Winter Blues to Spring Hues: 19 Flower Decorating Tips for Your Apartment

 

 

Decorating your apartment with flowers can instantly make it feel like a beautiful and welcoming home. Flowers not only add color and texture to any space, but they also bring a sense of calmness and serenity. From adding a pop of color to your kitchen, brightening up your living room, or creating a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom, there are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating your apartment with flowers this spring. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Charleston, SC, or a house in Boca Raton, FL, we will explore various tips and tricks for adding floral decor to your apartment that will make your space feel vibrant, fresh, and inviting.

 

1. Display stems in smaller rooms or bedside tables

When decorating your apartment with flowers, displaying stems in smaller rooms or on bedside tables can bring beauty to a space. Roses, lilies, or a single tulip stem in a vase can instantly brighten a room.

“Choose flowers that are in sync with the season, hold special meaning, or are varying shades of one color to simplify an arrangement design,” recommends Amy Nebens, Co-founder and Creative Director of Bouquet Box. “Display a few stems in a smaller vase in the bathroom or on a bedside table, or set a larger arrangement as a table centerpiece or in the entryway.”

2. Place flowers in unexpected places

 Rather than simply placing flowers in a vase on a table, consider incorporating them into unexpected areas, such as hanging a small vase on a doorknob, arranging flowers in a bookshelf, or placing them on the edge of a bathtub. This approach can bring a fresh and playful feel to your living space and make your home feel more personalized. 

“Bringing nature right into your home is easy. Place flowers in unexpected places, like dried flowers on a bookshelf or a cluster of vases in the kitchen, and don’t forget the power of a single stem. We also recommend incorporating flowers that have a scent, like lavender or eucalyptus, to bring a delightful aroma,” shares Los Angeles-based Little Finn’s Flowers.

3. Brighten up small corners in your apartment

 It’s important to remember that even the smallest corners can benefit from a bit of floral beauty. Brightening up small corners of your apartment with flowers can add color, texture, and life to even the most overlooked spaces.

“A simple bud vase with fragrant flowers, like sweet peas, lilacs, or daffodils, can brighten the corner of your desk, coffee table, or end table and fill your house with fragrance, notes Grow Girl Seattle. “Place bud vases on your bedside table or bathroom to feel like you’re in a luxe hotel.”

 

4. Take apart bouquets and spread them throughout your apartment 

Bond in Bloom remarks, “When you bring home a bouquet from the farmers market or grocery store, don’t just leave it as is. Take it apart, and have fun arranging it. Wrapped bouquets are often designed to look good looking down at them, but cutting the stems to a length that is proportionate to your vase will make them look better. One bouquet can be broken up and spread throughout your home.”

“One of my favorite ways to decorate with flowers is by starting with a big bundle of blooms and then splitting them up into smaller bud vase arrangements to sprinkle around the house – one for the bathroom, one for the bedside table, one next to the kitchen sink,” adds Little Acre Flowers. “This way, you can experience these little floral moments all throughout your space, and it gives you a chance to practice a bit of mindfulness as you notice the flowers changing a bit every day.”

5. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and change your water daily 

“A quick tip we recommend is to keep flowers out of direct sunlight or heat, change the water daily, and give your blooms a fresh cut every time you change the water,” notes Hidden Garden Flowers.

Keeping flowers out of direct sunlight can help prevent them from wilting prematurely and ensure they last longer. Changing the water daily helps keep the flowers hydrated and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause the flowers to wilt or decay.

6. Dry flowers by by placing them upside down or pressing them

Preserving flowers is a great way to make the most out of your floral arrangements and add a long-lasting touch of beauty to your apartment. Two popular methods for preserving flowers are placing them upside down and pressing them. Placing flowers upside down allows them to dry out slowly, preserving their natural shape and color. Pressing flowers involves placing them between two sheets of paper or in a flower press and applying pressure until they are flattened and dried. 

“From bouquets of roses to mixes of wildflowers, create an artistic (and much more permanent) floral installation by preserving flowers upside down or pressing them in a book,” recommends Kevin R. McCarthy, Family Owner, President, and COO of Family Flowers.

“Lacie RZ Porta of Framed Florals shares, “Once fully dry, you can place them back in your vase of choice. The easiest flowers to do this with are baby’s breath, spray roses, grasses, Craspedia, or some lavender.”

Kelsea Olivia, Founder and CEO of East Olivia adds, “Dried flowers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them versatile for different aesthetics and styles. Some of my favorite areas to place them in my home are mantels, coffee tables, shelving units, and desks.”

 

7. Add lemons and herbs

“Grab a lemon, and add some slices to line the inside of a clear glass vase before adding your fresh-cut flowers. The fresh spring aesthetic will bring warm weather vibes to any space. Also, herbs are not just for cooking. To really elevate cut flowers at home, add in fresh cut mint or sage from your own garden,” recommends Southside Blooms.

8. Consider flowers that match your current decor

Choosing flowers that match the color scheme and style of your living space can create a cohesive and polished look. For example, if your decor features a lot of neutral tones, white or cream flowers such as roses or peonies can add a classic and elegant touch. 

“Head to your local florist or farmer’s market to pick out a selection of your favorite seasonal colors and styles,” says Penelope Pots of Huntington Beach, CA. “Think about finding some that fit your existing decors, like paintings or a color scheme, for a natural integration. You can also mix and match dried and fresh flowers to add a multi-dimensional look.”

9. Consider bud vases

Bud vases come in a variety of shapes and styles, from classic glass to modern ceramic. These small vases are designed to hold a single stem or a small arrangement of blooms and can add a delicate and intimate touch to your living space.

WildFlora shares, “There are endless ways to let interior florals bring vibrancy to your space, but we have a few favorites, including bud vases. Snip a variety of blooms and greenery from the garden and mix different floral combos in bud vases. Place the bud vases in unexpected but highly used areas like a bedside table or bathroom vanity to enjoy while using those rooms.”

 

10. Decorate with flower frog pins

A flower frog pin is a type of pin used in floral arrangements to help hold flowers and stems in place. Decorating with flower frog pins can help keep your floral arrangements looking neat and tidy, preventing the flowers from falling out of place. They can also add an elegant and vintage touch to your decor, making your arrangements look even more beautiful.

“Use flower frog pins to create whimsical and easy arrangements,” remarks Chris of The Bride Candy. “You can find flower pin frogs at your local craft store or online, then choose a shallow vase with a flat base and glue 3 of them in the center. Get different fresh flowers each week, cut the stems to different lengths, and push them into the pin frogs to create airy arrangements that take up a lot of space without using many flowers.”

11. Create a centerpiece for your dining table

“Flowers can be used to create a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table or keep it simple with a small bud vase on a side table or by your sink,” notes Native Poppy. “Fresh blooms typically last 5-7 days.”

12. Select flowers with different textures

Textured flowers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including petals that are smooth, ruffled, or even spiky. By incorporating a variety of textures, you can create a dynamic and eye-catching display. 

Moonflower Design shares, “You can create visual interest by selecting flowers with different textures. One of my favorite combinations is tulips, peonies, and larkspur.”

 

13. Pick a vase or container that complements your color and style 

Picking a vase that complements your apartment’s design can help create a cohesive and harmonious look. It can also add a layer of style and sophistication to your decor, making your floral arrangements look even more stunning.

“When arranging your flowers, choose a vase or container that complements the colors and style of your space. A simple glass vase is always a classic choice, but you can also opt for a ceramic or metal container for a more modern look,” shares Fleur d’ Elegance.

14. Forage for branches from outside

Foraging branches from outside your apartment can add a natural and rustic touch to your floral arrangements. It can also be a cost-effective way to add greenery and texture to your decor.

“I love foraging backyard branches and creating pretty arrangements around the house,” remarks Eat Your Flowers by Loria. “Whether that is trimming back my lemon tree and using the small branches to rest inside my larger vases or scattering dried flowers on a side table, natural elements always brighten up a space.”

Bell & Trunk Flowers adds, “When the trees are blossoming, I like to prune a few branches off and bring them inside. Mimosa and cherry blossoms are my favorites. Also, I’ll snip a few fragrant blooms like garden roses and narcissus and put them in vintage medicine bottles that I’ll scatter around the house.”

15. Use floral foam

Floral foam, also known as oasis foam, is a type of foam that is used in floral arrangements to hold flowers in place. It is made of phenol-formaldehyde plastic foam and is designed to absorb water to keep the flowers hydrated.

“We highly recommend floral foam because it is so easy and keeps your flowers fresh longer, and you can try to place your flowers in a not-so-obvious place. They can be used to make great centerpieces and help your flowers look fuller and stand out,” shares Dreamscape Photography.

16. Select colors and blooms that represent the season

Selecting colors and blooms that represent the season can create a cohesive theme throughout your home decor. 

Anna Noriega of Alore Events alongside Berkeley Florist Supply shares, “If you want to bring a sense of seasonality into your home through flowers, select pastel hues for Spring, bright hues for Summer, bold colors for Fall, and touches of white with evergreen for Winter. Fresh flowers such as roses and Hyacinthus bring a delightful aroma to your home, while dried florals provide an everlasting touch and can be perfect for accenting areas year-long.”

“I like to use colors and blooms that represent the season, notes I Do Flowers For You. “Fall rust, spring pastels, bright summer colors, and holiday colors in December are some of my favorites.”

 

17. Create an outdoor garden

Creating an outdoor garden for your flowers can provide a natural and healthy environment for them to thrive in. It also allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature and the benefits of fresh air and sunlight while tending to your plants.

“Purchase container pots, and begin to forage anywhere you have permission. You can even visit your local grocery store or local florist for fresh materials. Once you have fresh materials, add natural materials to your design. Don’t forget things such as bark, sticks, moss, and stones,” recommends OASIS® Forage Products.

18. Go with sustainable floral decor

“To make your floral decor sustainable, it’s important to choose sources that prioritize sustainability. Consider purchasing blooms from eco-friendly sources or those committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Doing so not only reduces your environmental footprint but also supports a healthier planet,” says Fresh-o-Fair.com.

19. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle

ART among the FLOWERS based in Palm Coast, FL notes, “Cut each green stem at a 45-degree angle and place them in the vase crisscrossing each stem to create a nest. This will help keep your flower stems in place once ready to design with flowers. In addition, after you have cut your stem at a 45-degree angle, you have 5 seconds to submerge that stem back in water before it will close up again and not be able to drink water.”

 

Discover the Beauty of Lilacs and Learn How to Keep Them Fresh

 

The lilac is a beautiful, fragrant flower that has been cultivated for centuries. The hardy shrub can be found growing in gardens across the world, and it's easy to see why: these plants are stunningly beautiful and smell amazing!

Lilac has been cultivated since ancient times; it was first mentioned in literature by Theophrastus (371-287 B.C.), who called them "lilakoi" meaning "lily-like." They were later referred to as "syringa" by Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.). The name Syringa was given after Syrinx, the wood nymph, refused the advances of Pan, god of shepherds and hunters, and escaped only by turning into a river reed (we know, again with the Greek mythology- more on that later).

Varieties of Lilacs

 

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is one of the most well-known varieties. It's a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, with fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white.

The dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa reticulata 'Kibun') is also known as "tree lilac" because it grows into a small tree shape rather than spreading out as other types of plants do. This type of plant produces fragrant flowers in shades of purple or white during springtime--and it doesn't need much water once established!

The Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata 'Choshu') is another popular choice among gardeners because they're easy to care for--they don't require much maintenance at all! Plus, these bushes produce beautiful pink flowers during late springtime; they're great for adding color to any landscape design project you may have planned this year!

Top Tips to Keep Your Lilac Fresh

 

Keeping lilacs fresh after cutting is quite different than growing them in the garden. One of our top tips is to immediately place the cut stems into a bucket of fresh, cool water. Allow the stems time to take up more water in a cool, dark place for another one to two hours before arranging them.

It is also important to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and regularly add fresh water to keep them in the best shape. Before cutting, however, remember to remove any debris or foliage from the stem and make absolutely sure your water is clean. Allowing such things in the water will create a bacteria breeding ground, leading to quicker wilting of your bouquet.

Our top tip? Notice the lilac stem- they are thick and woody, so you need to "crack" the wood for the stem to absorb the water up to the flower head. Snap the lower end of the stem (or grab your nearest hammer) and peel the woody layer, leaving an exposed green skin. Creating that open space for the water to absorb through will keep them fresh for days.

Why Are So Many Flowers Based on Greek Tragedies?

 

Flowers have been used to symbolize different concepts like love, passion, and righteousness in many tales, and both Roman and Greek mythology frequently used flowers because of their ancient gods' habits bequeathed to people.

Encyclopedia.com notes that many flowers from around the world appear in mythology, including the anemone, carnation, hyacinth, lily, lotus, narcissus, poppy, rose, sunflower, and violet. And The lilac is no exception to the historic poetic myths of long-told tales.

Can I Find Lilac at the Hidden Garden?

 

Yes, you absolutely can! As lilac season approaches, we will incorporate more into our spring weddings, daily deliveries, and hotel arrangements.

Order your Hidden Garden bouquet today!

  

 

 
Wild About Wisteria

 

Wisteria is a beautiful and delicate flower that adds elegance to every season that follows each new debutante into society. We josh, of course, but when the Bridgerton Home first showcased its adorned facade in the Netflix original series, wisteria searches went up 400%! And we can't blame a single person! These beautiful vines, with their lavender blossoms and delicate, purple-tinged petals, are a favorite of gardeners worldwide. As their bloom time quickly approaches, we thought it'd be a good time to share some history and fun facts about them—and to know where you can see them in person.

 

 

The history of wisteria is long and illustrious

Native to China and Japan, this deciduous vine has been cultivated for thousands of years but was first used in China to make dyes. The Japanese subsequently discovered its beauty as an ornamental plant and began tending it for use in gardens there. Its popularity spread, and it was introduced to Europe in the 1700s and was first planted in the United States in 1816. It was named after botanist William Wister, who studied it during his travels through Japan.

In ancient China, they were used as medicinal plants, while elsewhere in history, they were grown at Versailles for fragrant decor. Napoleon planted along the roadside and around his estate, while Thomas Jefferson wrote about them extensively (and had a few growing at Monticello); they're even mentioned by Shakespeare!

Today, wisteria grows wild on trees and fences or walls throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and mainland Asia. Still, it has found new homes throughout the world.

The most common type of wisteria is Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), which grows in USDA zones 4 through 8. Other varieties are more cold-hardy than Chinese wisteria, such as Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), which can be grown in USDA zones 3 through 8, or American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) grows in zones 5 through 9.

Not an avid outdoor gardener? Worry not! It can also be grown indoors or out as an ornamental plant—it does well both inside and outside because of its hardiness against temperature fluctuations and ability to bloom year-round if cared for properly. Keep a patient hand through; it can take several years to bloom!

 

 

Fun fact:

Did you know some places have made it illegal to grow wisteria? Such as the state of Wisconsin has had to regulate growing wisteria because of how invasive it can be!

Wisteria has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The delicate hanging blossoms and deep green foliage of wisteria make for an impressive sight for those who grow it and the countless people who view it every year.

And the best place to see them? Well, we went ahead and made the perfect list of where you can be whisked away by the flair and fragrance of Lady Wisteria herself.

 

China: The China National Botanical Garden, Haidian District, Beijing

Europe: France: Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole restaurant and La Grande Mosquee de Paris

Japan: Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture (this has been dubbed the most beautiful wisteria tree in the world!)

South Korea: Gwangju Jungang Elementary School, Dong-gu, Gwangju, (near downtown)

United States: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, OR and Tidal Basin, Washington D.C. 

United Kingdom: Kensington and Peckham Rye Park in South London

 

 

 

5 Flowers For Spring That Will Add Luster To Any Room

 

Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal. Once a small spot of hope surrounding our dreary winter days, flowers have come to colorful fruition. Chirping birds, earlier sunrises, and bright blooms await us to bring warmth, beauty, and bees.

We've gathered some fun facts about five of our favorite spring flowers below: make sure to request them as part of your next Hidden Garden bouquet!

Our Top 5 Favorite Springtime Blooms

1. Magnolia Blooms
2. Tulips
3. Daffodils
4. Hyacinth
5. Lilac
6. BONUS BLOOM!

 

Magnolia

The magnolia blossom is named after Pierre Magnol, a French botanist who presented the flower in 1689. Magnolias are members of the Magnoliaceae family, which are thought to be around for more than 100 million years. Blooming in many colors and sizes, these flowers can be as small as an inch or as large as 3 feet across! Magnolias also come in several colors: white, pink, lavender, and yellow. They're native to North and South America, the Himalayas, and East Asia and typically bloom in early Spring. Did you know that beetles pollinate magnolias and produce unusual fruit? These gorgeous trees can take years to bloom and have been known to be difficult to grow from seed; you'll often see them sold as potted plants in nurseries. If you have one in your garden and it takes years to bloom, just remember: your patience will be rewarded!

Unfortunately, this bloom is not one you can purchase in our arrangements, but it is one you can easily catch sight of when walking through your local neighborhood park.

 

Tulips

The national flower of Holland, the tulip was initially cultivated in Turkey as far back as the 16th century. Named after the Dutch word "tulpen," similar to its Turkish counterpart "tulipan, named so after the turbans worn by Turkish soldiers. They were popularized by Dutch gardeners in the 17th century, who bred them into all kinds of colors and patterns. "All kinds" have now reached the 3,000 mark and cover the color spectrum and texture tally. From "fringed" to "parrot" and "double" to "french" varietals, tulips simply can not be stopped.

Fun fact, tulips were originally grown for their medicinal properties, as they were thought to improve vision and help with digestion.*

 

 

Daffodils

Daffodils are known as Narcissus in Greek mythology, where they're said to bloom after death, which is very befitting of this early springtime bloom. This myth comes from the Greek story of Narcissus falling in love with his own reflection—the droopy-headed flowers seem to mirror Narcissus, who fell, bending over to catch his image in a pool of water.

Originating from Asia Minor, it's said that they are one of the oldest recorded flowers. Dazzlingly yellow and white, they were cultivated by ancient Grecians and Romans, who later brought them into Britain. Fun fact, they were mentioned by Chaucer in his writings "Canterbury tales!" Even then, people were impressed by their eccentric yet inviting shape and color.

 

 

Hyacinth

According to Greek mythology, these beautiful blooms were named after a young, radiant man who had attracted the love of the god Apollo. When a discus hit him in the head by a jealous lover of Apollo and caused his untimely death, it's said that a hyacinth sprang from the cut in his head.

If you don't take much to Greek Mythology, the Grecians named this floral after its sweet fragrance--'hyakinthos' means "sweet violet flower." However, it comes in many different colors, including lavender, white, bright pink, and the most gorgeous shade of magenta. Hyacinths are often used as a symbol of rebirth because they flower in late winter when the snow melts away, and new life emerges from the ground.

 

 

Lilac

A classic spring flower, they are recognizable by their luscious and sweet smell, which has long been used for perfume (ancient Egyptians even used them!). Accompanying their scent are long, thin stems and clusters of soft, velvety flowers in shades of pink, purple, and creams. Native to Eastern Europe (and temperate parts of Asia,) they were brought to Europe by the Romans and then shared with the Americas by the Dutch. Romans have been recorded wearing them in wreaths during funerals, but in China, they're thought to bring good luck. Similarly, the Greeks believed that planting a lilac bush in your garden would attract bees and butterflies—symbols of love, thought to mate for life. Indeed, there has always been a time and place well intended for all to enjoy the lilac.

Did you know that lilacs are part of the olive family, making them relatives to avocados? Lilacs are also said to be edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the roots can be brewed into tea!*

 

 

BONUS: Cherry Blossoms

It's truly Spring once the Cherry Blossoms have bloomed. Native to Japan, they are known as 桜 (sakura). They're indigenous to China as well, where they're called 櫻花 (Yīng huā).

In Japan, cherry blossoms are considered to be symbols of beauty and life. They bloom at the same time every year but only for about two weeks- so enjoy the fleeting images that pop up on your social media over the next few weeks! The Japanese celebrate this time with a Hanami festival, which involves sitting outside under the cherry blossoms and eating lots of food while drinking sake.

While we all can't afford a trip to Japan this year, you can see them in full bloom right now on the east and west coast of the United States and throughout, based on your state's weather conditions!

 

 

It's safe to say that with the warmer weather on its way, we collectively are ready to lift open our windows, spruce up our space and invite in the outdoors. Help your space come alive with any of our top 5 favorite spring florals, or better yet, call us today to create a unique spring bouquet designed just for you. 

 

*The Hidden Garden only supports the consumption of plants or herbs with personal due diligence and speaking with your doctor.