Modern Florals

TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER MORGAN CREATIVE + SIERRA DANIELS-BAKER

Fresh flowers are more than just lovely. They bring life, energy, and joy into a room. The sweet aroma, the gentle arch of a stem, the delicate movement of a petal, or the sway of greenery each echo the beauty of nature. Beyond the flora chosen, the arrangement of the flowers is indeed an art form in and of itself.

To learn more about how we can tap into the therapeutic benefits that come from having fresh flowers in your home, and the joy of arranging them yourself, we visited Dr. Breigh Jones-Coplin, a professor of clinical psychology and owner of Black+Blossomed, a floral boutique with an Instagram presence known for the bold, modern, and often asymmetrical arrangements that they create.

“Any room can be enhanced by flowers, and the very style of the room can be heightened by a floral arrangement that echoes the sensibilities of the space,” shares Dr. Breigh. Picture a modern room with a single orchid planted in a mosscovered vessel—versus an opulent avantgarde arrangement, dripping in Spanish moss and dusty purple Victorian roses in a transitional space. The varietal chosen and how it is arranged can completely change the vibe.

Once you’ve honed in on your interior design style, finding the right flowers can be an organic, emotional experience. “Truly trust yourself,” advises Dr. Breigh, “give yourself the freedom to experiment, think unconventionally, and step out of your comfort zone. Choose the flower that calls to you—no matter how loud or outrageous it may feel. Nine times out of ten, it’s going to add an experience to your house.”

Okay, but for those who prefer to follow a recipe, what are some ground rules?

Dr. Breigh breaks it down.

Choosing your flowers

Work In Threes

Whichever color palette you choose, follow the rule of threes. If you choose a yellow flower, choose two different types of flowers in different shades of yellow. Then three oranges, three whites, etc. “It creates a sense of balance. It feels colorful but also grounded,” says Dr. Breigh.

Include Texture

She explains: “Choosing which flowers can be such a mindfulness exercise. Really focus on texture. Choose some that are smooth, some that stick out, some lumpy, some furry. Some shiny, some matte.” The combination of textures will give you much more depth and interest.

Wild Greens

Instead of traditional greens, Dr. Breigh opts for more interesting stems. Think wax flowers, eucalyptus, palm fronds, Queen Anne’s lace, and anthurium. Or the stunning amaranthus…the drippy greens Dr. Breigh used in the arrangement featured here (and on the cover!).

Choose A Vessel

Instead of a tall vase that may have a smaller opening, choose a low vessel that has a wide opening at the top so you have room to spread out your flowers. Then to keep each stem where you want it, add a small amount of chicken wire—a one-layer round ball. “Not too much or you won’t be able to fit all the stems,” she advises.