The world’s most prestigious horticultural show, the British annual Chelsea Flower Show, took an unprecedented turn this year, with current circumstances meaning the weeks’ 157,000 expected visitors enjoyed the show virtually, in the comfort of their own homes, for the very first time. Thanks to the innovation of the organisers, this year’s show still thrived, albeit from afar, with content focusing on the 2020 theme of “environment and sustainability”. The theme looks to promote the glorious wildlife found within a garden, with a further focus on spaces that promote health and wellbeing.
Each year the show brings vast amounts of inspiration, with trends filtering down from the gardens to homes and interiors. With this year’s trends including an elusive soft pink rose, Japanese-inspired spaces and a focus on the elusive bee, here’s a roundup of the very best soft furnishing ideas to get the look at home.
Tropical Vibes
With the show’s presenter Nicki Chapman presenting from her very own tropical garden this year, palms and exotic creatures are a key trend. The addition of striking plants and prints in in beautifully bright designed tropical themes provides an elegant yet welcoming feel to a living space.
Butterflies and Ladybirds
This year’s Wild About Gardens Campaign by The Wildlife Trust and Royal Horticultural Society calls on gardeners to grow a secret garden specifically with butterflies in mind. Inspired by the coming-soon hit film The Secret Garden, staring Colin Firth and Julie Walters which focuses on the magic of wildlife, expect to see these beautiful little creatures popping up in home and interior trends.
Japanese Inspiration
For the first ever time, famous Japanese designer and Chelsea Flower Show award winner Ishihara Kazuyuki will open his own garden, albeit virtually, to fans across world. Japanese design notes are a key trend for 2020, with flowing water and winding stone paths featuring throughout. For a nod to Japanese tradition, look for cherry blossom themed prints and muted shades of pink, or natural fabrics and simplistic design to support wellbeing.
Bamboo and Leaf Print
This year’s show focuses on environment and sustainability, with the M&G Garden designed specifically with a busy urban environment in mind. Mix tropical prints with modern black and gold accents for a nod to the “city garden” trend perfectly.
Save the Trees
Although virtual, this year’s attendees have gone wild for the mindful approach taken to the display gardens. The planting of trees is of huge importance to the sustainability of the environment, with tree prints set to play homage to this important initiative. Choosing roman blinds with nature-themed patterns will help accomplish this inspiring theme in the home.
Pretty Peonies
This year’s walk-through peony themed exhibit was set to be a real highlight for the show, but as circumstances have meant it was never opened to general public, it may have to wait for another year. As Peony season is beautiful but brief, blooming only from late April to mid-June, a faux option offers the opportunity to enjoy their beauty within the home all year round.
Buzzing Bees
Promoting wildlife within the garden is yet another theme for this year’s show, with a focus on saving the bees and encouraging butterflies to name just a couple. By incorporating a sophisticated bee print and vibrant yellow colour palette, you’re sure to build a luxurious wildlife themed space. This theme works particularly well for children’s rooms and nurseries but can be easily adapted to suit a more mature space if required.
Unique Artwork
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show “Garden for Friendship” promotes bringing everyone together, spending time with one another and sharing a passion for community. The addition of a delightful piece of artwork that’s personal to your own family will resemble everyone coming together as one, in line with the garden of friendship theme.
