I was putting together a design plan for my study-turned-library space makeover and picked this floral wallpaper for the walls behind the sofa and the bookcases. I chose it because I wanted our library to have just a touch of an old world feeling since the rest of the furnishings are from the modern era.
For years, I shied away the floral patterns of the past, they felt dusty to me. As I get older I have more appreciation for those motifs and the age where people entertained themselves with books, music, and art. I’ve found myself lingering longer at art museums and gazing at books on natural history. My mother in law was wondering what she should do with her old set of leather bound encyclopedias and my instant desire was to thumb through them as a portal to the past when we turned to books for information instead of the internet.
With the continuing popularity of vintage art, the resurgence of landscape wall murals, and last year’s academia trend, it’s no surprise Victorian florals are having a moment. It’s like we all want a piece of history in our homes, a touch of the 19th century paired with modern lines. The easiest way to get the look is by adding wallpaper, art, or home accents with Victorian style botanical motifs while keeping the rest of the space’s furnishing and lighting in the current century. Examples below.
floral fabric at morris & co
You can find may of the iconic William Morris patterns in the wallpaper collection at Morris & Co. Rifle Paper Co is known for their fresh takes on floral motifs similar in charm to old patterns pairing animals with botanicals. Below are a few decor favorites to add a touch of Victorian botanical patterns to your space.
peacock catchall tray / crimson pillow
bone china tea cup set / botanical art prints
You might also like these articles on bold botanical wallpapers and landscape mural sources.