Avoiding the ‘florals for spring’ cliche

Anya Cooklin-Lofting explains how to pull off the classic look without falling victim to triteness

Scaling up floral motifs creates more impact (Andrew Martin)

The “florals for spring” cliche was famously torn apart in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, by Meryl Streep’s character, New York City editor Miranda Priestly. She derides the very concept of “florals for spring” with a sarcastic, deadpan delivery of her next line, “groundbreaking”. In both the fashion and interior design worlds, a spring floral print can feel at once derivative and apt. However, as a lover of all things floral myself, I believe there is a way to nod to the cliche without falling victim to Priestly’s disapproving eye roll.

Old Master influence

Banish the dainty and the ditzy florals in favour of blooms with substance. Old Master-style floral paintings and prints bring floral charm to the home in a more refined and sophisticated way. You can pick up this kind of artwork on the secondary market at auction or in vintage and antique shops. Roseberys Auction House’s upcoming Old Masters, British & European Pictures sale (29 March) will feature some beautiful works on paper by Dutch Old Masters including Anthony Claesz, and a stunning still life with red geraniums by German artist Hans Dieter, to mention just two examples.