Architecture of an arrangement

Work From Above

Work on a countertop where you can stand over the arrangement, versus eye level, so you can see all around the outside, and into the middle. You want to be sure the arrangement looks good from all angles, not just the front. Dr. Breigh believes the flowers will tell you where they want to be. “If you listen, they will talk to you. You’ll start to get a feeling for which ones create interesting shapes when put together, which flowers clash or complement one another.”

All About That Base

Dr. Breigh often chooses roses as her base flower, placing them first and making sure their architecture is set before building the rest, “I love roses for their beauty and versatility, but dahlias, peonies, or zinnias are also great as a focal flower when they are in season.”

Width Over Height

For the signature style that Dr. Breigh has become known for, think low and wide versus tall for your longest stems. The exaggerated reach of eucalyptus brings a romantic, fluid, whimsical feel to the arrangement.

Place In A Pattern

Dr. Breigh advises placing each stem in a balanced manner— placing one stem high, then the next stem low. Place a stem on the left side, then the right. This will result in a more robust arrangement overall and there won’t be any vacant gaps at the end. But think balanced, not perfect. You don’t want it to feel like a mirrored version from one side to the other. Forgo stuffy for fun.

Group By Color

“I love placing complimentary colored blooms next to each other to elevate the focal bloom and make it pop,” says Dr. Breigh. In this arrangement, the two-toned pink pompom is placed next to a soft peach rose, and the lavender-hued chrysanthemum is surrounded by hot pink statise. You see this same pairing principle in the peach carnation placed next to an orange rose.

Room To Breath

“Every flower has to have its moment,” is beloved quote Dr. Breigh learned from a mentor. Try to avoid crowding, making sure you can see each and every flower. They can be placed near one another, but none should be completely lost. If you have two blooms that are crowding one another, try trimming the stem of one to vary the height.

Style your whole nest

Create Cohesion

After you’ve created your dream arrangement, use the leftover flowers and place them into tiny vases to spread around your home. A single bloom in a bud vase placed in the bathroom or dining room can create consistency throughout your entire home.

Now, it’s time to create! Head to your local farmer’s market if possible, or Trader Joe’s for a great selection of affordable flowers. And follow the doctor’s advice: “Have fun. Give yourself the freedom to experiment, think unconventionally, and step out of your comfort zone.” N