Design Hints

Fun with Florals

One of Amy Thomas’ signature decorating motifs includes incorporating both fresh and faux foliage in the design schemes that fill the rooms of her Marion, New York, home. “By simply adding wreaths, sprigs of eucalyptus, and other greenery, you can create a warmth within the room and a natural pop of color regardless of the season,” she says. Try out her ideas for incorporating a bit of nature’s bounty in your own home.
Fun with Florals

• Put a ring on it. Wreaths are great for grounding a grouping. Premade wreaths are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, and they can be affixed on exterior and interior doors, windows and walls or positioned flat on a tabletop as part of a centerpiece.
• Amass under glass. Gathering flower arrangements, plants and topiaries in a terrarium makes for a winning combination that adds life to a side table or mantel. Alternatively, upcycle lanterns or large glass bowls as foundations for colorful and fragrant floral vignettes.
• Grab a pitcher to go. Pour a little color into any assemblage with a vintage enamelware, porcelain or glass pitcher brimming with a bunch of blooms, a collection of wooden spoons or a handful of stick flags that will brighten spaces from the kitchen to the laundry room.
• Hold on loosely. Requisition wooden crates, boxes and baskets of all shapes and sizes as foundations for fresh and faux flowers and leafy twigs. Place fresh bouquets in glass jars, vases or other vessels that can easily tuck inside and protect the finish of the outer containers.

Written by Rebecca Razo
Photographed and Styled by Gridley + Graves