Charlotte Moss loves flowers. So much so that the interior designer's 11th book, out April 6, is titled, quite simply, Flowers. The book is a delightful chronicle of some of her favorite arrangements, showcased as complements to her award-winning interiors. "Over the last decade I have photographed hundreds of arrangements in and around the house," the designer tells House Beautiful.
At this point in her career, Moss's talent for flower arranging has become nearly as admirable as her talent for interior design. "When you talk about someone having a passion for gardening or flowers, Charlotte Moss is on top of the list," says House Beautiful's Style Director Robert Rufino. "Her eye and passion and interest are unmatched." To see Moss's expertise in action, Rufino joined her for a morning at the flower market, followed by a session arranging flowers in Moss's New York apartment. Here are some of the most valuable takeaways.
Find a good mix
When perusing the flower market, Moss looked for a range of different plants to bring variety in texture, shape, and color to the arrangements. "We looked for a palette of colors that would complement each other, but weren't the same," explains Rufino.
Don't worry about matching
And speaking of that palette—don't think it has to coordinate perfectly with your interiors. “Some people think flowers should match the color in a room—that, to me, is like the kiss of death," reveals Moss. Instead, use your arrangement as a way to bring in additional color!
Layer flowers with greens
For larger arrangements, Moss begins with the greenery (the opposite of how many others might arrange), so that these wider, leafier elements serve as a de-facto floral cage, providing support to the individual blooms she layers in next.
Go for balance—not symmetry
Don't waste time trying to make your arrangement even. Instead, opt for a variation in size, texture, and height of blooms, resulting in a bouquet that feels balanced (that is to say, you don't want ten flowers to one side and two on another, but two larger elements on one side and three smaller on another works!) but still has elements of surprise and those delightful layers.
Incorporate multiple senses
Your ideal arrangement shouldn't just look good—it should smell and feel good, too! In addition to finding texture, Moss layers in especially fragrant elements to all of her bouquets. "I love jasmine or lavender," she says.
Don't waste any blooms!
Once you've achieved that balance in your centerpiece, don't scrap any extra blossoms! Instead, cut them to varying heights and arrange in small vessels (or even one or two in bud vases) to place in various locations around your home. As Moss says in Flowers, "At home, flowers at my bedside are a must...They are the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before bedtime, along with a book and a husband, that is." Additionally, she says, "Flowers in the entry vestibule is a great welcome for guests and for the family every day." Moss also sets arrangements on bookshelves, mantels, and in bathrooms.
After all, she says, even the smallest arrangements have an impact: "Flowers bring beauty into our lives, and color, fragrance, and life to our rooms and, in a way, they challenge us to make the most of every day."
Use memories for inspiration
Much of Moss's book has to do with memories evoked by flowers and memories that inspire flower arranging. "I realize in looking back as far as childhood, that flowers have always played an important part," Moss tells House Beautiful. "We all have flower memories. Whether it is your first necklace made from buttercups or your bridal bouquet, the images are joyous and vivid." In arranging your own bouquets, incorporate elements that have a special memory for arrangements that are unique and personal.
Beauty doesn't have to be over-the-top
While Moss's interiors certainly veer high-end, her flowers don't necessarily have to: While amassing the hundreds of photographs in her book, Moss says, "The theme that surfaced was one of simplicity: that it’s not about what flowers and how many, it’s just about having them, whether a single blossom or an overflowing basket."
Want more inspiration? Preorder Flowers now!
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Hadley Keller is the Director of Editorial and Community Engagement at the Design Leadership Network, a community of top interior designers. She has covered design, interiors, and culture for over 10 years.
