I am often asked how to make flowers look beautiful in the home. I work on a lot of events and parties that require dramatic statement pieces and floral designs on a large scale but it is surprisingly simple to create something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, in your home to enhance rooms, areas and moods.

Use what you have

When considering floral arrangements or design in a particular room, think about the focal points that already exist.

It is really important to co-ordinate colours in a room by picking out a pattern in wallpaper or a colour in a soft furnishing that flowers or foliage would complement.

Also consider what can be embellished. Think of items of furniture such as wall hangings, mantelpieces and lampshades. One of the things I love to do is to simply fill an empty frame with beautiful flowers. I use oasis (floral foam – this can be purchased from all good florists), cut it to the size of the frame and then fill it with flowers. It’s amazing how easy this is and it can look fantastic. Often it’s the simple things that bring out the best in a room, whether it’s for everyday use or a special occasion.

Centrepieces

When entertaining in the home, there are many ways you can make your interior decor more interesting.

I find that one of the easiest ways to get inspiration for an event, be it a dinner party or large wedding, is usually based around one dramatic statement. This can easily be recreated on a smaller scale in the home.

An example of this is to make a tall centrepiece that has flowers at the base as well as all the way up the container, leading the eye to a very large floral arrangement. One way to do this is to buy blooming branches instead of flowers; even just one large vase of these on your dinner table will be dramatic.

Be sure to buy your branches a couple of days before your event to make sure they are in full bloom. Cherry blossoms are my favourite but there are many varieties of flowers that could be used in this way, including catkins and pussy willow.

Vases

Many people think that the most exciting way to display flowers is simply by placing them in the vase. But there are other options available – for example, try embellishing the vase you’re working with. Using oasis, cut out a design to go around the vase, then attach your flowers. You can co-ordinate colours from the vase with similar colours in your room, picking up on details such as wallpaper, table napkins or a large painting to tie it all together.

Design decade: 1980s

The 1980s not only changed the direction of design, it changed the way designers themselves were perceived

Bringing the outside in

Another design element that is often overlooked is the benefit of bringing the outside into your home. Flowers bought from florists can often look “manufactured” and a great way to get a more natural, organic look in your home is to use the grasses and foliage available in your garden.

You can create a unique and organic table runner by stringing together leaves with raffia or natural cord. If you're planning a dinner party, think about using leaves as table mats and crushed leaves of different colours in the bottom of vases. Floating bowls of fresh, hand-picked flowers can make a really special feature.

Preston Bailey is among the world’s leading floral designers. His clients include comedian Joan Rivers, business tycoon Donald Trump and film actress Uma Thurman.

He designed the two 25ft-high peacocks, made entirely from living plants and flowers, that feature in the Spring Renaissance events taking place in London’s Covent Garden until May 18.

www.springrenaissance.com
www.prestonbailey.com

Chelsea Flower show preview

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All the elements

It is important to remember a few basics when planning your floral design:

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with flowers, plants and foliage you haven’t heard of before.

Buy flowers that are still in bud. It’s a simple thing but it is so beautiful to watch something flower over time.

Consider scent. Smell can be the most powerful of senses and a beautiful partner to an amazing visual.

Think beyond flowers. Consider using leaves, branches, twigs and interestingly-shaped foliage.

Remember colour. When introducing floral design, pick out colours in furniture, paintings, wall hangings and other elements that can be highlighted.

Don’t be afraid to clash colours. Sometimes this can look amazing.

Think about lighting. If you have a beautiful floor lamp or table lamp shade that could set off your design, think about placing them together. Finally, never underestimate the appeal of the simple tea light.