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Having a variety of florals/stems in your space is one of my 5 Tips for Better Decorating. Plants provide something for a space that no other piece of decor does.

It is commonly known in decorating and design that plants add an organic quality to a space, bringing life and movement. Florals/stems also provide balance in a space and can enhance the look of a space overall.

Let’s start with balance.

Take a look around your space, and notice all the lines, corners, angles, and edges of the decorative objects; consider the volume and space that each object takes up.

Decorative objects bring weight to a space - and don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing. However, filling a space with just these objects alone can leave it feeling harsh and even cold.

Adding florals/stems softens the look and feel of a space, providing balance overall.

Now, let’s consider how florals/stems can enhance a space.

I emphasize can because all florals/stems are not the same and they do not all bring the same quality to a space in my opinion. For example, we’ve probably all seen those florals that are just a little too fake looking. Maybe they are a little too full, or the branches are a little too straight. Consider for example, those popular single-unit artificial plants where the florals are attached to the vase.

You can find florals/stems and plants at a variety of price points and styles. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the right look. However, as with anything in design, I believe that the best decorated spaces are done so with intentionality at the forefront.

My goal when I am sourcing florals/stems is to find the most realistic-looking options to add intentionality and an elevated aesthetic to a space. So if that’s your goal too, keep reading!

While the single-unit artificial plant may seem like an easy and cost-effective alternative to adding some florals to your space (I had these too at one time my friends), the reality is that most of these pieces just tend to look fake, and they don’t communicate an elevated look overall. Instead, try pairing a larger, more realistic looking stem with a vase or vessel you love - see the difference?

Beautiful and more natural looking florals/stems can take an ordinary space to new heights. Consider for a moment how many times you’ve noticed fresh flowers or forged branches in a home that has been professionally staged for photographs.

Personally, I prefer the convenience of faux florals/stems in our home, with the occasional real tree or potted plant depending on the season. However, I’m simply not willing to sacrifice style and quality when it comes to faux florals/stems, and as a result, I spend a lot of time sourcing these pieces.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips that help me shop with intentionality and narrow down what I believe to be the most natural looking pieces for my home. Here are my personal tips:

1. Color: This tip is two-fold. First, consider the color of the flowers/leaves. I typically keep the following questions in mind with regard to color:

   • Does the color of the flowers/leaves align with what I would see in nature?

   • Does the color of the flowers/leaves align with what I want for my space? For example, when I am sourcing holiday florals/stems, I may consider a deep burgundy or dark green colored floral/stem, but probably not a vibrant red or super bright green, since my style leans more towards warm neutral tones overall. If I’m sourcing for spring, I like warm neutrals, as opposed to super bright colored florals.

   • Finally, is there enough variation in the flowers/leaves to make the piece look natural?

   Secondly, I like to consider the color of the actual stem or branch of the piece. I think about things like whether the branch itself will show in the vase/vessel and if so, does it look realistic?

2. Weight: The next tip to consider is the fullness or sparseness that the floral/stem would naturally have. Don’t be afraid to trim the stems/branches as needed. In fact, this will often help the piece look more realistic since rarely do all the branches and stems of a plant grow to the same length/fullness.

Additionally, I like to consider how full or sparse I want the piece to look in my home or space. Even if the piece is realistic looking as is, I may desire something more sparse in my space. For example, I have some vases that have only a single stem in them, and others that are overflowing with lush foliage.

Remember that a little variety in the size of your florals/stems will add interest and intentionality to your space.

3. Shape/Flexibility: The final tip when selecting your florals/stems is to consider the shape and flexibility of the piece. Consider how the piece would naturally lay in nature. For example, would the leaves droop on the branch/stem due to the weight, or stand straight up? When sourcing florals/stems, always consider the degree to which you can move the piece to make it appear more realistic and lay the way you want.

This tip is probably the most important for me, which is why as my style has evolved, I have moved away from the single-unit artificial plants mentioned above. Generally, the stems on these pieces tend to stick straight up, with little option for movement.

Keep these simple tips in mind the next time you are sourcing florals/stems to help you shop with intentionality and carefully select the most realistic and natural looking pieces to fit your needs.

Florals/stems can add so much to your space. I love having a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles to add as softeners throughout my home. Florals/stems are also some of my favorite pieces to change up each season. Browse some of my favorites below:

Shop my favorite winter stems:

Shop my favorite spring stems:

Browse our collection of vintage vases + vessels in the online shop for the perfect piece to complement your florals/stems:

Are you looking for a truly one-of-a-kind piece with a handcrafted touch? Our new Artisan Collection offers found objects that have been artistically enhanced by us, including original oil paintings and hand painted vessels.

Do you have a vessel that you want to give new life to? Learn how to DIY your own aged pottery vessel on the blog:

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