonal colour, consider the Laura Ashley Bernwood, longston Sprig and Old Castle Leaves designs, or the statemental New Eden lined eyelet curtains by Graham & Brown. The Clarke & Clarke Congo, William Morris At Home Acanthus and Original Willow curtains are some other exciting choices, available with a traditional pencil pleat heading for a classic twist. Shop our full range of botanically themed ready made curtains here.
Roller Blinds
If you prefer the sleek, simple look and functionality of a roller blind to dress your windows and doors, there’s an array of blind fabrics available to suit your desired style, colour scheme, window size and shading requirements. Choose from a stylish selection of foliage-rich patterns to complete your botanical scheme. Go bold with Nicobar, Alano, Autumn Leaf, Goa and Mahalo from the PT Portfolio roller blind collection or take a relaxed approach with subtle botanical prints from the Prestigious Textiles Serenity collection. The Elm, Fern, Foliage and Sprig roller blinds are all beautiful examples, bringing a sense of neutrality and understated elegance to your living space.
The Louvolite Chatsworth and Flores fabrics also work well, as does the New House Textiles Eden fabric, all available as part of our bespoke, made to measure roller blind service.
Wallpapers
Adorning your walls with the lush beauty of a botanical wallpaper can transform your entire room, creating a dramatic backdrop for your furniture and decor. Featuring everything from delicate ferns and leafy line drawings to vibrant tropical leaves, these wallcoverings offer a refreshing and timeless aesthetic with a touch of tranquility.
Feel inspired with leafy designs from the William Morris At Home, Sanderson Arboretum and Sanderson Glasshouse wallpaper collections, all perfectly curated to complement the fabrics for cohesion and flow. The Willow bough design is a popular choice, available as a standard wallpaper or an immersive mural. Other great options include the Robin’s Wood wallpaper, Sycamore and Oak mural and the Calathea wallpaper by Sanderson for bold, dynamic and engaging spaces enriched with visual interest. Simply apply to a feature wall or decorate all the walls and ceilings in your space for a confident, enveloping scheme.
Other beautiful options include the Harlequin colour 2 Kelapa wallpaper, Paint & Paper Library Tropicane wallpaper and the Little Greene Beech Nut Wallpaper. Alternatively, if you love the classic Laura Ashley aesthetic, consider fresh botanical wallpapers with a touch of stylish simplicity such as Barley, Cariad and Mari, perfect for a softened look.
Homeware
Layering in botanical pattern through bedding, cushions and rugs is an easy way to add a touch of nature’s beauty to your home without committing to a full-scale renovation. These simple additions are quick, effective and interchangeable so you can swap them out easily should you wish to update your scheme seasonally. Take a closer look below.
Bedding
Transform your bed into a botanical design feature with our beautiful range of bedlinen. Drift off surrounded by lush greenery with the stunning Graham & Brown Bohemia, Coppice Forest and New Eden designs. The Sara Miller Palm Garden bedding is another great choice for a real statement.
If you’d prefer something romantic with a subtle charm, you may wish to consider the Laura Ashley Lockwood and Sparham bedding sets, featuring luscious trailing leaves in sage tones. The Sophie Allport Wild Floral bedlinen also works well for a paired back, natural scheme. Explore our full range of botanical bedlinen here.
Cushions
Cushions offer a quick and easy way to update your living space. These versatile accessories have the power to instantly elevate your chosen aesthetic, adding a splash of colour and texture. Choose from a stunning selection of botanical cushions for a sense of organic tranquility.
Consider the Bohemia and Coppice Forest cushions by Graham & Brown to match the bedlinen or go classic with the William Morris Willow Boughs Cushion by Clarke & Clarke. For a more subtle appeal, you may wish to opt for the Laura Ashley Barley Embossed, Coulderton and Lady Fern cushions available in paired back palettes. Shop more botanical cushions here.
Rugs
Rugs are a great way to add a layer of warmth and visual interest to your space. Consider a foliage-rich design such as Sanderson’s Robin’s Wood rug for a classic country feel. Other great options include the Acanthus and Willow Boughs Outdoor rugs by Morris & Co., Ancient Canopy by Sanderson and Ferns by Scion.
For a more contemporary take on the botanical theme, the Harlequin Kelapa, Sanderson Rain Forest and Sanderson Manila indoor and outdoor rugs would work well. Shop more botanical rugs here.
How to Work Botanical Patterns
- Choose your Style: Select patterns that resonate with your personal style and create a space that you love. For a tropical paradise, think lush palm leaves complemented with vibrant hibiscus flowers and exotic birds. This style is perfect for creating a bold and energetic space, ideal for sunrooms, bathrooms, or even a statement living room. Delicate botanicals can soften a rustic space, working well for English country garden schemes that evoke a sense of romantic charm and timeless elegance. For a woodland vibe, consider ferns, mosses, and woodland creatures that bring a touch of earthy tranquility to your home or if you’d prefer a more contemporary interior, consider minimalist greenery such as simple, stylised leaf patterns or single botanical prints that offer a subtle nod to nature without overwhelming the space.
- Think about Scale and Proportion: Consider the size of your room and the scale of the pattern. Large-scale patterns work well in spacious rooms, while a smaller space may benefit from a more delicate, smaller pattern.
- Balance and Harmony: Avoid overwhelming the space by balancing botanical patterns with solid colours and neutral tones.
- Colour Palette: Choose a colour palette that complements your existing decor and creates the desired mood.
- Layering: Mix and match different botanical patterns in varying scales and textures for a rich and dynamic, layered look enriched with depth and visual interest.
- Finishing Touches: Botanical prints, paintings, and pressed flowers add a touch of natural beauty to your walls. Vases, lampshades, and even tableware can feature botanical motifs, adding subtle touches of nature throughout your home. A botanical-patterned armchair or sofa can become a stunning focal point in your living room. Incorporating live houseplants alongside your botanical patterns enhances the natural ambiance and purifies the air.
The Home Of Interiors Inspiration
Mood boards are an effective technique that we highly recommend when embarking on a home project. They provide a visual playground where textures, colours, and concepts come to life, allowing you to create a cohesive scheme where your creativity can blossom. Dive into our botanically inspired mood boards below and ignite your design passion for your next interior project!
Rich & Indulgent
Our first mood board spotlights the moody Congo Outdoor fabric from the Clarke & Clarke Alfresco collection. In the Forest colour way, this foliage-rich design is brought to life in a sea of lush green tones. We’ve begun by pairing this design with tonal plains of varying texture for added depth and dimension. The Romo Kylo satin fabric in Artichoke, Spinach and Seaglass works particularly well, as does the Villa Nova Pico velvet in Dill and Dune, picking up on the lighter greens and ochre accents within the main design. The Harlequin Ario fabric in Atlantic and Whisper also pairs well. Simply use for accent cushions or a beautiful layered window dressing. We’ve also included the Harlequin Haruka fabric (colour ref Artichoke/Seaglass) from the new Kasuri collection to introduce contrasting pattern that complements through colour.
For finishing touches, the Silent Gliss 30mm Metropole with Ellipse finials in Sand and Ochre work well for a contemporary edge. The Romo Tana Outdoor Cord and Tambor Outdoor Fringe in Basil complete the look effortlessly should you wish to use the Congo fabric for outdoor applications. We also love the Thibaut Ripley Appliqué Trim in the Spring colour way for additional detail to curtains and blinds.
Timeless & Romantic
For a gentler, more romantic approach to botanical styling, our second mood board features the Romo Chiraco wallpaper (colour ref Sorbet) from the Pluma wallcoverings collection. The William Morris At Home Elm House and Poached Rhubarb paint colours pair beautifully with this design, working well for any remaining walls or woodwork.
For fabric, we’ve selected the co-ordinating Romo Chiraco fabric in Sorbet, perfect for a fully cohesive look throughout your space. This luxury embroidery brings a whole new textural element to the design and would be a great choice for scatter cushions. Complementary plains include the Warwick Loire fabric in Petal, Blush and Henna, bringing out those beautiful pinks within the wallpaper. The Prestigious Textiles Sedwell (colour ref Petal) and Jefferies (colour ref Pewter) fabrics also bring an additional sense of tactility to the scheme.
For curtains, we would recommend a painted wooden curtain pole. The Laura Ashley Ribbed Ball 35mm wooden curtain pole in Dark Slate works well tonally, as does the Rolls Museum 45mm curtain pole with ball finials in the Satin Oyster finish for a decadent twist. The Temperley London x Romo Beaded Braid in Somerset Green and Trellis Fringe in Vintage Rose tie the look together beautifully.
Overview
The sheer diversity of botanical life provides endless inspiration. Botanical patterns offer a timeless and versatile way to bring the beauty of nature into your home. Whether you choose a bold tropical print or a delicate fern motif, these leafy designs can transform your interior spaces into a tranquil and inviting oasis. So, embrace the power of botanicals and let your home bloom!
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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