5 ways to implement the floral wallpaper trend

Floral wallpaper is one of the hottest trends in interior design right now. An iconic motif that is both pretty and peaceful, today's floral wallpapers go beyond traditional pink roses and green leaves. You'll find everything from dainty designs to bold, abstract options.

With so many options available, it's easier than ever to find a floral print that perfectly matches your personal design style. “Floral patterns are trending in many design styles in wallpaper, from the maximalist look of all-over patterns to free-flowing abstract designs and classic florals presented in a fresh palette along with oversized murals,” says Erin Fallon, brand manager of York Wallcoverings. “For all design lovers, there's a floral pattern to suit their style.”

To help you recreate the floral wallpaper look at home, Fallon shares her best tips and design strategies.

1. Choose the right flowers

Whether you're looking for a scattered floral print or a multi-colored pattern, finding a floral wallpaper that suits your style is easier than you might think. First, focus on your decorating style, color preferences, and the environment you want to create in your home. Then, refine your search by narrowing down the types of flowers: Are you drawn to watercolor bouquets, exotic blooms, or bold, abstract florals?

When you look at wallpaper patterns, you'll quickly notice that each floral pattern can evoke a different feeling. Fallon explains that free-flowing flowers in a soft palette will give your space a light and airy feel, while a moody floral mural makes a powerful design statement.

Fallon points out that florals reflect nature and therefore ground us in a way that other designs can't replicate. However, choosing the wrong floral style can have the opposite effect, so it's worth investing some time during the research and planning stages of your design. Order samples of any print that appeals to you before you commit.

2. Find the right location and size

Because wallpaper has a powerful impact in any room, choose your location carefully. The right wallpaper will set the tone for the decor in the rest of your room, but choosing the wrong size of flowers can go against your desired look, so experiment with the size of your floral wallpaper in relation to the size of your room.

For example, if you have a small bathroom, try going big with patterns. Sometimes a large, repeating pattern can make a room appear larger. On the other hand, if you have more square footage to cover and want the room to feel more relaxed, a very busy design or one that is saturated in multiple colors can be overwhelming. Always consider the location of your wallpaper, the atmosphere you want to achieve, and the size and scale of your room and your floral pattern.

3. Use print (and furniture)

If you're feeling bold, pair large floral wallpaper with bright furniture to make an unmissable style statement. Start by going for color by using an all-over floral wallpaper in your favorite colors, and choose a color from there to complete your furniture selection. “Be bold! Add a powerful statement to your entryway with an oversized floral mural,” advises Fallon.

4. Paint the woodwork in a suitable color

Colorful architectural details—like wainscoting, tongue-and-groove boards, or moldings—are the perfect complement to floral wallpaper. To pull off this technique, Fallon suggests using a complementary color from your wallpaper pattern. Then, paint your woodwork a vibrant shade that will bring out the colors of the floral pattern. She recommends using just one color at a time to avoid a hodgepodge look.

5. Mix vintage and modern

Don't be afraid to mix different design styles and eras in one room. For example, you can combine vintage or secondhand decor pieces with a modern abstract floral print in fresh, bold colors to create a dynamic space that also feels lived in. “Floral speaks the language of ever-evolving style with instant connection and iconic form that confidently complements any space and design signature,” says Fallon.

Plus, mixing styles gives you more design freedom to experiment with your favorite textures and patterns. And you have more flexibility to upgrade certain design elements of your space when you feel like refreshing it.

6. Add a wallpaper border

Channel your inner maximalist by pairing a solid floral pattern with a separate wallpaper border. This will add a second layer of pattern alongside your existing trim elements, such as wainscoting or baseboards. For a balanced design result, do not pair a floral border with a floral wallpaper. Instead, choose a solid or lightly patterned border to complement your floral wallpaper.

This strategy of pattern play allows any wallpaper pattern to pop and avoids a washed out or overdone look. Best of all, adding a wallpaper border is a small detail that's easy to install and adds even more depth to your room.