March 2025
03/20/25 08:28 AM
Fresh or Faux
Should you use fresh or artificial florals in your home? In my opinion the answer is… YES. There is a time and place for both in your home.
Choosing between artificial and live florals go back to my thoughts about design in general. Function
The personal choice depends on "your" priorities and lifestyle.
Live flowers bring a touch of freshness that is difficult and in some case impossible to replicate. They can brighten a space and even boost your mood. In fact there are studies that indicated live plants and flowers can actually reduce stress and even improve air quality. But the down side is they require care and maintenance: watering, trimming, feeding. Fresh cut florals will eventually wilt and need replacing weekly, potted plants if well cared for can last indefinitely in some cases.
Permanent arrangements on the other hand, are low maintenance and cost effective over time. Modern ones can look incredibly realistic, and you don't need to worry about allergies, wilting, or seasonal availability. They are ideal if you are busy and want to keep a consistent aesthetic without the upkeep. The downside? They lack the organic charm and scent you can only get from live flowers and cheap versions can look tacky.
Interior Design and Florals
Are you aware designers will many times select permanent arrangements as concepts or key elements when designing a space? Regardless if you select the real thing or an imitation, don't consider a floral arrangement to be the final design element to add to a room. Artificial florals have become so high quality that at times it is difficult to tell the difference between the real deal and a permanent floral or greenery. Florals used to be the last thing that were added to enhance an interior design space but because of the quality of permanent florals, designers can and do base entire designs using floral arrangement for inspiration.
Inspiration
What inspires you? Everyone has the ability to draw inspiration from the world around them. What matters is what "you" see that makes your choice personal. Have you ever shopped with a friend and realized how they notice an object that you passed by or overlooked. They were drawn to that object and inspired by it. It was unique to them.
Where do you draw inspiration? For some, inspiration can come from nature or for others it can come from something a simple as a beautiful quality ribbon. As an interior designer I would often draw inspiration from the design textiles available to me. As a designer of wreaths and arrangements, I am often drawing inspiration from a stunning designer ribbon that determines my entire design piece. Most of us have another handy tool today… your phone. I take lots of pictures with my phone to help me keep track of things that draw my attention at a moment. I am able to look back a picture I took several months ago which can offer inspiration when I have time to contemplate and consider complimentary elements for a design. The direction of my inspiration can also change due to the current state of mind I am in for example an image can inspire a blue theme one day and on a different day it may inspire a yellow theme.
We all have the gift of inspiration. We have to listen to what calls our attention and take the time to ponder on it.
This image is a wonderful example of an arrangement that I would use as a concept element to design a space. It is organic but artificial in reality. The beautiful colors drawn from natural browns and greens would inspire the color scheme and the various textures inspire wood tones and textiles. What do you see?
Does it bring you joy?
I have learned over the years if you buy things you are naturally drawn to your home will naturally evolve and reflect you personally. Avoid going out and buying a table just because you need a table. When creating or restyling a room being with an element from a concept. For example a great room could start with a stunning lamp or a fabulous textile for pillows or drapery. You will find it is far easier to work with items that genuinely bring you joy than design pieces that do not connect with you personally.
Summary
If practicality or longevity matter more, artificial is the way to go, perhaps you are a busy person and have little or no time to deal with wilting florals, choose a lovely permanent arrangement that is perfect for your unique self. If you love nature and have the time to tend to them go for the live arrangement as we know there is nothing that can compare to the fragrance from live roses or lilies.
Whether you select a voluptuous arrangement of faux hydrangeas, a single live yellow rose or artificial festive wreaths - fill your home with what brings you joy.