There’s something about spring that stirs the need for a refresh and a reset. And one of the simplest ways to bring the new season inside? A beautiful vase of fresh flowers. Whether picked from your garden or brought home from the market, a thoughtfully styled arrangement can transform your space, and your mood, just like scent does.
We asked florist Debbie Fooks of Ivy Lane Floral to share her top flower styling secrets. From easy hacks to colour cues, here’s how to make your spring florals sing.
Start with the Right Vase
Choose a vessel that matches the feel you’re after. For a classic table setting, try ceramic or coloured glass. For tall stems like snapdragons or blossom branches, go narrow. For shorter stems or fuller blooms like tulips or daisies, a wide-mouth vase is best. And above all, be brave. “Forget plain old glass - go for something with personality!” she says. “A fun-shaped or bold-coloured vase can completely elevate the look.”
Think Like a Florist
A little extra prep goes a long way. Snip stems at a 45-degree angle to help them drink water efficiently and re-trim every time you change the water (every two days is ideal). Remove any leaves sitting below the waterline to prevent bacteria build-up - and keep your flowers looking crisp, not cluttered.
Foliage, First
Start with greenery to give your arrangement structure and shape. Think eucalyptus, ferns or even herbs. Then layer in your main blooms. Don’t be afraid to play with height and asymmetry - place taller stems toward the centre and let smaller ones drape naturally around the edges. The result should feel effortless and organic, not overly styled.
More is More
Pick a favourite flower and go all in. “I love a bunch of the same bloom all together,” says Fooks. “It’s bold, clean, and gives serious designer vibes without trying too hard.” If you’d rather mix and match, anchor your design with larger blooms like peonies or garden roses, then fill in with smaller flowers such as sweet peas, freesia or daisies.
See in Colour
Stick to a single colour family and play with tonal variations. “Monochromatic arrangements always feel polished,” Fooks
notes. Try blush, dusty rose and berry tones, or lemon, cream and fresh green. A unified palette makes any arrangement feel cohesive and intentional.
Keep it Odd
Odd numbers are your secret weapon. Arranging flowers in threes, fives or sevens creates natural-looking symmetry and visual interest - without ever feeling too perfect. It’s a florist’s trick for effortless harmony.
Mist in Place
Want something simple but striking? Fooks suggests going sculptural. “My spring obsession is cherry or peach blossoms,” she says. “They’re wild yet delicate. Just pop a few branches in a big vase - and a light mist of hairspray stops the petals from shedding.”
Intensify the Scent
Pick a home scent that mirrors the mood of your flowers, to turn up the spring vibes and extend the feeling throughout
your space with very little effort.
Jasmine & Magnolia is romantic and classic, like en masse arrangements or structured, traditional bouquets.
Cotton Flower & Freesia is soft and clean, so complements loosely gathered blooms and easy spring mornings.
Lychee & Rose is delicate and dewy, a perfect partner to flowers nestled on bedside tables or bathroom vanities.
CIRCA, Welcome Home.