Botanical Prints Are Blooming

in Home Design

With Spring around the corner, there's no better time to add some beautiful botanicals into the home. We chat to ILIV's Design Manager Debbie Leigh, to find out the best ways to incorporate them into an interior design scheme.

1. What is your advice for using botanical patterns within the home?

Botanical patterns bring a fresh, organic feel to interiors, creating a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. Whether in bold tropical prints or delicate floral motifs, they can add vibrancy to a space or introduce a subtle, timeless elegance. Used on fabrics like curtains, upholstery or cushions, botanical designs effortlessly enhance both modern and traditional interiors.

2. Where do you suggest using botanical patterns?

Botanical patterns work beautifully in various areas of the home, adding warmth and a natural touch. In living rooms, they look stunning when used to create statement upholstery or on scatter cushions. In bedrooms, botanical-print bedding or curtains will help to create a serene, restful atmosphere. Bathrooms can feel spa-like with leafy shower curtains or wallpaper. For a subtle touch, try botanical table linens or wallpapered feature walls in dining areas. The key is balancing bold prints with neutral tones for a harmonious look.

3. What trends in botanicals do you see coming through this year?

This year, botanical trends are embracing a more organic and artistic feel. Expect to see larger-scale, hand-painted florals, soft watercolour effects, and imperfect, sketch-like botanical prints for a more natural feel. Earthy, muted tones like sage, terracotta, and deep forest greens are replacing overly bright hues, creating a calming, timeless look. Tropical motifs are evolving into lush, layered greenery with a vintage touch, while dried flowers and wild meadow prints bring a romantic, nostalgic feel.

4. What do you suggest NOT doing when decorating with botanicals? / what rooms might botanicals NOT work in?

When decorating with botanicals, avoid overloading a space with too many bold prints. Instead, balance statement patterns with neutral tones and solid textures. Be cautious with dark, heavy botanical prints in small, dimly lit rooms, as they can make the space feel enclosed. The key is subtlety, letting nature-inspired prints enhance rather than dominate a room.

What do you think pairs well with botanical patterns?

Botanical prints pair beautifully with natural materials like linen, rattan and wood, enhancing their organic feel. Soft neutrals such as cream, sage, or warm taupe help balance bold patterns, while textured fabrics like boucle or jute are great for adding interest. For a modern touch, mix botanicals with metallic accents in brass or matte black. Alternatively, if you prefer a bolder contrast, try pairing them with geometric prints or stripes for a stylish mix of patterns.

6. How do botanical patterns differ from floral patterns? Do they have to be used differently?

Botanical patterns encompass a wider range of nature-inspired designs, including leaves, ferns, vines and trees, whereas floral patterns focus specifically on flowers and blossoms. While botanicals often have a more earthy, organic feel, florals can range from delicate and romantic to bold and dramatic. When decorating, botanical prints work well in modern, minimalist or tropical spaces, while florals are often suited to traditional, vintage or feminine interiors. Both can be mixed, but consideration is key; botanicals bring structure, while florals add softness.