Decorating Guides
Spring Style: Fresh-Cut Flowers for Every Room
Graceful, lively or dramatic, fresh flowers make rooms of every shape, size and style that much lovelier
The weather may be fickle, but we can certainly cheer up our homes with a bit of sunshine in the form of fresh-cut flowers. Let's celebrate the arrival of spring with these inspiring ideas for displaying flowers in every room of the house.
These days, many flowers are available year-round, but because out-of-season flowers must be grown in a hothouse or shipped from afar, the price can be quite steep. For the freshest blooms on a budget, try these spring picks:
These days, many flowers are available year-round, but because out-of-season flowers must be grown in a hothouse or shipped from afar, the price can be quite steep. For the freshest blooms on a budget, try these spring picks:
- Daffodil
- Crocus
- Tulip
- Hyacinth
- Lilac
- Freesia
- Iris
- Allium
- Peony
- Rose
A big bucket of red and pink tulips plunked onto the dining table is gorgeous and couldn't be easier. Casual, yet exudes abundance and cheer.
A small posy on the breakfast table is all you need for every day. Short on vases? Try a cream pitcher, a sugar bowl or a mason jar. Pick up the color of accents in the room with cut flowers and they become another element of the décor.
To create a tablescape that feels fresh and interesting, try placing a pitcher of flowers alongside fruit and greenery. You can't go wrong with white flowers, green apples, white enamelware and galvanized metal.
Even a few blooms can steal the show when surrounded by a supporting cast of glassware and linens in the same colorway. Try lilacs with vintage bottles in shades of pale amethyst, plus natural linen and pale pink runners.
Alliums are a decorator favorite because of their dramatic height and giant puffballlike purple blooms. Try them on the kitchen counter or dining table in a glass cylinder for a modern look.
Liven up a shelf display with the unexpected addition of fresh flowers. Try this on open shelving in the kitchen or tucked among the stacks on bookshelves in the den.
Bring a bit of cheer to your morning routine with a small vase of spring branches. They can be quite expensive at the florist, but you may be able to find a flowering tree around your own house — or from a neighbor who doesn't mind sharing.
See more ways with branches
See more ways with branches
Next time you come home from the market, take a peek inside that produce bag before stowing it all in the fridge. Some fruits and vegetables are strikingly beautiful on display alongside cut flowers. Just be sure to choose hardy fruits and veggies, and plan to eat them within a week.
The bathroom is the perfect place to display a small posy, and if you don't typically bring flowers into the bathroom you will be amazed at the difference it makes. Try tucking a bud vase onto the windowsill or sink and you will be cheered up each time you see it.
Can't find a bud vase? Get creative and use a perfume bottle, an egg cup, a water glass or even an old tin can with a decorative label. If you enjoy fragrant blooms, try hyacinth, lilac, or lily of the valley; all have delicious fragrances that will enhance a relaxing bath.
In the living room, match the style of flower arrangement to the mood you are trying to create. Flowers and foliage snipped from your own garden look casual and slightly wild, especially when dropped into a simple white pitcher.
If I were going to put fresh flowers in only one room, it would be the bedroom, hands down. No, most of your guests won't see it, but it will make you feel special each time you climb into bed. Next time you pick up a bouquet at the market, snag a few stems to make an arrangement for your bedroom.
While you're at it, why not pretty up your dressing area with a bouquet? Place a small vase of roses on a decorative tray for an old-Hollywood-film-star vibe.
Think outside the walls of your home and position blooming plants where you can appreciate them daily. Try a combination of hanging pots and planters set on tables and on the ground to make the most of the space. No porch? Install a window box and you will be able to enjoy the view of flowers from indoors as well.
More:
Ingredients of a Beautifully Wild Bouquet
Tables Set for Entertaining
It's Cold. We're Cranky. Buy Some Flowers!
More:
Ingredients of a Beautifully Wild Bouquet
Tables Set for Entertaining
It's Cold. We're Cranky. Buy Some Flowers!