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

2. Four Main Principles of Design
Proportion
Balance
Rhythm
Dominance

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

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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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.

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

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

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

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

16. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

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

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

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