There’s something deeply grounding about weaving simple rituals into the rhythm of your week. For me, one of those rituals is a quiet wander through the local Sunday market, coffee in hand, as I select a bundle of fresh, locally grown flowers to bring home. It’s a small act of care that breathes life, colour, and beauty into my space. Each week, it’s a new creative invitation.
Whether you’re a seasoned flower lover or just beginning to experiment with blooms, creating a floral arrangement at home is a joyful and sensory experience. Here are my favourite tips to help you craft something truly beautiful and uniquely yours:
1. Find the Perfect Vessel
Your vase sets the tone. A clear glass cylinder gives a minimal, clean feel. A chunky ceramic jug, Earthy and rustic. Think of it as the outfit your flowers are wearing.
Personally, I love hunting through op shops and vintage markets for vases with a bit of character. Curvy silhouettes, unusual textures, or colours that feel a little unexpected. These one-of-a-kind vessels often become the starting point for the arrangement itself.
My favourite place to shop for vases are the fortnightly Webbs estate sale online, Junk and Disorderly or the bi-weekly Central Flea.
2. Play with Colour
A good floral arrangement is a lesson in colour theory. You can go tonal, soft whites and creams, or pinks in varying shades for a romantic vibe.
Or you can go bold: think contrasting colours like orange and purple, or bright yellow with red or blue.
I often choose flowers based on what mood I want to set at home that week. Do I want something soft and calm, or vibrant and energising? Let your personal style guide you.
3. Consider Form and Scale
Not all flowers are created equal in size, shape, or drama.
A sculptural branch or tall stem like gladiolus or dahlia can create stunning height and volume, while something like sweet peas or cosmos or daisies can dance gently around the edges.
When arranging, start by considering the proportions of your vase. For a balanced look, the height of your tallest stem should be roughly one and a half times the height of your vessel. Use your tallest stems to create a structure first, then work your way down.
4. Balance Is Everything
A good arrangement feels harmonious but not too “perfect.” Aim for asymmetry rather than rigid symmetry. You want the eye to move around, not land in one static place.
Distribute colour evenly throughout the arrangement, but let some areas feel lighter and others more full. Trust your instincts. If it looks off, it probably is. Adjust as you go.
5. Use Feature and Filler Flowers Wisely
Not every flower needs to be a showstopper. Choose one – three “hero” blooms that draw the eye. A garden rose, protea or sunflower — let them shine.
Around them, add filler flowers or greenery to soften and support the stars.
Filler flowers create texture and volume without overwhelming the arrangement. The magic is in the layering.
Creating a floral arrangement at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Foraged branches of ginko, olive, mānuka or tea tree can look amazing in a vase and create support for your feature flowers. Even weeds—my elderly neighbour cuts her grass infrequently, and in summer her lawn is full of buttercups, clover, and grass that’s gone to seed. Even these simple, often overlooked flowers can create a romantic display in your home.
It’s about celebrating beauty in everyday moments, getting your hands a little dirty, and tuning in to what feels right.
The next time you’re at a market or out for a walk, grab a few stems that speak to you and just start experimenting. There are no rules, only rhythm and play. Try starting your own Sunday flower ritual. There’s something quite special about welcoming each week with fresh blooms and a moment of intentional creativity.
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