Every home can use a little flora and fauna. Green is the color of nature, the hue of life. Whether you choose silk or the real deal, here are some ideas to choose your style and help add life to your space.
Old World Create an arrangement that uses clay or porcelain containers in classic urn styles with carvings of laurel wreaths and medallions. Warm colors such as chocolate brown taupe, sage green or earthy gray are perfect. Flowers should include large blooms such as opened roses, mums and hydrangeas as the foundation with filler of dried grasses, eucalyptus and berry sprigs. Colors can range anywhere in the “dusty” family with brick red, burnt sienna, and mustard gold, accented with blackberry, blue and soothing lavender. This arrangement should be lush and over the top; think “opulent hotel lobby.”
Modern Restraint is the key to a successful modern arrangement. Zinc, high-gloss glazed and glass containers are a good start. Flower stems that work well with the modern aesthetic are, oncidium orchids, calla lilies, birds of paradise and assorted grasses. Any flower with an architectural essence will do. Colors should remain monochromatic within the container. Whether it’s white, red, orange, or any other hue of your choice, do not mix the colors. Keep the species of the flower limited to one type of bloom and one type of twig or grass per arrangement. Any more than that will appear too fussy for the simplicity of modern. Instead of green sheet moss, consider stones, colored glass, or metallic marbles as a base for your arrangement. These materials show up particularly well in glass containers.
Natural Cattails, pussy willow, curly willow, and various dried twigs are just a few suggestions when considering an organic arrangement. The feeling you want to achieve is one of spa-like serenity. Choose a container made from reclaimed tree-bark, a simple wooden box, or even an old, hollowed out tree stump. Lots of green moss or river rock acts as a great base. The foliage can range from simple and spare to lush and full depending on the container size. Stems in various shades of green, brown and taupe are just right for this uncomplicated style.
These are simply guidelines to provide ideas for varying decor styles. The one no-no in floral design: If it doesn’t exist in nature, it shouldn’t exist in your arrangement. io