Bold Floral Wallpaper Is Back BIG TIME… But With A Very “2020” Makeover

Much like my body during an attempted at-home HIIT class, design trends in 2020 have been slow-moving. Actually aside from the EXPLOSION of “Eccentric English Granny” back in the beginning of the year, design trends are much more lifestyle-based this year. A makeshift at-home office, meticulous organization in every single room, extra comfortable bed linens, etc. are what seem to be actually “on-trend”. Hey, it’s the year that none of us saw coming so I GET IT and am equally “on-trend” in my home. However, along with EEG came the rise of the “femme subculture of Cottagecore“.

Although I have been seeing this style/aesthetic/lifestyle pop up not only in interiors but in fashion too (and accidentally hopped on the bandwagon with the purchase of this dress back in April…for literally no reason), I figured I would do a little research since I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Cottagecore and floral patterns popping up in the home are happening simultaneously.

Cottagecore via Urban dictionary – A niche aesthetic based around the visual culture of an idealized life on a Western farm. Common themes include sustainability, gardens, farm animals, rural living, and nature.

Basically, this trend really catapulted at the start of quarantine due to the fact that many of us were more or less forced to bake, knit, and lounge… indefinitely (if you were one of the lucky ones). Romanticizing a simpler, whimsical life was/still is the name of this game so pretty delicate floral patterned wallpaper is IT when it comes to the interiors side of this zeitgeist movement. What else helps you visually escape more than nature and flowers? But, if you are extra curious about what Cottagecore is about here is an NPR episode. It’s honestly extremely interesting and complex.

However, today we are going to stick to wallpaper. But before we get into the floral patterns of 2020 (aka the more refined cousin of the Modern Victorian oversized florals), let’s revisit the floral wallpaper of yesteryear… 2018

I wasn’t kidding. These puppies were HUGE. To be honest I was never a fan. Sure they were interesting to look at and a clear nod to the original Victorian style, but otherwise really not my particular cup of tea (was that a cottagecore pun?).

These realistic, moody florals were also a big staple for this style but I felt that unless done right were going to look dated quickly. Thoughts?

Well, that’s that. Big florals circa the simple times of 2018 (which feels like actual decades ago). But the florals of today are (to me at least) much more timeless, romantic, and likely the 2020 design MVP. Let’s dive in.

The Tiny Scale Florals

There are a few types of patterns in this trend that I will talk about but the really delicate yet busy patterns might be favorite. The above dining room is by one of my favorite design firms, Studio Shamshiri. Their work is so varied but it’s always textured, collected, and really really special. This room (one of their recent residential projects) would have been pretty without it but man does that delicate wallpaper just add a “wow” moment. You feel transported looking at it. Also, please note the reflection in the table. Such thoughtful design!

Ok, first off this room has three different floral patterns (note the varied scale) PLUS a taupe velvet lampshade. It’s both the coolest and the craziest and so whimsical. What’s not to love?! Follow Laura asap! Her Instagram is a total joy shock to the system.

The Medium Scale Florals

It’s not all about the tiny delicate florals. While the 2020/cottagecore florals aren’t super oversized, they can still pack a visual punch. In this room, I really love how the plates are almost camouflaged into the wallpaper.

The rooms above and below really take the floral patterns seriously and I love the saturated color risk taken in these spaces.

But not all of us can or want to go that hard. Sara’s closet really shows how you can lean into this timeless trend, pack a design punch while not having it feel like visual stimulation overload.

The same goes for Shea McGee’s daughter’s bathroom. It’s floral, romantic but still modern. I also think this is a great time to call out William Morris/Morris & Co. wallpapers. In my opinion, their designs are THE example of what this 2020 trend is…despite the fact that they are from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s… or is that the point;)

This last one is for the modern folk because it is 2020 and I’m pretty sure cars should be flying by now. The colors and floral design speak a bit more to the current time as opposed to the past. But you want to know my favorite part? Well if you have been here for a while you know how much I love a wallpapered ceiling. It’s so fun and in this space visually balances out that bold yellow clawfoot bathtub.

So there it is. An honest to goodness trend post! So question. How do you feel about the EEG/Cottagecore inspired, busy floral wallpaper? Have you considered putting it up in your home??? Do you also want to run away to the south of France, pick flowers, bake pies, and quietly knit? Let’s talk!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Photo Credit: Design and Photo by Studio McGee