Flower Flower ArrangementArrangement

The Principles of Floral Design:The Principles of Floral Design:

1.1. EmphasisEmphasis

2.2. BalanceBalance

3.3. ProportionProportion

4.4. RhythmRhythm

5.5. HarmonyHarmony

6.6. UnityUnity

EmphasisEmphasis

Emphasis is achieved in a floral design by Emphasis is achieved in a floral design by creating an accented area or a focal point. The creating an accented area or a focal point. The focal point is the area of an arrangement that focal point is the area of an arrangement that

will draw the most attention and will direct the will draw the most attention and will direct the eye of a viewer to a specific location within eye of a viewer to a specific location within

the design.the design.

The purpose of the focal flowers is to draw visually all The purpose of the focal flowers is to draw visually all elements of the design to a single location, the center elements of the design to a single location, the center of interest. An accent will exist whenever contrast is of interest. An accent will exist whenever contrast is present in a design. This contrast may be in the form present in a design. This contrast may be in the form of flower sizes, colors, textures, or shapes. The most of flower sizes, colors, textures, or shapes. The most

striking contrast in a design is created by use of striking contrast in a design is created by use of brightly colored flowers at the center of interest, with brightly colored flowers at the center of interest, with

less vibrant tones or tints used as the flowers less vibrant tones or tints used as the flowers approach the perimeter of the design.approach the perimeter of the design.

The flowers, however, should never be crowded The flowers, however, should never be crowded to form a tightened mass of blossoms. to form a tightened mass of blossoms.

Generally, it will not be necessary to allow Generally, it will not be necessary to allow individual blooms to touch each other; rather, individual blooms to touch each other; rather,

they should appear loose and natural, with they should appear loose and natural, with some foliage protruding between the petals. some foliage protruding between the petals.

Emphasis can mostly easily be achieved in a Emphasis can mostly easily be achieved in a design when the smallest, least-open flowers design when the smallest, least-open flowers

are placed at the perimeter of the arrangement are placed at the perimeter of the arrangement and the large, fully developed flowers are and the large, fully developed flowers are

located at the focal point.located at the focal point.

Flowers with unique shapes also attract Flowers with unique shapes also attract attention; using varying degrees of flower and attention; using varying degrees of flower and

foliage textures within an arrangement may foliage textures within an arrangement may create another striking contrast. create another striking contrast.

Coarser textures will appear to have more visual Coarser textures will appear to have more visual weight so they will be best used at the focal weight so they will be best used at the focal

point. point.

An accessory such as ribbons or bow is often An accessory such as ribbons or bow is often used by retail florists to create emphasis in used by retail florists to create emphasis in

bouquets and corsages. The contrast in texture bouquets and corsages. The contrast in texture or color will place the emphasis at the lip of or color will place the emphasis at the lip of

the container. the container.

BalanceBalance

A well-designed arrangement will appear to be A well-designed arrangement will appear to be stable and self-supporting. An arrangement stable and self-supporting. An arrangement should possess both mechanical and visual should possess both mechanical and visual

balance. balance.

Mechanical balance is achieved when the container is Mechanical balance is achieved when the container is the proper size and weight for the size of flowers the proper size and weight for the size of flowers being used with it. The design should have the being used with it. The design should have the

flowers distributed properly so that the containers flowers distributed properly so that the containers will support them. This is accomplished by the will support them. This is accomplished by the

convergence of lines at the focal point. The flower convergence of lines at the focal point. The flower and foliage stems should appear to arise from a single and foliage stems should appear to arise from a single

central location in the container. central location in the container.

An arrangement may be composed of symmetrical or An arrangement may be composed of symmetrical or asymmetrical balance. asymmetrical balance.

A symmetrical design will appear to be the same A symmetrical design will appear to be the same on each side of a vertical centerline. A formal on each side of a vertical centerline. A formal

balance is created when the focal point is balance is created when the focal point is centered in the container.centered in the container.

Many floral design styles are arranged with Many floral design styles are arranged with asymmetrical balance. This gives the asymmetrical balance. This gives the

appearance of a more natural design and appearance of a more natural design and allows the arranger more originality in his or allows the arranger more originality in his or

her work. The size relationship of flower her work. The size relationship of flower stems, distance from the focal point, and color stems, distance from the focal point, and color

density must be considered in this type of density must be considered in this type of balance. balance.

Flowers are arranged from the back of the container Flowers are arranged from the back of the container toward the front and sides. Depth and visual balance toward the front and sides. Depth and visual balance are created in the design when the rear flower stems are created in the design when the rear flower stems tip backward slightly, and the focal flower is placed tip backward slightly, and the focal flower is placed

well in front of the lip of the container. Flower well in front of the lip of the container. Flower heights are gradually lowered, as each flower is heights are gradually lowered, as each flower is

placed closer to the front of the arrangement. Balance placed closer to the front of the arrangement. Balance is maintained by grading flowers by color, texture, is maintained by grading flowers by color, texture,

size and spacing. This gives the arrangement a feeling size and spacing. This gives the arrangement a feeling of depth and support.of depth and support.

ProportionProportion

A floral arrangement appears best when all the A floral arrangement appears best when all the component flowers are related in size, color, component flowers are related in size, color,

texture, and shape. texture, and shape.

The scale of a design is dictated by the size of The scale of a design is dictated by the size of arrangement and its relationship to its arrangement and its relationship to its

surroundings. Proportion in an arrangement is surroundings. Proportion in an arrangement is accomplished by scaling flowers toward the accomplished by scaling flowers toward the

focal point. This means that the smallest buds focal point. This means that the smallest buds are placed farthest from the visual center of the are placed farthest from the visual center of the design. The flowers are then graduated in size design. The flowers are then graduated in size by the placement of increasingly larger flowers by the placement of increasingly larger flowers in the arrangement until the center of interest in the arrangement until the center of interest

is reached. is reached.

The use of negative spaces or voids within the The use of negative spaces or voids within the arrangement is equally as important as sizes of arrangement is equally as important as sizes of

flowers in creating a pleasing proportion. Flowers are flowers in creating a pleasing proportion. Flowers are placed at the same heights within the design will fight placed at the same heights within the design will fight

for equal attention. Spaces without flowers are for equal attention. Spaces without flowers are purposely left to allow each bloom to be viewed purposely left to allow each bloom to be viewed

singly. A visual line is left uncompleted with the void singly. A visual line is left uncompleted with the void balanced by flowers to create the curved line of the balanced by flowers to create the curved line of the design. The absence of flowers in these areas adds design. The absence of flowers in these areas adds

interests and proportion within the design.interests and proportion within the design.

Good proportion in an arrangement is created by Good proportion in an arrangement is created by establishing a pleasing scale relationship of the establishing a pleasing scale relationship of the

flowers to the container. A generally accepted rule of flowers to the container. A generally accepted rule of floral design states that for a tall container, plant floral design states that for a tall container, plant

material should be at least one and one-half to two material should be at least one and one-half to two times the height of the vase. For low, flat containers, times the height of the vase. For low, flat containers, the height of an arrangement is at least one and one-the height of an arrangement is at least one and one-half to two times the width. This rule is not ironclad half to two times the width. This rule is not ironclad and may be altered provided that good proportion in and may be altered provided that good proportion in

the design is maintained.the design is maintained.

An arrangement that would exceed these height An arrangement that would exceed these height limitations would be one where very visually limitations would be one where very visually

lightweight foliage and flowers are used. lightweight foliage and flowers are used. Balance and proportion are easily maintained Balance and proportion are easily maintained

in a tall, delicate-appealing design. A in a tall, delicate-appealing design. A horizontal style design will have its primary horizontal style design will have its primary

axis running along its width. The height of this axis running along its width. The height of this type of design would be drastically reduced type of design would be drastically reduced

from the designated rules. from the designated rules.

RhythmRhythm

Rhythm is the apparent flow of lines, textures, or Rhythm is the apparent flow of lines, textures, or colors that expresses a feeling of motion rather colors that expresses a feeling of motion rather

than confusion in an arrangement. than confusion in an arrangement.

Motion is created most easily in a design having Motion is created most easily in a design having a curved line. Here, the viewer is attracted a curved line. Here, the viewer is attracted

gently from the top of the arrangement along gently from the top of the arrangement along the curving elements of line or texture or color the curving elements of line or texture or color through to its focal point, the center of interest. through to its focal point, the center of interest.

Rhythm may be achieved in several ways – Rhythm may be achieved in several ways – through opposition, repetition, or transition.through opposition, repetition, or transition.

When flowers having the same color, texture, or When flowers having the same color, texture, or form are placed at opposing points away from form are placed at opposing points away from

the focal point, the center of interest is the focal point, the center of interest is emphasized. These opposing flowers create a emphasized. These opposing flowers create a balance in the design that naturally leads the balance in the design that naturally leads the

eye from one point, through the focal area, and eye from one point, through the focal area, and on to the other side of the design. This eye on to the other side of the design. This eye movement is the result of the visual motion movement is the result of the visual motion

within the design. within the design.

The repetition of the same flower types throughout an The repetition of the same flower types throughout an arrangement ties all the parts into a single unit. The arrangement ties all the parts into a single unit. The viewer will see the entire design through a repeated viewer will see the entire design through a repeated use of the same colors, textures, or flower shapes. use of the same colors, textures, or flower shapes.

When flowers are placed with their stems originating When flowers are placed with their stems originating at the focal point, they will appear to radiate from the at the focal point, they will appear to radiate from the

center of the design. This radiation from a single center of the design. This radiation from a single point will create an emphasis at the center of interest point will create an emphasis at the center of interest

and will provide a visual movement as well. and will provide a visual movement as well.

A transition in color and texture or the gradation of A transition in color and texture or the gradation of scaled flower sizes can also be used to create motion scaled flower sizes can also be used to create motion

in a design. The darkest or brightest color may be in a design. The darkest or brightest color may be placed at the focal point. From the center to the outer placed at the focal point. From the center to the outer edges of the arrangement, the intensity or tone of the edges of the arrangement, the intensity or tone of the color is graded to be more subdued. A similar use of color is graded to be more subdued. A similar use of texture-quality transition will be effective in creating texture-quality transition will be effective in creating

motion within the design that leads the eye to the motion within the design that leads the eye to the center of interest in the arrangement.center of interest in the arrangement.

HarmonyHarmony

When an arrangement possesses harmony, all the When an arrangement possesses harmony, all the design parts will fit together into a pleasing design parts will fit together into a pleasing

composition of flower shapes, colors, textures, composition of flower shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. This could be interpreted to mean and sizes. This could be interpreted to mean that the idea or theme of the design has been that the idea or theme of the design has been successfully created. In order for harmony to successfully created. In order for harmony to

be achieved all the component parts of the be achieved all the component parts of the design must be in an appealing relationship. design must be in an appealing relationship.

UnityUnity

Unity is created when all the design parts blend together Unity is created when all the design parts blend together without a noticeable separation. Although each without a noticeable separation. Although each

flower or area of the arrangement may be distinctive, flower or area of the arrangement may be distinctive, all elements must visually blend together. Unity is all elements must visually blend together. Unity is

best achieved by repeating related flower types, best achieved by repeating related flower types, colors, and textures throughout the design. This helps colors, and textures throughout the design. This helps to pull the components together with the focal point to pull the components together with the focal point as the center of interest. When one color or type of as the center of interest. When one color or type of

flower is used only at the perimeter of the flower is used only at the perimeter of the arrangement and another at the center, the viewer of arrangement and another at the center, the viewer of

the design will feel a lack of unity.the design will feel a lack of unity.

Elements of Floral Design:Elements of Floral Design:1.1. LineLine

2.2. FormForm

3.3. TextureTexture

4.4. PatternPattern

5.5. ColorColor

6.6. SpaceSpace

LineLine

Line in a flower arrangement is the visual path the eye Line in a flower arrangement is the visual path the eye travel as it passes through the arrangement. The line travel as it passes through the arrangement. The line

establishes the skeleton of the design particularly establishes the skeleton of the design particularly when linear flowers or foliages are used. This element when linear flowers or foliages are used. This element

produces the underlying framework of the produces the underlying framework of the arrangement that holds the composition together. arrangement that holds the composition together.

A vertical line gives the arrangement an appearance of A vertical line gives the arrangement an appearance of strength. A curved line adds gentleness or strength. A curved line adds gentleness or

gracefulness and gives the impression of motion. A gracefulness and gives the impression of motion. A horizontal line is more relaxing or informal, so is horizontal line is more relaxing or informal, so is

used most often for table arrangements.used most often for table arrangements.

FormForm

The flowers, foliages and containers used in The flowers, foliages and containers used in flower arrangements have various shapes or flower arrangements have various shapes or

forms. Flower and foliage shapes add a visual forms. Flower and foliage shapes add a visual quality that is important in developing quality that is important in developing

harmony, creating rhythm and establishing a harmony, creating rhythm and establishing a focal point. Form is also expressed by the focal point. Form is also expressed by the

geometric shape that creates the outline of the geometric shape that creates the outline of the design.design.

TextureTexture

Texture refers to such surface qualities of Texture refers to such surface qualities of flowers and foliage as smoothness glossiness, flowers and foliage as smoothness glossiness, and roughness. This quality of texture may be and roughness. This quality of texture may be

expressed either as a physical or a visual expressed either as a physical or a visual characteristic of the plant material. characteristic of the plant material.

PatternPattern

Pattern applies to the contour of a composition Pattern applies to the contour of a composition and the grouping of materials within it. and the grouping of materials within it.

Pattern is monotonous if placements are Pattern is monotonous if placements are uniform and forms unvaried, but it will be uniform and forms unvaried, but it will be confused if assorted flowers are randomly confused if assorted flowers are randomly

spotted causing the eye to jump about. Pattern spotted causing the eye to jump about. Pattern relates to continuity, since the distribution of relates to continuity, since the distribution of

lines and forms can proceed either logically or lines and forms can proceed either logically or in a disjointed way that disrupts unity. The in a disjointed way that disrupts unity. The

pattern of a design and that of the individual pattern of a design and that of the individual materials influence each other. materials influence each other.

Patterns are different kinds – intricate, bold, Patterns are different kinds – intricate, bold, open, dense, regular, and irregular. open, dense, regular, and irregular.

The pattern of the materials often identifies the The pattern of the materials often identifies the style, as traditional, modern, oriental, or style, as traditional, modern, oriental, or

naturalistic. naturalistic.

ColorColor

Probably the most important factor in the Probably the most important factor in the compatibility of materials is their color, compatibility of materials is their color,

because color commands the most attention, because color commands the most attention, causes the strongest reaction, and often causes the strongest reaction, and often

accounts for success or failure.accounts for success or failure.

SpaceSpace

It is difficult to think of space as a positive It is difficult to think of space as a positive element of design. Usually we regard it as element of design. Usually we regard it as emptiness without limits or definition. In a emptiness without limits or definition. In a

design, if we mark off space or enclose it, or if design, if we mark off space or enclose it, or if we cut out sections in a solid and leave them we cut out sections in a solid and leave them

open, then space assumes shape. open, then space assumes shape.

Factors in the Selection of Factors in the Selection of Containers:Containers:

In flower arrangement, a container has In flower arrangement, a container has connotation beyond the dictionary definition connotation beyond the dictionary definition

of “a thing that contains”; it encompasses of “a thing that contains”; it encompasses more than a vases and bowls, box, can, jar or more than a vases and bowls, box, can, jar or

crate. In floral work, a container transcends its crate. In floral work, a container transcends its practical purpose and becomes an artistic practical purpose and becomes an artistic

component of design, an integral part of it.component of design, an integral part of it.

Thus two factors – size and decorative qualities – Thus two factors – size and decorative qualities – determine the suitability of a container to a design.determine the suitability of a container to a design.

As the first requirement is to hold materials, it must As the first requirement is to hold materials, it must have an opening adequate for a number of stems and have an opening adequate for a number of stems and a quantity of flowers and foliage as well as enough a quantity of flowers and foliage as well as enough

water to sustain them. water to sustain them.

Arrangement and container must be in proportion, the Arrangement and container must be in proportion, the container neither so large that it overpowers the container neither so large that it overpowers the

arrangement nor so small that the design dwarfs the arrangement nor so small that the design dwarfs the vase. A container must be sturdy enough to balance vase. A container must be sturdy enough to balance

the weight and breadth of a quantity of material.the weight and breadth of a quantity of material.

Decoratively a container may be of little interest or it Decoratively a container may be of little interest or it may make a positive contribution through color, may make a positive contribution through color,

form, or texture. form, or texture.

Except in modern design where it may be featured, a Except in modern design where it may be featured, a container is usually of less importance than plant container is usually of less importance than plant material. In any case, a container should share the material. In any case, a container should share the characteristics of a design, be equally formal or characteristics of a design, be equally formal or

casual, and be related in color but not so intense or casual, and be related in color but not so intense or varied in hue, highly glazed or patterned that it varied in hue, highly glazed or patterned that it

competes. competes.

Compatibility also depends on similarity of style and Compatibility also depends on similarity of style and shape, container and design correspondingly shape, container and design correspondingly traditional, modern, naturalistic, or oriental. traditional, modern, naturalistic, or oriental.

The color, texture, and style of a container should be in The color, texture, and style of a container should be in keeping with the setting or mood of an occasion, and keeping with the setting or mood of an occasion, and have the same degree of elegance or informality, the have the same degree of elegance or informality, the

same air of gaiety or restraint. same air of gaiety or restraint.

In collecting containers, be guided also by the In collecting containers, be guided also by the dimensions and shape of the area and furniture dimensions and shape of the area and furniture

that will be use for their display and for the that will be use for their display and for the type of arrangements to make. type of arrangements to make.