Many Americans are slowing down and staying home in record numbers. Experts have named this phenomenon "downshifting." As people seek more time in their havens, atmosphere is becoming increasingly important. Use the following unique ideas from the Society of American Florists to brighten your home, room by room, with flowers.

Entranceway/Foyer

• Attach small vases containing short stems of fresh flowers to a pre-made wreath and hang it on your front door to welcome guests.

• Make a first impression with a large, abundant arrangement.

• Create a focal point with a piece of artwork on a pedestal draped with a garland and flowers.

• For a friendly look, place a basket with a garden bouquet on the entry table.

Dining Room

• For an easy, elegant table decoration set a series of alternating crystal vases and candles on a fabric runner. Place fresh flowers in each of the vases and surround them with greenery.

• Individual flowers are perfect at place settings or attached to name cards.

Blending with the casual atmosphere of modern home entertaining, this centerpiece is sure to dazzle guests during afternoon brunch or informal dinners. The candles provide a refreshing combination using the elegance of flowers with the ambience of candlelight.

Flowers featured: Lilies, carnations, spray roses, alstroemeria, daisy chrysanthemums, solidaster, monte casino.

Living Room

• Take your favorite vase, treasured antique bowl or silver pitcher to your florist for a custom-designed arrangement.

• Float two or three blooms, such as gardenias or gerbera daisies in a favorite crystal bowl. Add a floating candle or two for a glowing evening effect.

Family Room

• In the summer when the fireplace isn't being used, brighten the hearth with an abundant assortment of seasonal flowers. Continue the theme by placing a few of the same flowers on the mantle next to those family photos.

Kitchen

• Trim a windowsill with a collection of terra cotta pots, using a combination of herbs and sun-loving plants like kalanchoe, African violets or primroses.

• Old water pitchers, antique teapots, classic urns or even tattered clay pots make fascinating containers for a casually placed flower arrangement.

Loosely clustered to give the look of a freshly cut garden bouquet, this hand-tied design adorns a favorite water pitcher. The complementary flowers and colors brighten any part of the house, from the kitchen to the family room to the bedroom.

Flowers featured: Alstroemeria, carnations, freesia, roses, bouvardia, delphinium, stock, Star of Bethlehem, asters, statice.

Bedroom

• Tea roses, freesias, peonies, lilac and lilies, are all deliciously fragrant choices for a bud vase on your nightstand.

Guest Bedroom

• A bud vase with a simple cluster of flowers hidden in the center of a clear bubble bowl filled with potpourri is the perfect way to welcome a guest.

• Try floating rose petals in a special bath to spoil a friend!

Home Office

• Give yourself a "nature break" by keeping a flowering or green plant next to your computer station or fax machine.