Advanced Floriculture Elements of Design

What are the principles of design? Composition Harmony Texture Scale (Proportion) Form (Line and Shape) Focal Point Rhythm

Composition What is it? The overall design when completed The grouping of different components which makes a pattern that the eye sees as a whole

Harmony The blending together of different components –plant material –container –accessories –base –background so that each component looks as though it belongs with the others

Texture The physical surface properties Relates to components, not design Creates interest –important in monochromatic designs Examples of textures: –silk (smooth) –moss (rough)

Proportion (scale) Size and shape relationship of design components Rule of thumb: tallest piece should be 1 1/2 times as tall or wide as the container –actual range: 1 to 5 times height Exception: when the container isn’t a visible part of the design

Form (Line and Shape) Silhouette of the design Used to create certain feelings –Straight lines: strength and dominance –Curved lines: grace and relaxation A variety of forms (components) adds interest to the design

Form of Design Most designs fall in these categories: –Vertical (bud vase) –Horizontal (table centerpiece) –Symmetrical triangle –Asymmetrical triangle –Round, oval and circular –Fan and Radiating –Curved, crescent and hogarth –Parallel and new convention

Focal Point Visual center of gravity in a design Mechanical focal area: located near the base of the design Visual focal area: usually same as the mechanical area –the “heaviest” area of the design –naturally draws the eye

Rhythm Achieved in four ways: Repetition of color, form, scale Transition: –a gradual change in placement or grouping of color, form or scale Facing: where you direct eye movement Balance

Feeling of weight, stability & security in a design Achieved in the following ways: –Mechanical (actual weight distribution) –Visual (the way we perceive weight) –Formal (symmetrical) –Informal (asymmetrical)