Picking a nail colour isn’t just about trends or matching your outfit. It’s about the mood you’re in, the vibe you want to carry, and sometimes, let’s be honest, it’s just about what makes you smile when you look down at your hands. For a lot of clients, I tell them to think of their nails like a mini bouquet. You wouldn’t carry the same bunch of flowers in spring as you would in the middle of winter, right? Same goes for your nails.
Florals are the perfect inspiration because they’re already doing half the work: giving us colour, emotion, and a little dose of nature's magic. Whether it’s a soft peony pink in April or a deep dahlia burgundy in October, floral-inspired nails can keep your hands in full bloom all year long.
Spring always brings that fresh-start energy. Everything’s softer, lighter, and full of life again. The colours that clients lean towards this time of year feel like the first flowers poking through the soil - gentle, hopeful, and totally pretty.
Some of my go-to floral muses for spring shades are:
These shades work beautifully on short nails, longer shapes, and everything in between. And if you’re into nail art, this is the season for cute little florals, soft gradients, or watercolor-style designs that mimic petals.
Summer doesn’t tiptoe in, it arrives full blast. The colours get hotter, the days get longer, and nails become accessories on their own. This is the time to go bold, be seen, and maybe even step outside your usual palette.
Flowers in summer are no joke, big, colourful, and unapologetic. Just like your nail polish should be.
Here are a few summer bloom favourites and the shades they inspire:
This is also the season to play with finishes. A glossy topcoat will make bright colours pop even more, but if you’re feeling a bit extra, try a chrome or jelly effect. Nail art? Go wild. Fruit, flowers, sunsets, summer is not the time to hold back.
Autumn is when things start to slow down a little, and nails follow suit. The colours shift from bright and punchy to rich, warm, and cozy. Think of walking through a garden that’s starting to turn, it’s still beautiful, but in a deeper, more grounded way.
These are the floral shades I always reach for once the jumpers come out and iced coffee turns into hot tea:
By this time of year, matte finishes really start to shine. That soft, velvety look gives these tones a luxe feel that works perfectly with cozy cardigans and layered outfits. I also love adding a tiny gold foil detail or a metallic accent nail—it catches the light and brings a little sparkle without going full glitter.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the colour needs to go into hibernation. In fact, I love doing winter nails because they’re such a contrast—cold weather outside, but your nails still bring personality and polish (literally).
Winter flowers might be a little more subtle, but they’re no less beautiful. And the shades they inspire are some of the most dramatic and chic of the year.
Some favourites for colder months:
This is the time to bring out a little sparkle too, if that’s your thing. I’m talking subtle shimmer, maybe a chrome snowflake accent or a metallic stripe. Even one tiny detail can elevate a winter shade into something really magical.
There are some clients who sit down and just know what colour they want. Then there are the ones who stare at the wall of polish like it’s a multiple-choice question with no right answer. If that sounds like you, don’t worry—there are a few little tricks to help you narrow it down, especially when using florals as your guide.
One thing I always say is: pick the flower that feels most like your vibe. Are you more of a calm lavender girl or a bold hibiscus type? Do you like soft neutrals or colours that make people stop and ask what shade you're wearing?
But if you're looking for a bit more direction, here's how I usually help clients decide:
Still stuck? Think about your wardrobe. What colours do you wear a lot of? If you’re always in earth tones, lean into those burnt oranges or muted florals. If you live in black or neutrals, go wild with a pop of colour. Nail polish is one of the easiest ways to add a statement without committing to a full outfit.
And honestly? Sometimes the right shade is just the one you haven’t tried yet. If it catches your eye, that’s reason enough to give it a go.
Now that you’ve picked your colour, the real fun begins. There are so many little ways to take a floral-inspired nail shade and turn it into something totally your own.
Here are a few of my favourite finishing touches:
And don’t forget the shape. A soft almond makes floral tones look feminine and elegant. Square or short-round keeps things fresh and wearable. Stiletto or coffin? That’s the garden-party-meets-boss-energy vibe. There’s no one right combo—just what feels best on your hands.
At the end of the day, floral inspiration is all about giving you freedom to explore. Nature doesn’t follow rules, and your nails don’t need to either. Whether you’re feeling soft and romantic or bold and wild, there’s a flower, and a nail shade to match your mood.
Don’t be afraid to switch it up with the seasons or try something unexpected. That’s half the fun. Your hands go everywhere with you, might as well make them feel as good as they look. And when in doubt? Pick the polish that reminds you of your favourite bloom. Chances are, it’ll suit you perfectly.