Elements and Principles

Floral Design is a planned process; a careful application of design elements, principles, forms, styles and techniques which results in a composition that is pleasing to the eye. In this library we will explore the science and art of floral design. Discover the principles of flower arrangement!

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Flower care and handling explores the new science for keeping flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, stock, and other blooms alive and beautiful as long as possible in a floral arrangement.

Flower Care & Handling

The science of post-harvest-physiology, known as flower care and handling is ever changing and improving. In this video Leanne reviews the basics of flower care and explores the new science for keeping flowers alive and beautiful as long as possible in a floral arrangement. Enjoy!


Various ribbons such as red satin, peach sheer, and black and white houndstooth are used to create a variety of bows like the classic florist bow, the tailored tie bow, the tuck bow and bouquet ribbon streamers.

Ribbons & Bows

A growing trend is the use of ribbons and bows in floral design. In this video Leanne discusses various types of ribbon as she demonstrates how to create a classic florist bow, the tailored tie bow, the tuck bow and bouquet ribbon streamers. Enjoy!

A complementary color harmony uses two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel like red and green, which are found in this bouquet that mixes two kinds of red roses with light green hydrangea.

Complementary Color Harmony

To create a complementary color harmony refer to your color wheel and pick two colors on opposite sides of the wheel. An excellent example is red and green. Arrangements built on a complementary color harmony are bold and dramatic. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

A Triadic Color Harmony is composed of any three colors equally spaced on the color wheel.  Illustrating this is a beautiful bouquet which mixes pin cushion protea, Gerbera daisies, hypericum, and stock.

Triadic Color Harmony

A Triadic Color Harmony is composed of any three colors equally spaced on the color wheel.  The colors may be primary hues, secondary hues or tertiary hues.  A bouquet designed in the triadic color scheme is often bright and vivid.  Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

The Analogous Color Harmony is composed of adjacent colors in any 90 degree section of the color wheel. Illustrating this is a beautiful bouquet in fire hues which mixes roses, pin cushion protea, Gerbera daisies, and spray roses.

Analogous Color Harmony

The Analogous Color Harmony is composed of adjacent colors in any 90 degree section of the color wheel. Also known as a blended color scheme it is a favorite among floral designers. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

A monochromatic color scheme is composed of the tints, tones and shades of a single color hue. Illustrating this is a beautiful bouquet which mixes variegated carnations with pink and burgundy roses.

Monochromatic Color Harmony

A monochromatic color scheme is composed of the tints, tones and shades of a single color hue. Leanne explores and defines this color scheme as it relates to floral design. Order a free color wheel, join the color study group and view all of our video clips on color theory.

This beautiful floral design mixes Gerbera daisies, roses, snapdragons, all in yellow hues, and adds caning for unique dynamic line.

Dynamic Line

A dynamic line is a visually energetic line that conveys a feeling of motion or force. Dynamic lines may be curved, slanted, zigzag, contorted or meandering. In this video clip Leanne defines and demonstrates the use of dynamic lines.

A classic asymmetrical floral design mixes pink carnations, blush larkspur, purple statice, hot pink mini carnations, and Israeli ruscus for a lovely effect.

Classic Asymmetrical Floral Design

The classic asymmetrical form is a scalene triangle (three unequal sides and angles) in shape. It is characterized by asymmetrical balance, equal visual balance but unequal volume on either side of the vertical axis. The design has radial insertions into a single binding point and the contour is clearly defined by the material.

A modern floral design combines two different types of succulents with yellow orchids, emerald colored String of Pearls, and green trick dianthus in a ceramic cube.

Pricing, Creative Formula

Ultimately, any formula that allows for a fair price for the customer and a reasonable profit for the designer is a good formula. This creative formula is easy; saves time compensates the designer for labor and allows the use of more expensive flowers without pricing the design out of reach.

A lovely spring arrangement in pastel hues mixes ranunculus, anemone, muscari,  lilies, carnations, hydrangeas, and dusty miller in a gray vessel.

Pricing, Studio Formula

The formula used for establishing the price of retail flowers does not have to be complicated. However, it does have to start with accurate and complete wholesale pricing of materials, factor in labor and fixed expenses and allow for a reasonable profit. This formula uses a simple multiplier and is popular with studio florists.

This beautiful formal linear floral design mixes hot pink carnations, galax leaves, waxflower, Israeli ruscus, lily grass, and red twig dogwood in a charcoal colored vase.

Pricing, Classic Formula

The pricing of flowers for retail sales can be very frustrating for both the beginning and experienced florist. There is no one “fits-all” formula. In this video clip Leanne explains the Classic Formula. This formula has been used by traditional flower shops for decades and is a starting point for the discussion of pricing.

This beautiful modern floral design combines pink nerine lilies, ruby colored carnations, mini green hydrangeas, Italian ruscus, and Israeli ruscus in a pale pink glass vase.

Element - Space

Space is the three dimensional area in and around the components of a floral design. Space is typically described as either negative space or positive space. Positive space is that portion of the design that is physically occupied by something. Negative space is a planned area in the design that is devoid of any materials,

This beautiful floral design combines chartreuse China mums, ivory callas, cream hydrangeas, Israeli ruscus, variegated aspidistra, lily grass, and caning all in a sage green vase.

Accent

Accent, also referred to as focal point, is the dominant area within a design. In most arrangements, the accent is the center of gravity with all lines emerging from this area. In this video clip, Leanne shares how to maximize the visual impact of the design principle accent.

This unique floral design starts with a handmade nest made from birch branches, then it mixes roses, pin cushion protea, cymbidium orchids, craspedia, poppy pods, sphagnum moss, lily grass, and protea pods.

Texture

Texture is rough or smooth, shiny or dull, course or fine. Texture is a study in contrasts. It is an element that is both tactile and visual. In this video clip Leanne explains the features of this design element as she creates a unique floral design filled with texture.

All flowers and foliages have different shapes or forms like those in this floral design in yellow hues, which mixes roses, freesia, craspedia, Italian ruscus, galax leaves, and lily grass.

Flower Forms

Line, Mass, Form and Filler; you may have heard these terms before, but what do they mean? All flowers and foliages have different shapes or forms which influence the style of a floral arrangement. In this video clip Leanne explains these flowers forms and their effect on a floral composition. She also demonstrates the use of flower forms in creating an arrangement.

A classic round design uses a glass bowl wrapped with aspidistra leaves and mixes red roses, lavender scabiosa, purple cornflowers, geraniums, and Israeli ruscus.

Classic Round Design Form

One of the Elements of Design is Form. Form is the three dimensional shape of a floral arrangement. In this video clip Leanne demonstrates how to create a Classic Round Design as she discusses the essential fundamentals of constructing a sell designed round floral arrangement.

A beautiful floral design in a charcoal ceramic dish mixes blush colored cymbidium orchids, protea pods, river cane, Italian ruscus, galax leaves, fern, fatsia leaves, and lily grass.

Static Line

A static line is a motionless, non active line which establishes strength and stability within a floral design. In this video clip Leanne defines and demonstrates the use of static lines as she creates a formal linear floral design.