April Showers Bring May Flowers
“Flower Power”, Created by author using Midjourney
Rain, rain, go away, and seriously, don’t be a stage-five clinger…
April has decided to throw Pittsburgh a wet and wild party, setting rainfall records and turning downtown into an impromptu water park, minus the fun slides and overpriced snacks. As per the whimsical weather menu of NW PA Spring, we've been treated to a delightful mix of sunshine, snow, hail, and rain—all in the span of 24 hours. It's like Mother Nature can't decide on her outfit and is trying on everything in her closet.
Lately, I've spotted green buds braving the outdoors, eager to show off at the first whisper of warm days.
Only one small problem… they’re all concussed after yesterday’s hail storm.
Photo by Kelsey Cunningham Photography
Let’s talk about all things FLOWERS (and design).
I’m no horticulturist, but I do self diagnose as an anthophile.
Anthophile [noun] : A person who loves flowers.
Who can relate?
For my 27th birthday I hosted a floral workshop at my home. I wanted to create a beautiful experience for everyone who attended. Katelyn from Field and Hand made my floral workshop dreams come true!
Every top designer includes floral arrangements on their high-end photoshoots. So let’s dive into the importance of flowers during a shoot, and also what you can do from home to boost your mood and elevate your room.
Photoshoots
“Interior Designer”, Created by the author using Midjourney
When you’re flipping through any magazine or scrolling on social media, you’ll notice floral arrangements in each well-designed high-end space.
Why?
Not only are flowers a great textural addition, but they often add color and height to a room.
Here are a few examples!
This project by Palmer Weiss in Petaluma, California showcases a dramatic centerpiece that pulls the viewer into the room, transporting oneself into this dreamy wonderland.
This piece adds to the drama of the shot, drawing attention to the teal accents and vaulted ceilings. It becomes just as much about the room as it is about the stunning backdrop.
A floral centerpiece doesn’t need to be brightly colored to steal the show.
A perfect pairing if you ask me.
This South Hampton beach house bathroom, designed by Kelly Behun Studio, is what stone dreams are made of.
The thistles create a juxtaposition between the organic movement of the stone and their spikes. Adding a splash of blue to an otherwise neutral space, the thistles are meant to make a spiky statement.
While the space is minimal to showcase the natural materials, this arrangement and specifically the bulbous gold vase rise to the occasion.
Designed by Michelle Gage Interior Design, this bedroom has the perfect balance of sophistication and whimsy.
This bedding, with its playful array of colors, gains a sophisticated elegance when combined with the rich, two-toned navy blue fabric of the headboard.
The wispy red ranunculus on the bedside pop against the dark navy blue wallpaper and take on a life of their own. Not too tall, too short, too wide, too tight - the perfect bedside arrangement.
Stop and Smell the Roses
“Admiration”, Created by the author using Midjourney
If you’re a busy person, slow down and admire nature for just a moment. Well, ideally 30 minutes for proven studies, but do what you can.
A study on Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose found that “people who made long visits to green spaces had lower rates of depression and high blood pressure, and those who visited more frequently had greater social cohesion. Higher levels of physical activity were linked to both duration and frequency of green space visits. A dose-response analysis for depression and high blood pressure suggest that visits to outdoor green spaces of 30 minutes or more during the course of a week could reduce the population prevalence of these illnesses by up to 7% and 9% respectively.”
Take a deep breath. Hold for 5 seconds, and then release.
You might need to do this a few times, but imagine the benefits to your mood day to day if you can simply bring nature indoors.
How to Breathe New Life Into Any Room
Designer: Phillip Thomas Inc, Photographer: Michael Mundy, handpainted wallpaper is Gated Garden from Gracie 💚
You guessed it… it’s flowers! Really any form of greenery, whether its a fresh cut bouquet or a house plant will help your space.
Here are 8 Benefits to Having Flowers in Your Home:
Flowers cultivate certain moods: Adjust the color scheme of your flower arrangements to match the ambiance of the room - opt for gentle, subdued hues to create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom, or incorporate vivid, bold colors in the dining area to stimulate engaging discussions. 🌷
“When I see a bouquet with a softer palette, I feel calm and serene, so I find it lowers my stress level. I also enjoy white flowers that have a sense of calm and provide a tranquil environment. Bright colors are exciting and can really boost your energy and make you feel very exhilarated and happy.”
2. Flowers are natural conversation starters: Selecting flower arrangements that reflect your individual style not only distinguishes your space but also serves as an organic icebreaker when hosting. 💐
3. Flowers add a sense of intentionality to your space: A bouquet of fresh flowers adds the finishing touch to any room and makes the space feel layered and welcoming. 🌸
4. Flowers make you feel more in touch with nature: Consider bringing large potted plants into your living room. You’ll benefit from the fresh, filtered air they produce as well as from the mental health benefits associated with being in nature. 🌿
5. Flowers elevate your mood: It’s hard to have a bad day when you’re surrounded by beauty. Research shows that flowers improve our mental health by triggering happy emotions and even positive social behaviors.
For example, one Harvard study found that decorating with a fresh bouquet for even one week led participants to feel more compassion for others, experience less worry and anxiety, and develop fewer feelings of depression.
Wow! That’s powerful. 🌼
6. Flowers positively influence your sense of smell: The world of scents is a billion-dollar industry. Who doesn’t love to light a candle? But if you want to enjoy fresh floral scents in their purest form, there’s nothing that compares to flower bouquets in your home. 🌺
Just please remember to swap out the water and cut the stems down…. we’ve all smelled an old bouquet and there’s nothing pleasurable about that experience…
7. Plants give you the satisfaction of caretaking: When your world shrinks down to the size of your home, there’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from caring for plants within it. Pruning, watering, and fertilizing potted plants gives you something external to focus on each day.
You may not have a green thumb, and that’s okay. Call a floral subscription and get a bouquet delivered to your door! 🪻
8. Flowers add a pop of color: For those who get bored with the same styling for too long, flowers offer a quick way to switch things up. A bold-hued bouquet can add a pop of color to neutral spaces like bathrooms, and you can change up the color scheme every week. 🌻
Read the full article at 8 Benefits to Having Flowers in Your Home.
Get Flowering, Friends!
Look up some local floral shops near you! Support local and sign up for a CSA. There are many ways to brighten up your space and support your local growers.
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