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