Flower Color Theory

Synopsis

The ultimate flower-arrangement reference book from New York's 'go-to' floral designers Putnam & Putnam - how to combine the extraordinary colours in nature to create stunning results

Cult floral designers Taylor Putnam and Michael Putnam's Flower Colour Theory, the follow-up to their acclaimed globally bestselling debut Flower Colour Guide, is the only guide that uses colour theory as the starting point for floral design. The book features 175 arrangements that show myriad ways to combine flowers of different shades and hues, all built around classic categories including analogous, complementary, monochrome, triadic, transitional, and accent colours. Flower Colour Theory is both inspirational and a practical guide to creating lush, romantic, and effortlessly elegant creations of your own.

Summary

Chapter 1: Color Theory Basics

This chapter introduces the basics of color theory, including the color wheel, primary/secondary/tertiary colors, and color schemes (analogous, complementary, split-complementary, triadic, tetradic).

Real Example: Creating a complementary color scheme for a floral arrangement by using blue irises and orange lilies.

Chapter 2: Understanding Flower Colors

This chapter discusses the natural pigments responsible for flower colors (anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonols) and how factors like pH, temperature, and genetics can affect their appearance.

Real Example: Selecting white hydrangeas that turn purple when alum is added to the soil to lower its pH.

Chapter 3: Choosing Colors for Your Arrangements

This chapter provides guidance on selecting flower colors that complement each other, evoke specific emotions, and create a desired overall effect.

Real Example: Creating a warm and inviting floral centerpiece by using yellow roses, orange lilies, and red geraniums.

Chapter 4: Color Harmony and Balance

This chapter explores how to achieve color harmony and balance in floral arrangements through the use of dominant, contrasting, and accent colors.

Real Example: Arranging a bouquet with dominant blue hydrangeas, contrasting pink roses, and yellow accent sunflowers.

Chapter 5: Color Transitions and Gradients

This chapter discusses how to create smooth transitions and gradients of color within floral arrangements.

Real Example: Gradually blending shades of lavender roses from light purple to deep purple in a cascading arrangement.

Chapter 6: Using Foliage and Greenery

This chapter emphasizes the importance of foliage and greenery in floral arrangements, providing tips on selecting foliage colors, textures, and shapes that complement the flowers.

Real Example: Adding lush green ferns and variegated ivy to balance the bright colors of tropical flowers like orchids and anthuriums.

Chapter 7: Special Considerations for Weddings

This chapter focuses on color considerations specifically for wedding florals, including bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres.

Real Example: Choosing a soft and romantic color palette for a garden wedding with white roses, peach dahlias, and lavender sprigs.

Chapter 8: Color Inspiration Sources

This chapter provides ideas for finding color inspiration from nature, art, fashion, and other sources.

Real Example: Drawing inspiration from an autumnal landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow for a fall wedding arrangement.

Chapter 9: Color Mistakes to Avoid

This chapter highlights common color mistakes to avoid when arranging flowers, such as using too many contrasting colors or creating arrangements that are too monochromatic.

Real Example: Avoiding a busy and disharmonious arrangement by limiting the number of different flower colors to three or four at a time.