Elements & Principles of Floral Design

Elements of Floral DesignThe directly observable components, ingredients, and physical characteristics of a design.

Elements of Floral DesignLineFormSpaceTexturePatternFragranceSizeColor

LineThe visual pathway that directs eye movement through a compositionDistance between two points

Line directions:Vertical linesstress height and suggest power and strengthHorizontal linesstress width and are peaceful and calm, provide a sense of stabilityDiagonal linedynamically energetic, causing more eye movement. Use sparinglyCurved linesuggest motion, but are softer, more comforting. Eye moves quickly through design.

Vertical line--Power and strength

Horizontal linePeaceful and calm

Diagonal lineDynamically energetic, suggest motion

Curved lineSofter suggestion of motion

Formthe shape or configuration of an individual component of the composition. The overall, three-dimensional, geometric shape or configuration of a floral composition.

Spacethe area in, around, and between the components of the design, defined by the three-dimensional area occupied by the composition.Positive spaceNegative space

TextureThe surface quality of a material, as perceived by sight or touchSmooth, coarse, waxy, rough, delicate, velvety

Texture

Texture

Texture

PatternA repeated combination of line, form, color, texture, and/or space.Variegated markings, specklesAny element used more than once

Pattern

Patternwhat is repeated

FragranceA sweet or pleasing odor, perceived by the sense of smell.heightens our awareness increases sensory enjoymenttriggers memory

Using all 5 senses

SizeThe physical dimensions of line, form, or spaceFirst considerationsEmotional aspect

ColorThe visual response of the eye to reflected rays of lightmost important design elementOptical sensation, originating in the brains perception of light energy reflected to the eye from a pigmented surface.Emotional response

Color

Principles of Floral DesignPrinciples of design-fundamental guidelines to aesthetic design that govern the organization of the elements and materials in accordance with the laws of nature. Some primary principals of design are associated with related secondary principles of design.

Principles of Floral DesignBalanceProportionScaleDominance EmphasisFocal AreaAccentRhythmDepthRepetitionTransition

ContrastOppositionTensionVariationHarmonyUnity

Balancegives a sense of equilibrium and repose, a feeling of three-dimensional stability..Physical also known as mechanical balancesoundVisual balancesense of equilibrium

Easily falls overOr looks like it will easily tip over

Visually balanced

Balancesymmetrical balanceknown as formal balance, flowers are repeated on opposite sides of the floral arrangement. Using an imaginary central axis, one side of the arrangement is the mirror image of the other.Asymmetrical balanceknown as informal balance. Formed by placing unequal visual weight on each side of a central vertical axis.

BalanceRadial balanceradiate from a central point like the spokes of a wheel or the rays of the sun.

Symmetrical-one side mirrors the otherAsymmetrical-two sides are dissimilar but have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction which creates visual balance

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical

Radial BalanceRadial balance--Not separate from symmetrical or asymmetrical, but merely a fine distinction of one or the other

Radial Balance

Symmetrical but too perfectrendering a contrived and fake appearance

Near symmetricalNot symmetrical in placement but arranged in a near-symmetrical pattern to form a balanced, formal shape

ProportionThe comparative relationship in size, quantity, and degree of emphasis among components within the composition; the relationship of one portion to another, or of one portion to the whole.design should be 1 to 2 times the height or width of the container

Greek golden section in which the ration of vase to flowers is 3 to 5 or roughly 5 to 8

Golden mean refers to the division of a line somewhere between and 1/3 its lengthFlower design slightly off center

Overall size of a floral arrangement or its parts compared with other objects or their parts. Scale floral elements with each other

ScaleThe relative ratio of size, or the relationship of the size of a composition to the surrounding area or environment.

Arrangements should fit on the table physically and visually and be in proportion to the surrounding area

Small table small room small arrangement

Large to permit viewing from a distance

DominanceThe visual organization within a design that emphasizes one or more aspects. When one element is emphasized, others are subordinate.

EmphasisThe special attention or importance given to one or more areas within a design.Directs eye to more important areas

Focal AreaThe area of greatest visual impact or weight; the center of interest to which the eye is most naturally drawn.Center of gravity or balanceWhere eye is drawnWhere the eye restsOne element different than others

Focal Point

Focal Point

Focal Point

AccentDetail added to a design to provide additional interest, affecting the total character of the composition.EnlivensDash of something

Accessories

Accent

Accent

RhythmFlow or movement characterized by regular recurrence of elements or featuresUse repeated patterns and graceful spacing. The goal is to create a visual pathway that leads the viewers eye around and through the design, then back to the focal point.

DepthThree-dimensional arrangementoverlap or angle flowersplace bright, dark flowers on the bottom of the arrangement, lighter and smaller at the top

RepetitionThe recurrence of like elements within a composition

Repetition

TransitionThe ease of visual movement which results from gradual degrees of change among one or more of the elements

ContrastEmphasis by means of difference.

Contrast--color

OppositionContrast between elements which are counterpoint in relation to each other.Call attention to each other by being opposite whereas contrast is simply different from each other

Oppositionblack & white

Contrast in color simplest way to create strong focal point

TensionImplying or suggesting a sense of energyPolaritydrawn together or pushed apartKnot a leaf-energy has been exerted or appliedNew bulb forcing out of soilReady to spring or snap

Tensionsomething is waiting to happen

VariationDissimilarity among attributes or characteristics.Diversity among elementsVary stages of developmentAll one color of flower, but different flowers

Proximity-combining flowers into one designRepetition-repeating similar elements such as colorTransition-providing a gradual change from one part of a design to another

HarmonyCompatibility; a pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts. All parts should go together or harmonize with each other.

Lack a sense of harmony

Harmony by added accessories which support football or homecoming theme

All component parts of a floral composition should harmonize with one another. It is vital that the flowers in a design are compatible with one another in order to support an overall design style.

Terra-cotta post and blush tones flowers create a casual garden ambiance for this celebration setting. Harmony of the parts displays unity in design

Unity--the state of being one, united, or complete in itself. The arrangement is seen as a whole piece instead of only individual parts.Oneness of purpose, thought, style, and spirit.

Accessories Candles Plums, kiwi enhance an overall harmonious theme

Examples of Line and Sticks Design Assignment

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

**The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Paradiseflowers.com*Paradiseflowers.com*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*All five sensesHunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*FTD*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

FTDBarnes & Noble Books. The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approach to Floral Design. Anness Publishing Limited 1995.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Barnes & Noble Books. The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approach to Floral Design. Anness Publishing Limited 1995.

*Barnes & Noble Books. The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approach to Floral Design. Anness Publishing Limited 1995.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Crescentcityflowershop.com*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

**The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Barnes & Noble Books. The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approach to Floral Design. Anness Publishing Limited 1995.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Chicagotribune.com*Barnes & Noble Books. The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approach to Floral Design. Anness Publishing Limited 1995.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

**Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.

*The American Institute of Floral Designers. The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. Terms, Techniques, and Traditions. The Intelvid Group 2005.

*Hunter, Norah T., The Art of Floral Design Second Edition Delmar 2000.