'A' for Art 'B' for Books Living Room

Scientific Botanical Prints

Would it really be surprising that someone as fond of pink as I am would also be fond of flowers? Even the less girly among us can appreciate a good bloom, no?

A few people, in writing about my keynote at BlogPodium, noted that I had dressed to match my blog. My branding. The truth is that I’m just consistent in what I like. My blog matches my clothes, my home… even down to some of the book on my shelves. For example, here are two of my favorites.

The Rose: An Illustrated History, and more recently, The Art of Instruction. My dog rose print is the same one featured on the latter’s cover.

I designed two themes for Making it Lovely, and if you’re on the default “Lovely” theme, you’ll see an abundance of flowers in the background. Even if you choose to view the blog in “Minimal” mode, you’ll still see my custom floral illustrations in the header. As much as I love a good, clean site with a true minimal aesthetic, it’s just not me. The flowers (and colors and patterns) I use aren’t part of a larger, calculated move on my part to reflect my branding (though it works as one), I just like them. Simple as that.

I saw that a flash shopping site was selling framed botanical prints a few weeks ago. I had enough credits to cover the cost, so I bought one. They’re no longer available on that site, but they can be found (unframed) at The Evolution Store.

I would have loved to hang two prints over the sofa (like this), but the picture rail in my living room doesn’t leave enough clearance.

These prints are huge. I love the scale of mine, but I don’t know if that corner of my living room is interesting enough to warrant art of that size. Something feels a bit off too, between the print, the plant, and the vase on the other side of the TV. I’m going to leave things as they are for a while to see if I get used to the print’s (rather commanding) presence, but I may play around with the placement. It’s beautiful though; I’m glad to have it.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • Chedva
    June 4, 2012 at 11:04 am

    It’s gorgeous. I’ve been looking for a poster like this for a while in my area. Hope to find one (or two!) one of these days.

  • Erica
    June 4, 2012 at 11:07 am

    I absolutely love florals and I’m a nerd at heart, so these scientific illustrations are perfect for me. I really need to get my hands on a copy of The Art of Instruction.

    Also, I think its great that you carry your sense of style with you in all aspects of your life (blog, decor and personal style). I mean, if you like something, you might as well surround yourself with it! :)

  • Igor
    June 4, 2012 at 11:13 am

    I love the sort of vintage school-type posters. So cool. It think this is a floral twist even for the male eye:-)

  • Kimberly Jones
    June 4, 2012 at 11:25 am

    That print is simply stunning! Even though it’s vintage, it has a modern feel to it that I love. I’ve always been intrigued by botanical illustrations, and I checked out a couple of instruction books from the library last week so I can learn how to draw my own. Drawing isn’t one of my natural talents, but I’m determined to learn! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your home decor!

  • Connie | Daydream In Color
    June 4, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Florals are totally my weakness. I love that print & I love all the floral elements on your blog. So pretty!

  • Emily @ Peck Life
    June 4, 2012 at 11:48 am

    I LOVE botanical prints but agree they need to make a statement somewhere. I’ve contemplated hanging one in our entry way over a small table we have. The one you scored is GORGEOUS! :)

  • Sarah
    June 4, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Wow I love this! It looks so great in your place =)

  • laura @ hollywood housewife
    June 4, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    I think it looks great there! The colors are just perfect.

  • huette
    June 4, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    A little off-topic … but where did that credenza/TV stand come from? Have been looking for something like that for ages.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 4, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      It was from west elm, maybe seven years ago.

  • Danielle
    June 4, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    I think it’s the black for me. Your living room is so light and airy that the print feels heavy. It is stunning, though and is such an interesting piece! What about above a bed in a guest bedroom or in your awesome refinished basement?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:01 am

      It does look heavy, but it’s a bit more balanced when you see it in person, in relation to the rest of the living and dining rooms. It would look good in the basement too, but we no longer have a guest bedroom; it was turned into the nursery three years ago.

  • Tangled Sweetpea
    June 4, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    What absolutely fabulous prints!
    Victoria xx

  • Jillian
    June 4, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    I think the print is beautiful. I would love to get one to hang over our bed to act as a headboard.

  • Kathleen
    June 4, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    So perfect! Also – what is in the vase behind the TV? I NEED.

  • Laura
    June 4, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    I love that you know yourself so well that you can defy convention and are willing to put it out there for all of us to enjoy! And we do…

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:02 am

      I don’t know if I’m really defying convention all that much, but thanks.

  • Mackenzi
    June 4, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    I feel like it might just look awesome in your basement/playroom with that new rug and all those green floors. Maybe even your paint by number could coordinate in some way.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:03 am

      I think it could be great down there, but the ceiling height is pretty low. Something so big might look kind crazy!

  • Holly
    June 4, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    I love this, already pinned it. Might i ask what that green plant is in the vase behind your TV? I’ve never seen anything like it – it’s gorgeous! Would look perfect in an arrangement on my dining room table.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:04 am

      They’re fakes (chestnut branches). I usually avoid faux flowers (I know a lot of people hate them), but these were so interesting that I couldn’t resist.

  • lori
    June 4, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Have you considered changing the frame? I can see this settling down in a nice white ornate wood frame. I’ve had my eye on these for a while, nice to see how large they actually are!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:04 am

      That would be pretty, but I think it would be a little too Shabby Chic for my taste.

  • scs68
    June 4, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    Love the flower pot/stand! Where can I find one?

  • barbara@hodge:podge
    June 4, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    That print is gorgeous! I have a few Audubon botanical prints that I love!

  • Bonnie
    June 4, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    That is an awesome print and I think it’s placed well on that wall!

  • Catherine
    June 4, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    So gorgeous, and I think the black is a nice contrast to the lightness of the room. Also, (at least in that shot) it balances nicely with the doorway to the left. Honestly, I think it will look great wherever you hang it.

  • alison at refurnished living
    June 4, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    I second that question about the plant in the vase behind the tv – it’s so cool!
    thanks Nicole.

  • Michelle
    June 4, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Love the print–gorgeous! I have a quick question for you. I have tried many times to switch back and forth from the lovely to minimal format, but I never see any changes. I believe that I always view the “lovely” format, with flowers in the background. I have tried “minimal” in both firefox and internet explorer with no success. Any tips? Thanks in advance.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 6, 2012 at 2:10 am

      Oh, I thought it was working for most people. You can try switching over and doing a hard refresh. The problem lies in my site’s caching, which is necessary to keep it running smoothly, but it interferes for some with the theme switcher.

  • Aspiring Kennedy
    June 4, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    What a fresh take on florals. Beautiful botanicals!

  • Beatrice
    June 5, 2012 at 9:46 am

    The print is so gorgeous! Having two above the sofa would definitely make for a bold statement and look really good.

  • Emma
    June 5, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Am always on the hunt for great wall art – LOVE the idea of a botanical print for the wall – i’m pinning it now so that I don’t forget!

  • Christina @ Little Victorian
    June 5, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Just wanted to say I love your response to the comment that you dress like your blog! I was recently struggling with my branding, starting with my Etsy shop, leading to my blog, then leading to the realization that my house itself isn’t even cohesive. So I went to my closet, pulled out all of my favorite clothes that are clasically my taste and am redisigning my house, blog and shop around my newly recognized style and I couldn’t be happier with the plans so far.

  • katrina
    June 6, 2012 at 8:11 am

    wow, that’s a HUGE print. it’s lovely! and no, i’m not at all surprised that you’re fond of flowers — i would’ve been surprised otherwise.

  • Priscilla
    June 6, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Hi Nicole!
    I love that floral print! It’s very dramatic with the black background!

    I’ve been collecting prints in a similar style but with white backgrounds…I’ll have to look for a dark one to add to my collection for a nice “pop” :)

    We also have a picture rail, and I’m wondering where you found your picture hooks… I’m currently using some old shower curtain hooks but they are a bit bulky.

  • julie @ tractorgirl
    June 6, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    I too, am fond of botanical prints, especially vintage ones – I think it’s the attention to detail that I respond to, that they have been made with such close regard and admiration for the thing that they depict. Yes, flowers are lovely.

  • The Comfort Mix: Summer DIY, Treats, Makeovers, and Sheets! | Company Living
    June 8, 2012 at 11:38 am

    […] do! We’re captivated by large botanical prints, especially the Dog Rose print featured on Making It Lovely. The dramatic black background makes the green plant and all its parts pop within the […]

  • how2home
    June 12, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    wow…i really like that pink chevron rug in the living room, where was it purchased?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 12, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      It’s by Madeline Weinrib, from ABC Home & Carpet in NYC. Pottery Barn Kids has a similar one for sale now though that’s less expensive!

  • decoguy
    June 21, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    I really like the poster, against the beautiful pink walls if adds a feminine touch. Great work!
    What is the name of the pink paint you used?

  • Planning a Mini-Makeover for the Bedroom | Making it Lovely
    June 22, 2012 at 10:24 am

    […] decided on a specific pillow yet. Probably one of these.Dog Rose Botanical Poster I think the huge botanical print I ordered might look better in the bedroom than the living room. What do you think?I have some […]

  • Jessica
    July 3, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    Hi your place is so so lovely! Can I ask where is your coffee table from? I LOVE it!

  • e
    July 9, 2012 at 9:51 am

    hi! im wondering where you get those suspension-type of hanging you use to hang your frames? I have a thin metal print I need to hang and would like to do something similar…thanks!

    • Making it Lovely
      July 9, 2012 at 9:56 am

      My house has picture rail, so I use picture hooks (mine are from Rejuvenation) and picture hanging wire.

  • Adrienne
    September 15, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I love the West Elm vase in the first picture – thanks for the inspiration, I’ve reblogged it!

  • Inspiration and trends in interior design – West Elm Vancouver opening « happypapertrails
    September 15, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    […] I saw these vases that I’ve been lusting after ever since I saw them on one of my favourite blogs, […]

  • Making a Large Botanical Print | creativehomebody.comcreativehomebody.com
    September 17, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    […] seeing more and more large scale botanicals around. A few of my absolute favorites are here and here. I love the look, but really wanted a print of a fig […]

  • Making a Botanical Print | creativehomebody.comcreativehomebody.com
    September 17, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    […] seeing more and more large scale botanicals around. A few of my absolute favorites are here and here. I love the look, but really wanted a print of a fig […]

  • Diana
    October 8, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Sort of random, but what are those green pom-pom-ish branches in the vase by your tv? They are awesome!

  • Honor Roll | Making it Lovely
    November 2, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    […] a lot of color in my statement jewelry, but I can get behind these too.Hey, good news if you like giant, oversized botanical prints: I found a version for only $20!Send a lovely Lovi.Why am I such a sucker for old-school […]

  • Morgan
    January 30, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Hi! I love the botanical print and often shop flash sale sites – would you mine sharing which one you scored this one on? Thank you :)!

  • Picture Rails | Home Minimalist Design
    April 19, 2013 at 8:42 am

    […] remember the first use of a picture rail that caught my eye was on Making It Lovely, Nicole has picture rails throughout her home.  She recently hung a beautiful botanical print from […]

  • Weekend Winners
    April 19, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    […] that Nicole from Making it Lovely has a beautiful print in her living room (as you can see in the top photo).  This week, it would seem, all I want to do is hang things on the […]

  • DIY Botanical Poster | The Merrythought
    August 15, 2013 at 8:49 am

    […] I was browsing around the interwebs and stumbled upon this incredibly beautiful poster shown in this sweet living room post. I fell in love. I’ve been trying to convince myself to practice […]

  • Lindsey
    September 19, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    Hi! I’m just seeing this post for the first time because it was referenced here: http://themerrythought.com/diy/diy-botanical-poster/ I just want to tell you that I love that corner of the room with the poster there. I think it draws great interest. However, I’m only seeing one corner of the room ;) I had to pin it because it’s so chic and comfortable. I feel like anyone would look flattering in that room. What I mean is the glow from the colors you’ve used flatter most skin tones. I think the black draws the room together. It draws up the black metal in the planter and makes all the rosy tones pop. I wonder if you’ve kept it there :)

  • Mallory: Free Fancy Floral Prints | Sisters Not Designers
    September 23, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    […] gilded framed leaf project, I did start searching Google for vintage botanical prints like the ones here. I love the science angle and the aged, romantic look of these. Vintage botanicals are apparently […]

  • The Color Palette Inspiration | Making it Lovely
    April 18, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    […] Rose Botanical Poster, The Evolution Store I cashed in some credits on Fab to get mine a couple of years ago, and now I think I like it even more in this house than I did in the old […]

  • The Closet is Finished! – Making it Lovely
    February 17, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    […] in. The sheers give just enough privacy, and they have sequins and embroidery — they’re the same ones from the living room in our old house! The only curtains we took with us when we […]

  • Art for the Kitchen – A Black Botanical Print – Rachel Baumann
    August 6, 2019 at 9:36 am

    […] because when I was doing a little research on black botanical prints for this post, I found a post from her on this exact topic. Who […]