Floral Design Elements

Objectives

Identify the primary and secondary principles of floral design

Distinguish a floral design’s primary and secondary principles

Compose a candy bouquet using primary and secondary design principles

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Quick Questions

Why would you need to know how to identify floral design principles?

Why do different floral arrangements appeal to different people?

Why would different design principles be needed for different tasks?

What are the principles of floral design? What types of floral arrangements are there? What is harmony?

Primary Principles

Composition

Harmony

Unity

Proportion

Balance

Rhythm

Contrast

Composition

The organization or grouping of a variety materials to achieve a unified whole

Selection of floral materials, accessories, and placement

Harmony

The aesthetic quality created through the pleasing interaction of materials used in a design.

Expressed when focusing on the overall relationship between all of the components.

Mood/theme of composition

Unity The relationship of the pieces should produce a single

general effect Expressed when focusing on the relationship of individual

components Can be reached through

Proximity

• Close Repetition Transition

• Gradual Unity with variety Repeat colors, tones, and tints Repeat shapes Focal point No geometric stiffness

Proportion Compares relationship of components to each

other Size Quantity Emphasis

Design and container

Balance

• The placement of components creating a feeling of physical and visual stability

Balance: Mechanical

• Structural balance through placement

Balance: Visual

• Created by selection of textures, colors, and sizes

Balance: Asymmetrical

Using different materials on each side of design

Equal visual weight, balance Informal, natural,

movement, attracts and holds attention

Balance: Symmetrical

Using identical materials and placement on each side of design

Restful, peaceful, formal, strength, stability, stiff, contrived

Rhythm

Related orderly movement implying unity A feeling of motion, not confusion Eye follows from focal point outward and back

Repetition Transition

Contrast

The difference between objects when they are placed next to each other

Gives excitement to the design Design styles

Dramatic

• Strong contrast Quiet

• Soft contrast

Secondary Principles

Scale

Focal Point

Accent

Emphasis

Depth

Repetition

Scale

Ratio of the size of a composition to its surroundings

In scale with container and accessories

Focal Point

Where the eye naturally focuses Greatest visual weight Center of interest

Location Above rim of container Extend out to create depth Strong color Full blossom Asymmetrical – placed on high side

Accent

Addition to design to increase interest and emphasize other elements

Usually focal point or theme

Emphasis

• A location of the design that is given an accent or more attention to make it stand out

Depth

Placement of materials at different levels inside and around the design

Can be given by: Placing stems as they grow in nature Light and shadows Sticking out of design

Repetition

Placement of materials at different levels inside and around the design

Can be given by: Placing stems as they grow in nature Light and shadows Sticking out of design

Designs

Can reach desired shape by Scaling flowers toward focal point Placing larger flowers toward focal point Placing smaller flowers along edges Unequal amounts of material

Horizontal Plant material 1 ½ times width of container

Tall Plant material 1 ½ times height of container