Update Your Home With Prints...
Wednesday 5th March 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 With prints out in force on the catwalks at Fashion Week, the trend has filtered through to interiors with the latest round of modern florals, sharp shapes and unusual colourways paving the way for a fresh modern look for spring and summer.
 Florals in shades of coral, pink, green and blue are the versatile choice for traditional interiors while bold geometrics add the season's necessary brights. This season don’t be afraid to get creative – a modern graphic floral could be just the thing to lend a fresh twist to a tired traditional interior.
Already famed for its clever colour and striking prints, Missoni Home (pictured left) is bang on trend with its nature-inspired Alice range. Choose from comfy floor cushions, a generously-sized beanbag and, our favourite, the put-your-feet-up Alice Pouf  with its sturdy leather strap handle and super-stylish colourings.
 The feature wall may have been around for a while now but that doesn’t lessen its appeal with this season’s big bold prints simply made for papering a chimney breast or accent wall in the bedroom, living room or dining room.
For post-season success, take care to choose designs that will last in versatile colours you’ll always love and remember to use coordinating tones on remaining walls and across the floor. Hitting the mark perfectly is pale yellow, pink and chocolate Lilia Agapanthus Wallpaper (pictured right).
But if you're looking to throw in just a hint of a print, head straight to Bodie and Fou for their superb collection of Flavia del Pra table lamps. Every piece is made to order (allow 6-8 weeks) with the Kerala design - featuring a ceramic base and flamboyant floral print shade - top of our list.
 Cushions are always a crafty way to indulge a trend without going overboard so this season make Cath Kidston your must-stop shop. Bypass the rambling roses and pretty posies and go straight for the Circus Flowers design with its pleasingly rounded blooms and zingy colours.
In the dining room, choose tableware with dramatic motifs in delicious colours to brighten up breakfast time. The Crazy Daisy range (pictured left) from Portmeirion mixes floral graphics with vibrant tones of blue, yellow, green and pink for instant impact and guaranteed good looks for years to come.
 Finally for the bedroom we've fallen for the Sanssouci bed linen (pictured right) from Designers Guild. A pretty floral damask in hot pink with bold red and grey florals and accents of gold, the background damask is used on the reverse and on pillowcases for a coordinated look.
Such strong prints do need to be handled with care but with a dash of confidence – and a few careful investments – you’re all set for a super-stylish spring.
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