Designing for Large Spaces

The summer months inevitably mean weddings, festivals and graduations, in fact a host of events being held in larger than normal venues. These can be a challenge to decorate with flowers, so how do you elevate a traditional design to impact on a bigger than average space? 

Pedestals

Salisbury Cathedral Flower Festival 

When it comes to large buildings, cathedrals are pretty much top of the list and can be very daunting. However, at Salisbury Cathedral’s recent flower festival ‘Living Water’ there were some clever space filling ideas. 

Using Colour 

This impressive monochromatic design stands out against the busy background of the building. A palette of mixed colours would blend in and not have the same dramatic effect. 

Grouping and Height 

Neither of these  arrangements taken on their own are huge, but when placed in juxtaposition they become one entity, creating a larger whole. Their different heights  emphasise them as a pair, rather than single designs. 

Flower Choice  

The above illustrate the importance of a correct choice of flower material. This is no place for small, insignificant flowers, instead, big mop-headed hydrangea, tall delphiniums and large-headed cabbage roses ensure that these arrangements stand out from the crowd. 

Make Full Use of the Space 

Long branches of contorted hazel extend this low level design approximately 1m in each direction. Spraying the wood blue to match the colour scheme helps to make it more visible. Using branches in this way means that floral material can also be added along their length, incorporating the extension into the design. Salix and cornus would also be suitable.  

Another example of using length to fill a large space are these three identical arrangements on plinths, linked together by flowers and foliage in such a way that it is impossible to see where one design finishes and the other starts. The deliberate placement of the white roses encourages the eye to travel across the full length of the trio. 

RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 

Filling a ballroom with flowers in one of the largest stately homes in Europe is a big ask, but this was the task of the Flower School Sheffield, to provide two pedestals that would flank either side of the demonstrators stage. These beautiful summery arrangements of roses, alliums, delphiniums and gladioli, with plenty of lush, trailing foliage, looked oversized when they were in the workroom, but this was an occasion when trusting your judgement is important, as once they were in situ they proved to be exactly the right size.

Made without using floral foam, a combination of chicken wire, and a bamboo pole covered in moss with grave spikes attached were the sustainable mechanics that supported these gorgeous designs. 

Tips for designing in large spaces? Choose your colours and flowers carefully, don’t be afraid to double or treble your designs, and most of all – be bold! 

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.