This is a post that I have been dying to write, even before I created my blog. I think this is something that so many people struggle with and it is so simple once you get the principles down! I am all about different kinds of decor throughout the house but there is nothing that takes the place of fresh flowers. No, not even my DIY Succulent. Fresh flowers bring an element of texture, cheeriness, and life to the space that just can’t be replicated. Also, an arrangement of fresh flowers make the perfect gift! It’s thoughtful and personal without you really needing to know specifics of decor and taste of the recipient. You would think there is no way to go wrong with fresh flowers but you’d be wrong. Flowers are done in a tacky manner so often that it makes me cringe. This post will hopefully take your florals from “it’s the thought that counts” to “I can’t wait to display these in my house!” When it doubt, keep it simple!
Monochromatic Matters
This is practically fool-proof for tasteful flower arrangements. You can’t go wrong with an arrangement of all one color! First of all, using all one color will allow you to make more of a statement because the arrangement will have a cohesive look that allows it to pop. Whether you’re going for a modern all-white arrangement or a fun bright pink look, make sure you’re choosing flowers that are all the same color. This gets rid of any mismatched shades and helps you to avoid flowers that just don’t go together. Mix and match different types of flowers, such as white hydrangea and white roses, to give the arrangement more depth. Your floral arrangement will look much less busy and much more chic.
Color Scheme
If you think monochromatic is just too plain for you, try to stick to the same color family. I love an arrangement of all different shades of pink. So feminine and fun but still sticks to a tasteful palette. My favorite way to use this technique is to use the same flower in all different shades. Peonies in particular come in a variety of shades, from deep red to blush pink. Sticking within the same color palette allows you to have variety and different pops of color but has consistency.
Same Species
When making a floral arrangement, you need to know a bit about the origin of each flower. That’s not to say that you need to study up on where and when each flower blooms but you should know which florals are traditionally tropical and which are more garden-like. For example, pairing Birds of Paradise with a Hydrangea would look totally mismatched and strange. Stick to flowers that have the same feeling and texture throughout. Don’t pair flowers with harsh lines and neon colors, like something tropical, with a flower with fluffy petals and soft hues.
Greenery
If you ever think your arrangement is falling flat and not making the statement you want it to, greenery is always something relatively safe to add. A good rule of thumb would be to follow the amount of greenery the live plant would be surrounded with before it’s cut. Also, stick to the type of greenery that would naturally be associated with that particular flower. For example, whenever I am doing an arrangement of hydrangea that isn’t coming out the way I want, I take some of the leftover beautiful leaves and place them all throughout any gaps the vase. This adds a touch of color but it still looks like it is supposed to be there! Although the flowers have already been cut, you still want them to appear like they’re in their natural habitat in a sense.
Mass Makes a Statement
Sometimes the best way to make a statement is to stick with one identical flower in mass quantity. My favorite way to do this, which is also an inexpensive alternative, is to use flowers that are typically used as filler and treat them as the main centerpiece. Filler flowers, such as carnations and baby’s breath, tend to be inexpensive and are much more attractive all on their own. Carnations are a flower that I am not usually drawn to, probably because they’re usually used to fill up tacky arrangements, but on their own, the delicate petals and soft colors are actually beautiful. For this technique, the bigger the better! Buy multiple bouquets of carnations and use those to make a lush statement centerpiece. Using these inexpensive flowers in a large quantity will allow you to achieve an ultra high end look! I have been doing this technique with carnations for years but recently, I was in the Gucci store on Rodeo Drive and I noticed they had a giant arrangement that consisted of only white carnations. Even Gucci is on board with this one! 3So chic!
The Ultimate Don’t
Do not, under any circumstances, add glitter sticks, big ribbon bows, or balloons to a floral arrangement. Also, do not ever spray paint or dye flowers, even to enhance its natural colors. Do not arrange flowers in the shape of a cupcake or dog or flip-flop. This is done so often in floral arrangements and it completely ruins any chances those flowers had of being tasteful. Just don’t do it!
Images are from Pinterest. All rights are reserved to the respective owners and creators.
What is your favorite way to arrange flowers? Do you follow these principles?
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