• Flowers contribute their intoxicating fragrances, attractive colors and organic shapes to any environment in which they are placed, making a space more pleasant, peaceful and appealing. While a classic, casually assembled bouquet of freshly cut garden flowers is always appealing, there are an array of design ideas and styles that make arranging flowers a creative pursuit.
  
  

Monochromatic

• A monochromatic floral design contains flowers that are all of the same basic color. For example, you can create a monochromatic arrangement using flowers in shades of purple and lavender, such as stock, larkspur and irises. Monochromatic designs have a modern, simple feel.
  
  

Cascade

• A cascading floral design seems to spill out of its container in a lush, overflowing cascade. Long, draping stems of greenery and flowers, such as ivy, asparagus fern and tulips, are arranged to softly fall out of the sides of a container and, in some instances, spill onto the table on which the container is placed. Cascading designs have a sensuous, abundant style.
  
  

Garden

• A garden-style floral design looks as though it was created using flowers from a backyard cutting garden. It has an unstudied, natural, spontaneous look. Flowers of different varieties, colors, shapes and sizes are all combined together in a multihued, fragrant arrangement. A garden-style design can also incorporate fresh herbs, such as lavender, rosemary and chamomile.
  
  

Contemporary

• Contemporary floral design focuses on sleek lines, interesting geometric shapes, and tropical flowers. Birds of paradise, orchids, Hawaiian ginger and proteas are all featured in contemporary floral designs, along with interesting and bold greenery such as banana leaves and bear grass. In contemporary designs, flowers are not crowded, but allowed plenty of room to let their shapes stand out.
  
  

Classic

• A classic floral design is timeless, elegant and as appealing now as it would have been 10 years ago and will be 10 years in the future. An example of a classic design is a round bridal bouquet of all red or all white roses. It is neither overly showy nor bland. Roses, gardenias, and orchids are all classic choices of flowers, while leather fern and salal leaves make for classic greenery.