how to become a floral designer

Phenomenal Flowers

Oversized florals, like this lotus tile, give the look a kick, says Elizabeth Bomberger, an principal designer with Life Well Lived. The custom mosaic creation, which is made with Sicis glass tile from Italy, takes the modern floral look to a new level. "This flower symbolizes calm and creates a true sanctuary for the master bath," she says. "It's bold and beautiful."

Pots and Plants

The client wanted a floral kitchen, so designer Dave Stimmel says he played off the leaves, petals and vines in the pink toile wallpaper when selecting the molding and backsplash for the shabby chic space. The gold backsplash is actually ceramic tile that looks like natural stone, which makes it easy to maintain behind the stove.

Drama in Damask

"What I love about this nursery design, in particular, is how it reads both daring and whimsical at the same time," says Naomi Alon with Little Crown Interiors. "The bright color and more traditional floral print of this wallpaper does just that." In nurseries, florals provide a way to walk in and feel inspired, even if you're sleep-deprived.

Burst of Color

Use more traditional florals in a modern way by combining them with contemporary elements, says Corine Maggio, principal designer and founder of CM Natural Designs. The jungle green wallpaper shows that it's OK to go bold when the proper balance of materials and tone is in place, such as the gold, white and black accents. "This paper has a more traditional motif, which is really striking against the modern elements in the rest of the bathroom," she says.

Feast for Your Eyes

Adding the wallpaper to the ceiling gives you something pretty to see when you open your eyes in the morning. The floral print and wallpaper are combined with an overscaled striped rug and the graphic print on the shams. "We were inspired by English floral chintz rooms when creating this space, but the bold black and white took it into a whole new realm," says Barbara Hyde Evans with Hyde Evans Design.

Add Whimsy Above

When used on a tray ceiling, floral wallpaper can showcase the bones and lines of the architecture in a sophisticated way. The photorealism style of the wallpaper is a nod to Dutch painters of the past, but the palette makes it fresh and current. An inky navy background, instead of black, gives more of a perspective of depth, joined with moodier taupes and pinks, explains Lieve Saether, owner and principal of Turnstyle Design.

Grounded Understatement

Maximalist floral rugs show a commitment to more vibrant and forward-thinking florals. In a contemporary breakfast nook for a young family, the rug's colors and sizes of the flower project energy and femininity, Lieve Saether says. "We wanted the space to feel somewhat rejuvenating and sprightly."

Let the Colors Get Along

When mixing three floral patterns, choose a palette that doesn't conflict with one another, designer Lieve Saether says. The palette in the hand-painted grasscloth floral wallpaper is diminutive. The oriental rug is richer in its jewel tones, but not overly saturated. Those contrast with the black and white cushion on the 8-foot bench. The blooms are outlined in graphic and deliberate strokes. "A lot of the moves I make in a space or in a house have these bold moments. You can have great conversations about your space," she says.

Modern Chinoiserie

Some wallpapers play off the classic chinoiserie design. Gravitate toward larger-scale patterns to keep it from getting too busy, suggests the designers with Bria Hammel Interiors. Pair florals with modern pieces, like the lucite vanity, to play with juxtaposition. In doing so, you can create a space that is traditional with an uber-feminine twist.

Strong Blooms

This is a time in which women are showing strength and pride in who they are, and this wallpaper, with its big pastel and white blooms, is unapologetically feminine, designer Corine Maggio says. "Making the rest of the walls black really helps showcase the floral element," she says. In the small rectangular room, the asymmetric elements lend an organic feel, which she says is a wonderful way to use florals.

Enlarge and Enjoy

The biggest trend in florals right now is using them in large scale, which turns the pattern from just wallpaper into an artistic statement, designer Naomi Alon says. "By taking a beautiful floral print and enlarging it, it feels much grander and more sophisticated."

Unexpected Accessories

"I love accessorizing with florals as well, so long as they aren't competing with the wallpaper," explains Naomi Alon. She suggests using textiles with floral prints, like throw pillows or a simple bed sheet.

Breathtaking Flair

This carriage house space is a "dramatic bedroom with many patterns and layers that all began with that first selection of the floral wallcovering," says Jen Ziemer, principal with Fiddlehead Design Group.

Flower Power

A floral mural adds a fun, bright element to a girl's bedroom. Some shy away from using "too much floral pattern," but floral prints and patterns are actually refreshing, say the designers with French & French Interiors, who used a mural by Nathalie Lete.

Florals are Uplifting

"Besides creating something pleasing to view, florals add an uplifting sense to a room," designer Barbara Hyde Evans says. Start with black and white then create the rest of the scheme from there, she says. Florals can be the perfect pattern to add contrast.

Geometric Floral

The wallpaper in this bathroom tones down the feminine association often made with florals, Corine Maggio says. It plays with proportion and is a modern and more geometric take on a standard floral. "The floral motif can be subtle, while still adding interest."

Divide and Decorate

The floral covered screen blends perfectly with the flame stitch print on the ottoman in a studio apartment. Florals can be mixed with stripes or other graphic prints if you use a common hue, explains Barbara Hyde Evans.

Pop Against Black

When you have a print that is an unexpected and modern take on a floral, don't feel pressured to go all out with the rest of the room. "Black and white is the perfect contrast to the feminine backdrop, and in this case, quiets the room," designer Jen Ziemer says.

Let Florals Shine Bright

Adding a floral glass chandelier to an all-gray master suite can lighten the look. "To create a more interesting and varied look in an otherwise handsome room, add a touch of pretty," Barbara Hyde Evans says.

Wall Blooms

If you don't want to make the full commitment to florals with wallpaper or tile, use a mirror for a botanical bonus. Floral motifs in mirrors come in various styles. The style of this mirror evoked memories. "It just personally spoke to me because it reminded me of how my mother draws flowers," says designer Jessica McClendon.