Three More Floral Design Tips
Hey folks! Just been thinking more about some floral design tips and tricks to help you in your design endeavors and I came up with some more simple, easy-to-follow tips for you.
1. Cluster similar materials together
One of the biggest tips I’ve learned is to cluster materials together in an arrangement.
Although you can create a very evenly distributed arrangement with all the flowers distributed around the arrangement, this creates more of a “roundy moundy” design that while is good and pleasing, feels a bit dated and too uniform for me.
Instead clustering materials allows for more impact and drama within the arrangement. One single cosmos stem isn’t much to look at, but a cluster of a dozen starts to draw your attention.
For this reason, I like clustering or blocking materials together - this creates more of an asymmetrical arrangement that feels very natural and works well - it almost looks as if the flowers would be growing together in nature in this way, which is why I think it appeals to me.
2. Think in Triangles
When it comes down to it, even the most abstract of floral designs can generally be broken down into shapes.
The human eye is conditioned to prefer certain shapes - we love perfect circles, are drawn to flowers with radial symmetry (anything compound like a zinnia, daisy, dahlia for a start) and we even find human faces in pieces of toast.
If you’re having issues with the shape and form of your arrangements, we would suggest shaping your arrangement into triangles - with one long point, and two shorter points. It’s a simple design that allows for you to have a good strong form without it feeling too symmetrical - it’s pleasing, keeps the eye moving through the arrangement, and is easily replicated.
Even the more abstract “loose” compote arrangements can follow this style) with the elements forming an even more distinct triangle.
This purple oxalis arrangement is an example of how you can create shape and form with just three stems - you don’t need anything else because your form is spot on. If you’re having problems following this, try arranging just three stems of the same variety to practice this exercise.
This applies for everything from simple mason jar arrangements and bud vase arrangements to market bouquets to wedding work to giant floral installations. And once you understand this concept, you’ll start seeing triangles in floral design eeeeverywhere.
3. Go bold or go muted - but not necessarily both
When it comes to colors, it’s very personal. Some people like hot, bold, saturated colors while other people like muted, faded and pastel tones. And some people, like myself, like both.
What I’ve learned is that the hot, bold, saturated colors mix well with other saturated colors. Dark purple holds up well with fiery orange and carmine red.
Similarly, muted, faded tones work well together. Golden wheat/blonde with white and blush and peach and silvery green all work well.
What doesn’t work well is combining carmine red with sky blue and dark forest green - or at least, not easily (although I’m sure there is a way to make it work with the correct flowers and designer). And if you’re confident in your design skills, keeping your color palette restrained will help your designs to look much more cohesive with this one tip.
Hope you find these tips helpful! If you did, you may find these other posts helpful too: