Old, new trends

Creative people have an internal driving force moving them to continuously create something new.

We are constantly searching for sources of inspiration and coming up with ideas that are sources of inspiration for others. Finding inspiration to continue to innovate, reinvent and recreate in a world where it feels like everyone has seen this and done that, can be a challenge. Especially at weddings when couples say they want the latest in design trends and are searching for something fresh and unique, but at the same time they are still longing for a celebration rich in tradition. Tradition serves as a source of hope and comfort, and is a connection with the people we share our lives with. I have always been inspired by tradition even though I consider myself a thoroughly contemporary floral designer. Not just traditions and traditional techniques, but also the tried and trusted traditional design elements.

The eight elements of design are the ingredients used to describe and judge a design. Line, pattern, form, space, texture, colour, size, and fragrance of a design can stretch the boundaries of creative work and open the ultimate source of inspiration, allowing you to explore new ways to interpret tradition.

Let’s look at each of the elements and how we can add a touch of something new to our floral designs:

Form: Form is the shape of a design or the design elements used in an arrangement. In my birdcage design I used the traditional form of round wreaths to give the cage structure. It also leads your eyes into the cage to notice the rings. You can create something unusual by reversing the expected shapes used in your design. Add a few flowers to the cage for a hint of luxury.

Space: Respect the area in, around and between the design elements. Creative use of space can enhance or obscure forms. Look at the vase or interior of the room you are decorating, and incorporate space. Space is always a luxury, avoid overcrowding the design. I used the space between the cage panels to hint at “connection,” by twirling some twigs and vines around the design.

Size: The physical dimensions of line, form or space. A tabletop crystal tree for an entrance hall or a tiny twig corsage. Again, be inspired with tradition and super-impose a design element and shrink another. Design an enormous version of your father’s corsage for the church door or place tiny versions of your mother-in-law’s bouquet on your cake. With puffy sleeves making a comeback on wedding dresses, size is going to play a big role in design decisions.

Fragrance: Pleasant or nostalgic aroma perceived by the sense of smell. Floral fragrances have always been popular for weddings. Few things are as powerful as the sense of smell. Add the fragrance of a family tradition to your wedding. You can add it in the form of flowers or elements, or even make up tiny fragranced sachets or envelopes, to give away as favours.

When you explore those family wedding traditions in photos, carefully look at the flowers, plant material and accessories you are considering designing with. Try to see them in terms of their nostalgic value and as elements of design. Follow the curve of a stem, the star shape of a blossom, the colour of the ribbon, and the texture of twigs. Now see how you can enhance those elements with other design elements to take the concept even further.