Living décor

Your house and garden are in harmony because while the house is all angles and straight lines, the garden is composed of curves and irregular shapes. We need the same variety of shapes indoors to prevent the décor from looking cold and mannered. Flowers and plants can be appreciated on their own, as part of the room scheme, or for their perfume.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are easily available at a reasonable price throughout the year. They bring such life and fragrance to the room that they should not be regarded as an occasional luxury. Even if your budget is limited, you can find a cheerful inexpensive bunch within your means.

Shape

The best shape for general use is a dome, with the tallest flowers in the centre and shortest blooms on the outside. Avoid tall, narrow containers which won’t allow the blooms to spread.

Tall arrangements should be placed where they will look most impressive- on a side table, against a window or mirror, etc.

Colour

One-colour arrangements are foolproof. Nothing looks fresher than a blend of white blooms against a background of greenery. Even tints and shades of a colour look equally effective. You can even choose colours which are opposite to each other on the colour wheel. Always remember not to clash the colour of the flowers with your colour scheme.

Varieties

Roses, carnations, daffodils and chrysanthemums are what everyone likes. Even daisies, gerberas, lilies look good. Orchids add beauty to the room too, though they are expensive.

Vases

Use jugs, bowls or dishes as well as the purpose made variety. For versatility, look for wide containers rather than tall narrow shapes which makes it difficult to manipulate the blooms.

Dried or artificial flowers

These are widely available and have the considerable advantage of lasting all year round.

Dried flowers can be bought or you can even dry blooms from you garden.

Silk flowers are permanent, expensive and realistic. They are easy to arrange because the stems are made from covered wire which twists into place and they can be washed in cool detergent solution when necessary.

This was all about flowers. In the next article, I will talk about plants. Till then, keep blooming.