Floral Design Elements

Objectives Identify the primary and secondary principles

of floral design Distinguish a floral design’s primary and

secondary principles Compose a candy bouquet using primary and

secondary design principles

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Quick Questions Why would you need to know how to identify

floral design principles? Why do different floral arrangements appeal to

different people? Why would different design principles be

needed for different tasks? What are the principles of floral design? What types of floral arrangements are there? What is harmony?

Primary Principles Composition Harmony Unity Proportion Balance Rhythm Contrast

Composition The organization or grouping of a variety materials

to achieve a unified whole Selection of floral materials, accessories, and

placement

Harmony The aesthetic quality created through the pleasing

interaction of materials used in a design. Expressed when focusing on the overall

relationship between all of the components. Mood/theme of composition

Unity The relationship of the pieces should produce a single general

effect Expressed when focusing on the relationship of individual

components Can be reached through

Proximity • Close

Repetition Transition

• Gradual Unity with variety Repeat colors, tones, and tints Repeat shapes Focal point No geometric stiffness

Proportion Compares relationship of components to each

other Size Quantity Emphasis

Design and container

Balance• The placement of components creating a feeling of

physical and visual stability

Balance: Mechanical• Structural balance through placement

Balance: Visual• Created by selection of textures, colors, and sizes

Balance: Asymmetrical

Using different materials on each side of design

Equal visual weight, balance Informal, natural,

movement, attracts and holds attention

Balance: Symmetrical

Using identical materials and placement on each side of design

Restful, peaceful, formal, strength, stability, stiff, contrived

Rhythm Related orderly movement implying unity A feeling of motion, not confusion Eye follows from focal point outward and back

Repetition Transition

Contrast The difference between objects when they are

placed next to each other Gives excitement to the design Design styles

Dramatic• Strong contrast

Quiet• Soft contrast

Secondary Principles

Scale Focal Point Accent Emphasis Depth Repetition

Scale Ratio of the size of a composition to its

surroundings In scale with container and accessories

Focal Point Where the eye naturally focuses

Greatest visual weight Center of interest

Location Above rim of container Extend out to create depth Strong color Full blossom Asymmetrical – placed on high side

Accent Addition to design to

increase interest and emphasize other elements

Usually focal point or theme

Emphasis• A location of the design that is given an accent or more

attention to make it stand out

Depth Placement of materials at different levels inside

and around the design Can be given by:

Placing stems as they grow in nature Light and shadows Sticking out of design

Repetition Placement of materials at different levels inside

and around the design Can be given by:

Placing stems as they grow in nature Light and shadows Sticking out of design

Designs Can reach desired shape by

Scaling flowers toward focal point Placing larger flowers toward focal point Placing smaller flowers along edges Unequal amounts of material

Horizontal Plant material 1 ½ times width of container

Tall Plant material 1 ½ times height of container