The Power of Simplicity – Part Two

I was browsing through a few websites this afternoon (checking out the competition is always a fun endeavor) and realized that so much of what is beautiful in style and design is also very simple.

Consider the calla lilies shown here. Designed to echo the staggered pattern of the candles in the modern chandelier above, they are so much more effective as a single, stunning element than if this had been a mess of texture and color.

Another great way to avoid being “bland” when using a single color and flower type: repetition.

We usually like to keep things in odd numbers, but the dual mirrors above this console needed a counterpoint in flowers below. And — if we include the Buddha head — we really do have five elements on the table!

Another example of good design with restraint: staggered heights and complementary colors.

These glass toughs are filled with masses of fragrant butter yellow Hyacinth, which is a warm complement to the tones in the sofa, floor coverings and coffee table.

Finally, if you are using just a single element in a floral design, use something very unusual to make a statement.

Here we massed fresh green Lotus pods in a glass vase lined with Zebra leaf: only two elements, but the arrangement adds a zing of creative interest to the sleek, contemporary lines of the furnishings.

Eco Friendly Wedding florals

For the many brides who are opting to “green” their wedding celebration, there are a myriad of creative ways to pack a visual punch and still be eco friendly.

The Eco-Fleur Wishing Tree (which could also be used as a centerpiece with wired on succulents, orchids, etc.) is bedecked with cards (printed on recycled paper with soy ink, of course) that guests write their good wishes on and hang on the tree.

This piece serves in lieu of the traditional sign-in book, which many brides pack away and never look at again. You can take the wishing cards and put them into an album with some candid shots taken at the reception for a fun and special memory. The natural Manzanita branch will last indefinitely.

Another great idea for the earth conscious bride is a centerpiece made with recycled materials, drought-tolerant plants (such as succulents, which can be taken home and replanted) found objects and discarded treasures.

Here we have a centerpiece in a square wood box filled with moss, river stones and succulents surrounding two joined pieces of dried grapevine from old vines. This can be kept as a home decor piece which will live indoors on a coffee table or outdoors on the patio for years.

Soy candles could also be added to complete the ambiance!

Eco Friendly Arrangements

EcoFleur, our line of organic and eco-friendly florals, is a great way to incorporate the values of raw materials conservation, maintaining ecosystem health/biodiversity and waste recycling into flower arrangements given as gifts or used as event decor.

Here are a few samples from the Heal the Bay fundraiser. This bouquet includes locally grown, organic tulips and ginger leaf in a 100% recycled glass container.  The perfect blend of style and sustainability!

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Pink Dogwood at Ritz Carlton Hotel

Pink is the sine qua non of spring flowers, as you can see from the beautiful shades shown here.

This amazing display consists of just two branches from an organic flowering Dogwood tree, paired with cascading Phaelanopsis orchids all around in smaller tapered vases.

We just installed this lobby display at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey. Perfect for the Mother’s Day brunches this weekend!