flower power
Far from wilted, the design world's passion
for floral themes has fueled a profusion of new
patterns and possibilities. By Julie Bookman
FOR CENTURIES,
THE ROMANCE AND BEAUTY OF FLOWERS HAVE
INSPIRED ARTISANS ACROSS CONTINENTS AND CULTURES. THOSE SAME ATTRAC-
TIONS MAKE FLOWERS A POWERFUL PRESENCE IN HOME DECORATING, BRINGING AN
EXPLOSION OF COLOR AND A SOOTHING SENSE OF NATURE INTO EVERY ROOM IN THE
HOUSE. FAR FROM WILTING, FLOWERS ARE MORE POPULAR WITH HOME DECORATORS
THAN EVER. "PEOPLE HAVE FLORALS VERY MUCH IN THEIR FRAME OF MIND TODAY,"
SAYS NIALL MURRAY, VICE PRESIDENT OF PIMPERNEL, A FIRM THAT MAKES FUNC-
TIONAL ART FOR THE HOME. "IT'S A CONSCIOUSNESS THAT WE NEED TO BE GENTLER."
Border, left: "Kew Gardens" glazed chintz from Schumacher.