7 Floral Arrangement Principles
Colour Harmony
Start by choosing a color palette that pleases your eye. Here are some simple ways to think about colour combinations.
- Monochromatic: Stick to one color but use different shades. Imagine a bouquet of all pink flowers ranging from pale blush to deep magenta. This creates a calming and elegant look.
- Analogous Colours: These are neighbours on the colour wheel, like yellow, orange, and red. They create a harmonious and pleasing look.
- Complementary Colours: These are opposites on the colour wheel, like blue and orange or purple and yellow. They create vibrant and eye-catching contrasts.
- Triadic Colours: Use three colors that are evenly spaced on the colour wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. This creates a balanced yet colorful arrangement.
Height Variation
Mixing up the heights of your flowers adds depth and interest:
- Tall Flowers: These are your focal points. Let them stand proud and tall in the center or slightly off-center.
- Medium Flowers: These should be slightly shorter and fill in around your tall flowers. They add volume and support.
- Short Flowers: These go around the edges and help blend the whole arrangement together. They create a soft, cascading effect.
Texture and Shape
- Smooth and Rough: Mix smooth petals (like roses) with rough or spiky textures (like thistles or eucalyptus) for contrast.
- Round and Linear: Use round flowers (like peonies or carnations) alongside linear elements (like snapdragons or grasses) to create visual interest.
Focal Point
- Highlight One Area: Choose a flower or cluster of flowers that stand out as the main attraction. Place them in the center or slightly off-center.
- Contrast: Use a flower with a contrasting colour or unique shape as your focal point to make it pop.
Balance
Aim for a balanced look without perfect symmetry:
- Visual Weight: Distribute the visual weight evenly. If you have a heavy cluster of flowers on one side, balance it with lighter, airy flowers on the other.
- Asymmetry: Arrangements don’t need to be perfectly symmetrical. Asymmetry can create a more natural and interesting design.
Rhythm and Movement
Create a sense of movement that guides the viewer’s eye through the arrangement:
- Flowing Lines: Use the natural curves of stems and leaves to create flowing lines.
- Repetition: Repeat certain flowers or colors throughout the arrangement to create rhythm and lead the eye around the bouquet.
Unity and Cohesion
- Consistency: Stick to your chosen colour scheme and style.
- Harmony: Make sure all flowers complement each other and create a harmonious overall effect.
Group Exercise
What principles can be improved in this floral arrangement?
