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 Element Visually Lighter Visually HeavierSize Small Large

Color: Hue Cool Warm

Value Light Dark

Intensity Dull, grayed Bright

Shape Linear Round

Space

Single flower description Airy and open petals Dense and full petals

Flower placements Spacious Clustered

Pattern Fine Bold (in size and color)

Texture

Surface quality Rough or hairy Shiny

Visual quality Fine Bold 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:Centering Counterbalancing 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