I took a floral arrangement class at Pottery Barn where they the taught the art of creating beautiful displays in your home using florals and other natural elements. Here are a few tips on how to spice up a console table, countertop or mantel in your home.
1. Start with your staple pieces like a large vase that can used all year round. You can easily change the look of the vase each season by adding various decorative elements such as sand and candles during the summer months, flowers during the spring, or Christmas bulbs during the holiday season.
Tip 2. Do mix a variety of elements together surrounding the floral vase to create balance, texture, color and depth. Photographs are a great way to personalize your vignette. Also, it’s okay to use an even number of flowers in a vase. When using artificial flowers be sure to blend the branches to add character and adjust the height.
Tip 3: If you don’t use flowers then play around with different textures. Instead of using botanicals use objects to decorate the space.
Tip 4: Do use vases with different heights.
Tip 5: Change your look throughout the year. Find your core pieces that can be used throughout the year and change your accessories up each season. Take a glass vase and personalize it with your favorite items such as sea shells, grass, sand, matches, fruits, etc. The key is to add texture and a pop of color.
Tip 6: Add frames and photographs to personalize the space
Tip 7: Know your space. If you have cathedral ceilings then buy tall flowers to draw the eye up towards the ceiling.
Tip 8: Lanterns can be used all year round. And they can be used inside or outside the house.
Tip 9: If you don’t have a green thumb artificial flowers are a great alternative.
A Design State of Mind 