Using flower as decor

From adding a pop of colours to complementing the subtle aesthetics of your homes, the art of flower arrangement is one that can instantly make your abode perk up. In fact, the Japanese have a whole artform called Ikebana, dedicated to the delicate art of flower arrangement. While you don't quite have to spend hours mastering Ikebana or even learning it, adding a bit of nature to your homes can do wonders, both in terms of decor and even uplifting your mood. So, if you're looking for a fresh way to decorate your home, try flowers.

"Knowing my love for flowers, my family usually brings bouquets when they come to visit. I have a collection of quirky vases in my living room, and soon enough, one portion of the room is pleasantly turned into an artificial garden or even a florist shop!" said Mrs. Akhter.

For those of you confused on how to start, here's a few shortcuts that can take your interior designing skills up a notch, and effortlessly make you look like a pro in flower arrangement.

Pick your shades

Instead of picking anything that looks great in the florist windows, start with a theme. Ask yourself exactly how you want flowers to fit into your decor. Do you want it to be the centre of attention in a large dining room? Then pick colours that contrast the walls and the furniture there and opt for large blooms. Or would you rather have flowers complementing an exquisite showpiece in your living room? In that case, opt for smaller blooms and more toned down colours. A neutral bouquet can be the finishing touch to a bright background. Alternatively, you could use similar colours to create an ombre effect, or even opt for a bit of wild vibe by picking only wild blooms.

Use quirky vases

No, that doesn't mean you have to get the most expensive one in the market, but try to be creative with your vases. Make sure you pick the right shape and colour. For overgrown bouquets, opt for birch vases with a rustic vibe. For an exotic vibe, flared vases are in fashion. Small candle-holders or teacups can also be used for small blooms to give your house a chic personality. You could even brush up your DIY skills or recycle old used containers to give it a creative look. For example, pickle jars make really good vases and can give your summer blooms that added oomph.

Add height

An especially useful advice for urbanites living in apartment complexes with limited space is to hang planters as a great way to add nature to your homes and also add dimensions to your walls. Opt for contrast in picking the containers. For example, if you have white walls, use bright colourful containers. Whether it is funky geometric shapes or more typical woven baskets, flowers on top can be a classy way to make your house look exciting. You could even use them as central wall hangings in your living room, or for subtle detailing in corridors. For a dramatic effect, play around with lighting to make the flowers pop out. These effortless changes will be ideal for making your house stand out.

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed