The botanical trend has come and gone over the decades, largely because it plays to the idea of bringing nature into our homes, adding a fresh and airy vibe to any interior.

There are many ways to incorporate this trend, from using old botanical drawings to the contemporary look of overscaled printed images of green leaves and tropical flowers, created by designers in a range of materials and finishes.

This bold yet calming imagery can be used to cover entire walls or added in smaller doses through art pieces, cushions and other accessories. There are so many options for your home, no matter the interior style or location.

The popular large and tropical green leaf motif (think monstera and fern leaves) is probably the most familiar, but botanicals also come in muted tones and subtle designs.  They’re perfect for evoking  memories of tropical holidays and exotic locations,

Botanicals pair perfectly with cane and rattan furniture, and especially well with woven textures in flooring and rugs, such jute and sisal. In its darker hues, it works with metal-plated furniture, especially gold and aged copper, and precious velvets and marbles.

Botanical pairs perfectly with cane and rattan furniture, and especially well with woven textures in flooring and rugs, such jute and sisal.

A favourite Australian designer, Kerrie Brown, explores the botanical idea through intricate drawings, with strong and darker colours, and a signature style, ranging from approachable to luxurious. They come in a range of finishes for wallpapers and fabric, so you’ll see them on curtains, upholstery, lampshades and cushions.

A Treble of tips

• Strong botanical patterns are perfect for bathrooms, to add organic forms that contrast well against tiled surfaces.
• Smaller accents of botanical are great to lift the mood of any plain looking spaces, and being green, it can usually be added to most palettes, just like indoor plants.
• Real over-scaled plants can work as well in their natural form, if the printed version is not your cup of tropical tea.

Images (L to R) courtesy Kohler Ideas; Kerrie Brown; Incy Interiors.

Re-blogged, original on: Renovating for Profit blog.