Principles of Floral Design Topic #2111

Five Principles of Design Balance Harmony (unity) Scale (proportion) Focal area/ focal point/ focus/ emphasis Rhythm

Balance The actual weight or feeling of weight in a design. Sense of stability and security Achieved mechanically and visually

Aspects of Balance Mechanical –distributing the mass of the design –top to bottom –side to side –follows central axis –void of flowers or a “leaning arrangement” will be unbalanced. Visual –the way a person perceives mass or weight –becomes more visually balanced when the design is “heavier” near the base

Types of Symmetry Symmetrical Balance –central axis is in the center of the container –radial symmetry –bilateral symmetry –biradial symmetry –spiral symmetry Asymmetrical Balance –central axis to the side of center when viewed from front –one side of axis has more mass than the other –off-center placement of axis balances the unequal mass

Factors Which Influence Mass Color –dark colors have more mass than light colors –General ratio guide- 3white: 2 medium: 1 dark is balanced Texture –bold items are heavier than feathery-textured items Shape and Size –larger and taller flowers weigh more than smaller flowers Lighting –affects color intensity

Harmony (Unity) A blending together of design components (plant material, container, accessories, base, & background) Very abstract Depends on personnel preference

Scale (Proportion) Size and shape relationships between: –the flowers and the other design components. –the container and the other design components. –the design itself and the space to be filled. Rule of Thumb –design should be 1.5 times the height/width of container

Rule of Thumb Exceptions When the container is not a visible part of the design. When using colors that appear to be more massive, they appear to be shorter.

Focal Area/ Focal Point Mechanical –generally located at the base of the central axis –stems are directed toward the focal point –allows stems to appear as if they are growing naturally from a single source. Visual –usually near the mechanical focal point –naturally draws the eye to the “heaviest” area of the design –strong visual focal point enhances the design

Rhythm Intentional placement of materials to create a pleasing pattern Four methods of creating rhythm –Repetition –Transition –Facing –Depth

Repetition Repeating color, shape, lines, or size of components Most commonly used method of achieving rhythm Work with at least 2 stems of any particular flower variety

Transition Gradual change in the placement or spacing of color, form, line, and scale within a design More subtle way to create patterns Gradually space flowers closer together as the eye travels down into the design

Facing Facing of flower heads or other components Best used in contemporary designs where stems are not all placed toward one mechanical focal point

Depth The “in” and “out” eye movement created by placement of selected materials further into the design May be of a particular color, shape, texture, or scale