Decorating with Flowers

We all agree that it would be difficult to beat the beauty of an arrangement of fresh cut flowers or the elegance that a single orchid can bring to a room.

In home fashion, flowers can be used to support the existing ambience of the space or to create an entirely new feeling.

Freshen Rooms

Petal power is a natural way to add beauty and colour to a room, and flowers can also camouflage flaws and punch up drab interiors.

Keep a room in season with a seasonally appropriate arrangement. Try pink tulips placed in a white vase on a kitchen counter top or a basket of white daisies on the coffee table for spring. Flowers can also be used to create an oasis of comfort by placing a calming bouquet of pale pastel beauties on a bedside table or beside a favourite reading chair.

Floral Symbolism

Fresh flowers in a room clearly state this is a home that is loved and well tended, but a flower also has a subtler message. For example:

• Daisies mean innocence
• Jasmine signifies elegance
• Baby's breath equals purity
• Tall sunflowers represent pride
• Zinnias mean thoughtful recollection
• Roses equal love
• Orchids signify respect

Dried flowers and silk arrangements can also send the same message, but only if they are dust free and well maintained.

Different Styles, Different Flowers

Let every room bloom by choosing flowers that not only send a message to its admirers but that also compliment and enhance the style of your decor.

Traditional Styles

• In a traditional or classically styled living room, it is best to use a formal, geometric arrangement of roses, gladiolas, irises, carnations, lilies, freesia or snapdragons.
• Place your arrangements and centerpieces in crystal, brass, silver or porcelain containers.
• Sexy, bold, and exotic flowers, such as orchids, work well to compliment a modern decor.
• For a dramatic look, flowers are best displayed in frosted or coloured glass vases, or a metallic container with pewter or  stainless steel finishes.

Contemporary Styles

• In a contemporary space, do not be afraid to mix flowers of clashing colours together (reds with pinks or oranges).
• Use a single flower instead of a large bouquet.

Country Style

• Casual country rooms focus on the simple pleasures of life.
• Daisies, heather, white or yellow mums, yarrow, hydrangeas, sunflowers or tulips casually grouped or growing in a wicker basket surrounded by green plants such as cyclamen, kalanchoe, pothos or English ivy.
• Place your country arrangements in a simple container such as an old watering can, bucket, Mason jar, teapot, sand pail, or glass vase.

Victorian Style

• Victorian country rooms should focus on softer colours and softer arrangements.
• Use bouquets of roses, peonies, lavender, gardenias and freesia in shades of pale peach, lavender, pink, yellow and cream
• Place the flowers in a vase of clear glass, crystal or silver to conjure images of romance and sensuality.

Think Outside the Vase

• Think outside the vase and create a spray or garland of flowers to lie on a fireplace mantel or windowsill.
• Twist flowers around the base of a chandelier or along a curtain rod.
• Amongst your flower garland mix fruit, gourds, ribbon, lace, seashells, twigs or any other seasonally appropriate items.

The Unexpected

• The bathroom is one of the most unexpected places to find flowers, but it is also one of the most luxurious and pampering places to find them.
• Place a single bud vase beside the sink, a fresh flower head next to the soap dish or float several flower heads in the bathtub along with a floating candle.

For great articles, tips, inspiration and more, visit www.casaGURU.com—The smartest way to find licensed and insured house experts—from home stagers to contractors to home Inspectors and realtors.

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