The Million Roses: 5 Rose-Arrangement Tips for First-Time Flower Enthusiasts
Designing your own luxury space can go well beyond adding elements like a fireplace TV stand or distinct, one of a kind features. Quite often, the sense of luxury is further enhanced by the way you choose to decorate your space — such as with beautiful floral arrangements.
For first-time flower enthusiasts, figuring out the best way to arrange a bouquet of roses can feel somewhat intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. I recently interviewed Doniz Pauillac, COO of The Million Roses, a company that produces luxury preserved roses, regarding how just about anyone can put together a rose arrangement that perfectly complements their space.
1. Consider Surrounding Decor
First, Pauillac advises that flower enthusiasts consider the existing decor in the area where they plan to display the rose arrangement. This is especially important for preserved roses, which are meant to last for three years or more.
“The existing decor and design of your space will directly impact what rose shades look best for that part of your home,” he says. “Nowadays, roses are available in everything from traditional reds and pinks to more distinct colors like turquoise, black or even gold foil. Start by considering whether a particular color scheme will match or clash with the rest of your space — after all, it’s much easier to match your floral selection to the rest of your home than vice versa.”
2. Choose the Right Vase or Container
In addition to the type of roses that you select, the type of vase or container that you use to display the roses will also have a major influence on the final look of your arrangement.
“When displaying long stem roses, a good practice is to have your vase be between one-third to one-half the height of the tallest flowers you plan to display,” Pauillac says. “This provides enough height to stabilize the flowers, while also keeping the arrangement visually balanced. The larger the arrangement, the wider the base you will need to ensure that all of the roses receive the proper support.”
Pauillac also recommends that flower enthusiasts opt for clear or neutral-colored vases, as this will ensure that the vase doesn’t distract from the roses (which are meant to be the highlight of the display).
3. Vary Stem Length
When long stem roses are delivered, they generally feature equal stem lengths — and this is no accident. As Pauillac explains, the idea is that the recipient can then adjust the length of the stems as desired to better match their preferences for their bouquet.
“When you add the roses to a vase, you may need to trim the stems to account for the height of the vase,” he says. “The center roses will be added first, and should have the longest stems. You will then add the rest of the roses around those at the center. By cutting some of the stems shorter than those in the center of the display, you can create a more visually dynamic appearance for the arrangement. With long stems, you have some room for error as you adjust their length to find the right balance. Just be sure to only cut off a little at a time to not make them too short.”
4. Add Filler to Create Contrast If Needed
While roses are often a statement piece in and of themselves, you may wish to add extra contrast and visual interest to the arrangement with additional filler.
Popular fillers for floral arrangements generally focus on foliage such as eucalyptus or ferns, which can add texture and depth to the overall design of the arrangement. Other types of greenery or “filler flowers” could also be a good fit for helping the display appear more full and vibrant.
“When adding any type of filler, be mindful of how the colors and textures match or contrast with the roses,” Pauillac advises. “Contrast can make the arrangement more interesting, but you want to make sure that the colors and styles don’t clash with or overwhelm the roses, which are meant to be the central feature.”
5. Keep the Arrangement In a Cool Area
Finally, Pauillac advises that flower enthusiasts select a cool, protected area that will extend the lifespan of the floral arrangement. “Our preserved roses are able to last for three years or more without water, but they are still vulnerable to direct sunlight and hot temperatures, just like traditional roses,” he says.
“Placing the arrangement in an area that is relatively cool and protected from hazards like sunlight or drafts is essential for maximizing the look and lifespan of your arrangement. When selecting the location for displaying your roses, don’t just think about how well it matches the rest of the decor — be sure you consider whether the space is truly suitable for maximizing their lifespan so you can get the most enjoyment out of your display.”
Create the Perfect Arrangement for Your Space
As Pauillac’s insights reveal, creating an attractive rose arrangement doesn’t have to be overly complicated. By focusing on the essentials, you can create a floral arrangement that perfectly complements your existing space. And as you gain more experience and confidence in your arranging abilities, you can venture into more complex arrangements that further elevate your sense of at-home luxury.
