Decorating with floral artwork in a modern home

When I first saw this photo:

Country Living

it took my breath away. I'm not sure why, really. I've never been a huge fan of floral artwork or even floral prints on fabrics. Look around my home and you won't find too much in the way of floral anything. And yet, something about the photo really captured my imagination. When I look at the photo, I feel alive. Perhaps it's the way the scene is set up, as though someone is getting ready to welcome a handful of friends for a garden party. Maybe it's the juxtaposition of the outdoors with some unexpected indoor elements thrown in, like the chair upholstered in green velvet (reminds me of moss) and those deliciously luscious paintings.

Oh, yes, the paintings. The image of those paintings hanging on the wall was the one that lodged deep in my unconscious so that the next time I found myself in the thrift store looking through artwork, I began gravitating toward any sort of floral artwork.

First, I found these:

Then, I found these:

Then, I was drawn to embroidered pieces:

Finally, after amassing about a dozen pieces, I realized I didn't know what to do with my newly acquired collection. Oops! I had liked the original image, but realized the look was harder to replicate indoors without having my home look like a country inn. There's nothing wrong with that look, but it's just not me.

Slowly, I gathered ideas.

Better Homes and Gardens

The above image from Better Homes and Gardens, which I found a couple weeks ago via A passion for beautiful things, really appeals to me because it marries modern furniture and colors like that chocolate wall with the softer, more colorful touch of the flower paintings.

Martha Stewart Living

The look above, via Martha Stewart Living, is another study in contrasts, this time pairing rather spartan furniture with the lush flower paintings.

Living Etc.

The dressing area above, though more traditional, is rather inviting and quite feminine.

Photo by Antony Crolla for World of Interiors

Take a look at the fun assemblage shown above. I found it on Nibs, where the author writes that these are actually embroidered fabric swatches that have been framed. I'm completely enthralled by the choice of wallpaper (or is it paint?).

I see now my choices are rather limitless. All it takes is a little imagination.