A Guide to Decorating with Florals

Enhance Your Space With Our Design Tips and Tricks

Florals are a timeless and versatile element that can enhance just about any interior aesthetic. From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, floral prints and arrangements can add color, texture, and visual interest to any room. However, incorporating florals into your home decor can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll be sharing a comprehensive guide to decorating with florals!

Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a beginner, our guide will provide you with practical tips and inspiration to help you create a statement arrangement for the season or a beautiful and inviting floral-inspired home.

outdoor tablescape with ferns

Ferns add an organic feel to this outdoor tablescape

Choosing Your Vessel

Selecting the right vessel for a floral arrangement is just as important as choosing the right stems. The vase or container you choose can make or break the overall look and feel of your arrangement, so it’s important to consider factors such as size, shape, color, and texture. A good rule of thumb is to choose a vessel that complements the style and color scheme of your flowers while also being appropriate for the occasion and setting.

When selecting a vessel for a floral arrangement, consider the size and shape of your blooms. Large, full arrangements may require a wider, more substantial vessel to support the weight of the flowers, while smaller, more delicate arrangements may benefit from a smaller, more compact vase. The color and texture of the vessel can also play an important role in the overall aesthetic of your arrangement. A simple glass vase can create a classic and elegant look, while a textured ceramic or metal vessel can add a more rustic or industrial feel. Ultimately, the vessel you choose should enhance the beauty of your flowers and complement the overall style and ambiance of your home.

flower arrangement with three vessels

This arrangement features three vessels bunched together and flowers at varying heights to add depth

Creating a Permanent Botanical Arrangement

Faux flowers offer several benefits over fresh stems. For one, they last much longer and can be enjoyed for years rather than just a few days. Additionally, faux flowers require no maintenance like watering or pruning, and can be easily dusted or cleaned with a damp cloth. Faux florals offer more versatility in terms of colors and styles, and can be found in almost any variety of flower imaginable. But what I love most is that they can be arranged and re-arranged in endless combinations. Arranging your permanent florals is a much more forgiving process than arranging live ones, I’ve found, and following these steps for a foolproof arrangement every time.

  1. Prep your vessel: determine if your container needs a little prep work before you start inserting stems. If you have a wide opening, you may need to create a grid with floral tape to keep stems in place. You can do this by placing a few strips of tape across the opening about one inch apart. Repeat the process with new strips running perpendicular to the first set of strips.
  2. Begin arranging: Start with the largest and most dominant flowers and stems, and insert them into the vessel at varying angles. Create a sort of “frame” with your sturdiest branches. Try to create a balanced look by distributing the elements evenly throughout the arrangement.
  3. Add in filler flowers and greenery: Once you’ve added the dominant flowers, fill in the gaps with smaller blooms and greenery.
  4. Create depth and dimension: If your arrangement has a font and back (meaning it will be placed in a spot where it won’t be seen from one side), add taller flowers or greenery towards the back of the arrangement and shorter stems towards the front. If your arrangement is going to be viewable on all sides, keep your taller pieces in the center, and the edges lower.
  5. Finish with the final touches: Step back and assess your arrangement, and adjust any flowers as needed.

flower blooms

We have blooms of every shape and size at the shop this Spring

An Orchid Adds Sophistication

If you are looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your room, look no further than a potted orchid. Its delicate and graceful blooms, vibrant colors, and unique shapes create a striking focal point that draws the eye and enhances the visual appeal of the space. On their own, they’re a perfect addition to a simple vignette, or if you’d like to add a little drama to a room consider a pair of symmetrically placed orchids – I just love the way they play off of each other!

grouping of wild orchids

A grouping of white orchids adds drama to this monochromatic design

Tulips Add a Touch of Elegance

Tulips come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect shade to complement your decor. For a simple yet stylish arrangement, place a few tulips in a tall vase and let their long stems create graceful lines. Or, mix and match different colors and types of tulips in a low vase or bowl for a more eclectic look. Tulips are also versatile enough to work well in both modern and traditional settings. Whether you’re decorating a dining room table, a mantel, or a bedside table, a vase of tulips is sure to brighten up the space and bring a touch of springtime indoors.

red tulips

Red tulips make a bold statement in this dark and moody room.

Decorating with Greenery

I love the look of wild and bright greenery for spring. That pop of color pairs well with just about everything, but I especially love the way it looks with blue and white! Greenery is so versatile, and works well on its own, but creates arrangements full of depth and dimension when mixed and matched. From bushy eucalyptus fronds to bold and beautiful monstera leaves, greenery is more than just filler!

In my latest blog post, Hopping Into Spring Decorating, I highlighted how we incorporated some striking tropical stems into our traditional floral arrangements in the Mulberry Drive room. You’ll definitely want to give it a look for some inspiration.

green fronds

The green fronds add an architectural feel to the design of this room

varying shades of greenery

Varying shades of greenery make a statement when gathered together

Creating Organic-Looking Arrangements

Creating whimsical organic-looking floral arrangements is all about embracing the natural beauty and textures of your flowers. Start by choosing blooms that tend to have a more wild appearance, such as roses, ranunculus, and wildflowers. You can also add in interesting elements such as branches, vines, or dried grasses to create a more rustic and natural feel. When arranging your flowers, aim for a loose and unstructured look, with some stems sticking out at different angles and varying heights.

unstructured floral arrangement

An unstructured arrangement lends to the organic feel of this neutral vignette

To create an arrangement truly inspired by nature, it’s important to pay attention to the textures and colors of your blooms. Mix and match different textures, such as smooth and shiny petals with rough and fuzzy foliage, to create depth and interest. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors as well, such as soft pastels with bright pops of color, to create a playful and whimsical vibe. When arranging your flowers, start with the larger blooms and work your way down, filling in the gaps with smaller flowers and greenery. And remember, the key to an organic-looking arrangement is to let go of perfection and embrace the natural beauty of your blooms.

wispy floral blooms

Varying wispy blooms add both softness and texture to this earthy design

By following some of the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can create stunning arrangements that enhance the style and ambiance of your space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and styles, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities that florals have to offer. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can transform any room into a beautiful and inviting space that reflects your personal style and taste. Until next time – happy decorating!