In the past home decoration was for the very rich, and most people kept to the styles of the day (hence the 60’s style we cringe over or hopelessly reminisce about). These day’s we can go back to any period in time from a variety of countries to source ideas for our perfect home. One of the simplest, most effective and most popular ways to brighten up a home are to dress it with some flowers.
The benefits of flowers
There is so much to say about the benefits of decorating with flowers. They are cheap, easy to change if you change your décor, easy to move and come in a wide array of species and bunches. There have been studies that show how, when flowers are put in offices, workers are often feeling happier and more productive. The scent of fresh flowers and the look of natural beauty are a great incentive to start decorating. If you’re strapped for time florists will often offer great flower delivery deals too; if you’re a regular there’s no need to trek out when your last batch dies, just phone up!
But how can I use this?
Flowers are so useful as a household accessory because you can mix, match and move it as you see fit. You might want some flowers in every room, or in just a few, but the first thing to think of is the color scheme of the room you’re adding flowers to. Usually you want the bulk of the bunch to be in a color that you use in the room. If your living room is cream and chocolate coloured you might want a bunch of cream coloured or burgundy brown flowers, or a mix of both. However, if the room is mostly one color and you use lights and other furnishings to add a new colour, choose the color that is less represented to make your flowers stand out more e.g. a blue bathroom with white units and towels will look better with white flower, not blue. This harmonised the room and brings in a bit of life and vibrancy to the décor.
The texture of the flowers you choose can also have an effect on the room. For a room you want to give a calming, relaxing atmosphere soft flowers with big petals and minimal foliage are by far the best. Choose delicate yet fragrant flowers or add some herbs of your own for a comforting bedroom or living room. For a room you want to bring energy and excitement to choose exotic plants with hard edges, flowers with tapered petals or many petals and lots of greenery. Look for flowers with a heavier scent too, or add strong, crisp herbs.
Do you want to keep it simple with one species, or get a mixed bunch? If you’re décor is particularly sleek and minimal a cheap and effective solution would be to buy a bunch of flowers in one species. Lilies and tulips look especially luxurious on their own. For a lived in home or a rustic deign throwing in as many colour, species and textures makes a great decorative piece.
Buying flowers also gives you the opportunity to get creative with containers and vases. Glass vases are great for suggesting space in a room and the sight of fresh flowers basking in fresh water is a great way to introduce the sights of nature into your home and remind you that it’ a living thing. Other ideas for containers I’ve seen are typewriters, indoor flower pots, flower sconces and indoor hanging baskets. Get creative with waterproof containers to show your personal style while appreciating your floral décor. One last design tip; if you have a floral theme, stick to one color of flowers. It can be overwhelming to be surrounded by all of the color and pattern!
This article was written on behalf of Great British Florist, an award winning florist specialising in British flowers for the British public.
