THE RETURN OF RUFFLES AND FLORAL HOME DECOR
Ruffles & floral home decor are having a moment
If you’ve walked through any big box store lately, I’m sure you’ve noticed that they are all dedicating a section of their home decor to this more nostalgic look. I’ve seen less tailored couches with options for ruffles on the skirting of the couch, floral pillows with ruffled edges, and bedding becoming more subdued with floral prints.
I think this design trend is a response to tougher, more nefarious times in this world. Using ruffles and florals in home decor softens up the harshness of our current state of being and makes our environment feel calmer and gentler. Like the “Cottagecore” trend, using ruffles or florals pays homage to the historical past where we can imagine ourselves feeling cozy by the fireplace, reading books, and drinking chamomile tea. Who wouldn’t want to relax on a fluffy pillow decked out in a floral pattern with ruffles?!
Let’s take a look at where this trend came from and how you can start to revamp your space with ruffles and florals today (including some of my personal favorite pieces).
Photo: Marie Orlova
While the use of ruffles and florals was primarily considered a luxury home design, American designers popularized it in the 1940s, with Dorothy Draper adorning windows with intricate floral patterns, and through the 1980s with the rise of chintz, a repeated pattern of florals on fabric. And when big box stores emerged in the 1960s and 70s, adding ruffles and florals became accessible for any budget.
Adding one or even maybe a few tokens of ruffles and florals to your home decor can easily elicit a smile. But how can you begin to start curating your space with ruffles and florals? Let’s take a look at some options.
my favorite takes on the ruffle and floral trend
Crate & Barrel Jake Arnold’s Crawford Couch
I have been SWOONING over this box-pleated skirted ruffle couch for a long time. Designed by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel, this is the perfect piece for those who want a hint of ruffle without being fussy. It’s perfect for any design style whether you are a modern or a vintage lover.
Velvet ruffled throw by Greenrow
My current obsession is with the opening of Greenrow. Owned by William Sonoma, this new concept store sells furniture, textiles, and home decor exclusively online. They are the first big box vendor to be fully transparent in their commitment to sustainability. All products are handcrafted and ethically sourced.
Check out their products for bedding, table linens, pillows, and more. You will find an array of beautiful textiles with ruffles and floral patterns. Greenrow decor style is a return to the vintage home and nostalgia of the past.
Pillow by Betty May Evelyne Interiors on Etsy
Always search for those one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. This chintz pillow is made in New Jersey by Betty May Evelyne Interiors with Schumacher fabric. It is a great seasonal piece and will elevate a living space instantly.
If you want to hop on the ruffles & floral trend when it comes to your own home, here’s how I can help:
And if we haven’t met yet, it’s nice to virtually meet you – I’m Kat, an interior designer and founder of Urban Lark. I turn spaces into statements and I’d love to do that for you. Here’s how we can connect:
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