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Tutti Frutti interiors are in: 8 ways to style fruit-inspired decor
Over the past few years, many of us have moved away from the once-popular greys and muted palettes, in search of interiors that are bolder, brighter, and full of personality.
From dopamine décor to modern maximalism, colour has firmly cemented its place in the modern home – and with good reason.
A splash of brightness or a playful print can instantly lift the mood, transforming even the greyest of British days.
Enter, the Tutti Frutti trend.
From lemon-printed cushions, to cherry-red accent walls, or sweet strawberry-shaped tableware, fruit-inspired decor is the look of the summer. And interior designers are pretty on board with it.
“There’s something so joyful and instantly uplifting about fruit-based interiors,” says Maria Ramirez, founder of BB Interiors.
“Whether it’s a bowl of lemons on the table or a cherry-print curtain catching the sun, fruit motifs bring a sense of nostalgia, colour and pure summer happiness.
“After the heaviness of recent years, I think we’re all craving a little fun in our homes.”
Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors says fruit-based design nods to la dolce vita, evoking warm Mediterranean days, al fresco dining and carefree holidays.
“In a season where we naturally seek out freshness and light, these motifs add a touch of playfulness and personality, without compromising on elegance,” he explains.
“When styled well, fruit-inspired features can become a stunning seasonal layer that enhances rather than overwhelms a space.”
Whether you go big with bold wallpaper or keep it subtle with strawberry-printed napkins and lemony cushions, there’s a fruity flourish to suit every home this season.
Know your on-trend fruit
This summer, interiors are bursting with playful fruit motifs, strawberries and cherries are the juicy-themes of choice, while zesty lemons, juicy oranges, and even retro-inspired watermelon prints are making a fresh comeback in everything from soft furnishings to ceramics.
“Delicate, nostalgic and a little flirty, cherries and strawberries are having a particular moment this year,” Maria explains.
“Lemons, meanwhile, are forever a classic, thanks to their Mediterranean roots and clean palette.
And if you want to go bolder, watermelon and papaya tones are perfect for accent walls, towels, or outdoor accessories.”
Embrace fruit bowl chic
Tableware offers the perfect nod to the fruit-inspired interiors trend.
Think lemon-patterned plates, cherry-printed napkins, or a statement watermelon serving tray, for an easy, elegant way to embrace the look without committing to a full room makeover.
“For something temporary, the dining table is the perfect place to play with the trend,” explains Maria.
“Mix coloured glassware with fruit-shaped candles or ceramics, and layer it all over a striped or gingham tablecloth.
“A bowl of real fruit, mixed with a few sculptural faux pieces, makes a brilliant centrepiece.
“Think Capri meets the farmers’ market.”
Kunal agrees that fruit is a natural choice for summer tablescapes.
“Mix fresh produce with ceramic fruit pieces, coloured glassware and embroidered linen napkins to create a layered, tactile table,” he advises.
“Think bowls of peaches, vases of lemon branches and a palette that echoes the produce.
“Keep the base neutral and let the fruit tones do the talking.”
Fruity finishing touches
For a fun yet flighty way to tap into the fruit-inspired interiors trend, look no further than soft furnishings – lemon-print cushions cushions, shower curtains, or a juicy orange throw will instantly brighten up any corner of your home.
“Smaller touches can still pack a punchy nod to the craze,” explains Maria.
“Swap your usual cushions for cherry printed ones, or add a set of hand-painted fruit plates to your open shelving.”
Kunal also suggests incorporating fruit motifs through artwork or lighting.
“A framed vintage fruit print in a kitchen or a cluster of sculptural fruit-shaped candles in a living space adds a stylish wink to the trend,” he adds.
Bring the look into your bathroom
Kunal says the bathroom is the perfect place to go a little bolder with the fruit to turn everyday routines into something a bit more joyful.
“Try tiles in soft apricot or watermelon shades, or add character with citrus-scented soaps, fruit-shaped accessories,” he suggests.
Maria recommends adding some citrus tile details, a lemon-scented soap or even a cheeky banana-print shower curtain to give a white space a summer kick without veering too far into themed territory.
Have some fun in the kitsch-en
The kitchen is a natural fit for fruit-inspired décor.
Whether it’s vibrant lemon-print tea towels, cherry-patterned crockery or a bowl of ceramic strawberries, these cheerful touches add warmth, charm, and a hint of nostalgia to the heart of the home.
“Kitchens lend themselves beautifully to the trend,” explains Kunal.
“Try fruit-themed tea towels, crockery or artisan tiles behind a hob.
“A bowl of citrus fruit on the island always adds warmth and colour.
“Glass fruit ornaments or subtle fruit-inspired pottery can sit alongside more classic pieces for a balanced feel.”
Get scentsy
Scent is a subtle yet powerful way to embrace the fruit trend – think zesty citrus candles, berry-infused diffusers or tropical room sprays that instantly lift the mood and add a fresh, summery feel to your space
“Try scenting your home with fruit-based diffusers or candles,” recommends Kunal.
“A soft fig or bergamot fragrance instantly brings summer indoors.
“In outdoor spaces, look to cushions with tropical fruit prints or even hand-painted fruit planters to carry the theme through.”
Make it zing: Go bold with a statement piece
If you’re ready to fully embrace the fruit-inspired trend, a single statement piece, like a cherry-red accent chair, a lemon-yellow sideboard, or even a bold fruit-print wallpaper, can instantly energise a space and add a playful punch of personality.
“Think beyond accessories,” advises Kunal.
“A lemon-yellow velvet sofa or raspberry-hued armchair can make a bold and beautiful statement.”
If you prefer something softer he suggests trying fruit-patterned curtains in a dining room or playful upholstery on accent chairs.
“The key is to choose pieces with quality finishes and refined detailing, to elevate the look from whimsical to curated,” Kunal adds.
Don’t overdo it
To avoid the look feeling overly styled or gimmicky, Kinal advises to think about balance.
“Anchor the space with timeless materials such as natural stone, warm woods, linen and use fruit motifs as accents,” he advises.
“Stick to one or two fruits in your scheme, and echo their tones in surrounding elements rather than repeating the motif too often.”
Maria agrees that the key to keeping the look elevated is not to take it too far.
“Pick your moments,” warns Maria.
“Use fruit as a motif or a colour reference, but keep the rest of the space calm and confident. It should feel effortless, not costume.”
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Hurkle durkle interiors: 9 ways to get the cosycore look in your home or From doggy showers to statement pendants – the interior status symbols you want but don’t need
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