Adding Florals to the Mix

Adding Florals to the Mix

BY JORY GATTIS DICKINSON, IBB DESIGNER jory@ibbdesign.com @jorya.gattis on Instagram

Photography By Dan Piassick

Growing up, my grandmother was one of the florists in my small west Texas town, and I loved nothing more than spending time with her in the flower shop. I could watch her work for hours, and she granted me my first exposure to the world of design. I learned a lot about balance, scale, color combinations, and style in general.

Needless to say, floral design and botanicals in general are a big passion of mine and something I try to incorporate in every design. I always reference juxtapositions in my projects. As much as I love structure and truly embrace the beauty in having symmetry, it can make a space feel too boring and contrived. Something as simple as the natural asymmetry of a single orchid can shake that up and make the space feel entirely more interesting.

No matter how contemporary or traditional a space is, incorporating organic elements will bring a space to life. Specifically non-primary spaces like guest rooms, studies, and powder baths can feel much more special with these additions. Everything from a classic nosegay on a nightstand or a dramatic wall installation in a powder bath can create an unexpected and dramatic moment.

While I’m a huge fan of fresh florals and live botanicals, they are difficult to maintain and can be quite pricey. However, permanent botanicals (or faux florals as we used to call them) have come leaps and bounds over the last few years and can look and feel life-like! Even as big of a floral snob as I can be, I still have to touch some of the newer pieces I’m seeing because they are so mind-blowingly realistic! While they can be a bit of an investment initially, they’re something you’ll enjoy for a long time to come and even the brownest of thumbs can’t kill. Just make sure your house keeper knows not to water them!