Seeking Simplicity:
Lifestyle Trends of the Millennium

Floral Designs Mirror Movement
Towards More Balance

This shift in the nation's consciousness first blipped across trendwatchers' radar screens in the last decade. It has quietly snowballed since. The Trends Research Institute of Rhinebeck, N.Y. calls this movement "Voluntary Simplicity" and marks it as one of the top 10 trends of the 90's.

The return to the simple life is led, in large part, by women. Taking hold is the realization that a career alone is an insufficient source of personal fulfillment. Relaxation, doing things for fun, and nurturing relationships with family and friends are quickly gaining increased value. Ongoing research by Self magazine confirms that women's focus has shifted to activities that reduce stress and refuel energy to cope with busy lives.

In this embrace of the simple pleasures, a European influence is gaining momentum as more Americans have flowers in the home as a part of everyday life. Flower arrangements are no longer meant to impress -- but to express gentler sentiments. As women re-evaluate the importance of friends and family, they are using flowers to say 'Let's get together' or 'I'm sorry I've been unavailable.' This is a move away from giving flowers only for a birthday, holiday or anniversary.

What's 'hot' in flowers?
Arrangements of mixed flowers continue to lead in consumer preference. With a distinctly contemporary twist, choices are swinging back toward the comfort and familiarity of grandma's garden. Reminders of another era, such as foxglove, dahlia, peony, lilac, heather and roses, are increasingly being asked for in today's arrangements. A current popular trend: combining these classic blooms with the new hybrids.

What's the look?
The look is natural, fresh, "just-picked-from-the-garden." Loose, unstructured arrangements are setting the standard. One contemporary look that captures the essence of simplicity: a favorite urn, basket or windowbox, loosely filled with a mix of flowers presented on various levels, found as they might actually grow. Tightly clustered bouquets, composed of one or many flower varieties, the look borrowed from the hand-held Victorian version, also influence everyday designs. Free-flowing ribbons add a touch of romance and softness. The emphasis is on overall form.

How's the color?
Harkening back to another by-gone era, the colors in flowers are bold, bright jewel tones in deep purples, reds and blues, set off by strong contrasting shades of orange, hot pink and chartreuse. Or on the opposite end of the spectrum and complementing the popular use of neutral and shell colors in home interiors, pastel colors such as butter yellow, lavendar, pale peach and pink help define today's color palette.

Convenience
Those without a green-thumb can achieve the same rewards by eliciting the advice of their florist. Women consumers are better informed, demanding and want to be involved in the purchase more than ever before. They turn to a professional florist who provides the service, convenience, expertise and guidance today's on-the-go consumers are looking for.

"Vegetative"

Flowers featured: Roses, snapdragons, delphinium, alstroemeria, stock, freesia, trachelium, lilies, gerbera daisies, button pompons, carnations, spray roses.

A very natural design, called "vegetative." It looks as though the flowers are growing in a country garden, and allows you to bring the outdoors inside. The increased popularity of gardening and the desire for simple pleasures makes this the perfect gift for any occasion.

"Just Picked"

Flowers featured: Tulips, roses, lisianthus, spray roses, waxflower, astilbe, Queen Anne's lace.

This free-form, relaxed design looks "just-picked-from-the-garden," adding a touch of elegance to any room. Finished with a flowing french ribbon, the clear glass vase shows off the stems: a natural style indicative of the new Millennium.

*Editor's Note: To retrieve photos in digital form for use in news stories, contact Wieck Photo Database (972) 392-0888. (Refer to the Floral News Bureau file and picture title).

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