What are Principles of Design? Rules and guidelines used by designers to create appealing arrangements.

Four Main Principles of Design Proportion Balance Rhythm Dominance

Six Minor Principles Radiation- all stems appear to come from one point Repetition- using more than once to create unity Transition- smooth gradual change from one material to another

4. Variation- the diverse assortment of materials, stimulating interest. 5. Contrast- describes objects arranged with differences 6. Focal Point- center of interest of design

What is proportion? Pleasing relationship between size and shape among objects

Achieving Proportion Where will the arrangement be located? Height of arrangement= 1.5 times height of containers greatest dimension Physical dimension Color Material/texture Shape

What is Balance? Design equilibrium or equality in weight Extremely important! In life we avoid unbalanced things

Physical Balance Arrangement needs to be mechanically sound to stand independently Container must be proper size, shape & weight to support arrangement

Visual Balance Every floral arrangement relies on balance Gives feeling of stability Arrangement is 1.5x height of container Four main types: Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial Open

Centering- placing dominant plant material along the central vertical axis. Allows heavier plant material to be placed higher in design Counterbalancing- balancing plant materials on one side of a design with visually equal materials on the opposite side. Asymmetrical arrangements.

Symmetrical Simplest Identical flowers/foliage are arranged and repeated across a vertical axis

Asymmetrical Balance Complex Visual weight on each side of a central axis

Radial Balance Elements of a design circle out from a common central point “Like spokes on a wheel”

Open Balance Common in contemporary, abstract & oriental arrangements Relaxed Unstructured Open/negative areas “Perceived balance”

What is Rhythm? Orderly organization of a design’s elements to create a visual pathway Creates a pathway for eye to follow in an arrangement

Types of Rhythm Regular- materials are repeated at set intervals Free- unstructured, yet still guides eye through arrangement

Achieving Rhythm Radiation- Stems radiate out of the container. Avoid crossing stems Repetition- Reappearing design elements Transition- Change from one material to another Variety-Focuses attention and stimulates imagination Contrast- differences

What is dominance? One design element is more prevalent or noticeable. Captures the viewer’s attention. Shows viewer what is important in the design. Captures viewers attention

How is dominance achieved? Bold plant material Emphasized design element Distinct style Theme FOCAL POINT- center of interest & visual activity

Creating a Focal Point Use of large flowers Form flowers- orchids Color Framing materials Contrast Radiation of materials Accessories

Focal Point Location Traditional- low, near container rim Symmetrical- centralized Asymmetrical- off center Main lines should converge at focal point