The Principles of Design Fundamentals of Floral Design Vick

Desired outcome: Aesthetics Beauty Simplicity In creation Harmony Suitability Expression

How: The Major Principles of Design Proportion and scale Balance Rhythm Dominance

Also Use: The Minor Principles of Design Radiation Repetition Transition Variation Contrast Focal point

Proportion Accomplish a pleasing relationship in size and shape among objects or parts of objects Three aspects to consider are the proper proportion of the: Arrangement to its surroundings Flowers and foliage to the container Flowers and foliage to each other

Arrangement to its surroundings Consider room size Consider table size Consider table use Consider event

Flowers and foliage to the container Greek’s Golden Mean of 1.6:1-this means flower materials should be at least 1 ½ times the height or the width of the container (whichever is larger) Consider 4 factors of the container for proper proportion: Physical dimensions Color Material and texture Shape

Flowers and foliage to each other Avoid huge jumps in size Variation in sizes of flowers and foliage creates pleasing and interesting arrangements

Checklist: Pleasing Proportion Where will it go? Type/color/size of container? What type of plant material to accomplish the design? Height? Width? What is the outermost contour? (outline?) How does contour change as plant material is added? Adjustments needed to accomplish design? Pruning needed? Taller material needed? Considering color, size, shape, pattern, and spatial balance: are more or less plant materials needed to make these successful?

Balance Physical Actual stability of arrangement Proper mechanics are needed to hold the arrangement stable Foam/plant materials should not move or shift Visual Proper “weight” to the arrangement Should be evident in 3 views: From side to side From top to bottom From front to back

Visual Balance Symmetrical Both sides of the design seem to have the same physical weight While visual weight should be similar, they should not be exact on each side so as to add interest

Visual Balance Asymmetrical Consider rules of balance by looking at the arrangement in quadrants: The visual weight should be heavier at the bottom and closer to the container The opposite side to the heavier weight can then have thinner and longer materials

What determines visual weight? Design ElementVisually LighterVisually Heavier SizeSmallLarge Color: HueCoolWarm ValueLightDark IntensityDull, grayedBright ShapeLinearRound Space Single flower descriptionAiry and open petalsDense and full petals Flower placementsSpaciousClustered PatternFineBold (in size and color) Texture Surface qualityRough or hairyShiny Visual qualityFineBold or coarse

Ways to visually balance a design: Centering: Place dominant (heavier) plant materials along the central vertical axis Allows heavier materials to be able to be placed higher up in the arrangement Counterbalancing Balance plant materials on one side of the design with visually equal materials on the opposite side Equalizing Balance large plant materials on one side with multiple smaller plant materials on the other side

Time to practice: CenteringCounterbalancing Equalizing

Rhythm Regular and repeated Easy to use for beginners Strong and compelling Can become monotonous Free and variable Subtle changes and variations Allows the viewer’s eye to move smoothly through an arrangement Adds interest

Rhythm: Radiation Gives the image that all stems come from one point Gives a strong sense of unity and naturalness Use of vertical, different angles and horizontal Avoid crossing stems

Rhythm: Repetition Unifies and strengthens an arrangement but can become boring if varieties are not used Can repeat 1 or more of the following to achieve rhythm: Flower shape Color Space Line

Rhythm: Transition The smooth, gradual change from one element to another Done by (top to bottom): Small to large Light to dark Linear-oval-round Spacious to clustered Flower facings should match to their placement in the arrangement

Rhythm: Variation and Contrast Variation: Diverse assortment or differing components Focuses attention and stimulates interest and imagination Contrast: Objects that have striking differences beyond mere variety or diversity Create interesting designs and pleasing rhythms

Dominance 1 design element is more noticeable Interest is captured here and then the viewer’s eye is led smoothly through the rest of the arrangement Ways to accomplish: Plant materials Color Idea/theme/holiday Design style/use of line Focal point

Focal Point Can help tie the entire arrangement together Usually located semi- center in the lower part of the arrangement Some contemporary styles have several focal points