Ever looked at a floral arrangement and thought, "Wow, that's so me"? Or maybe you've walked past another one and thought, "Beautiful…but a bit much." That's the beauty of floral design. Like your taste in music or how you take your coffee, the way you style flowers says a lot about you.
In this guide, we'll explore the two most popular styles in flower design right now: minimalist and maximalist. If you're unsure which style to choose, we'll help you determine.
Understanding the Art of Floral Design
Floral design is about balance. It's the art of placing flowers in a way that feels intentional and thoughtful, regardless of how complex or straightforward the arrangement is. Every decision, from flower type to vessel shape, colour palette, and spacing, plays a role in the overall feel.
If you're styling a room, setting up for a wedding, or gifting someone special, the right flower design can completely shift the energy of a space. And with so many styles to explore, understanding what sets minimalism and maximalism apart is a good place to start.
Minimalist Flower Design: Less, But Meaningful
Minimalist floral design keeps things simple and thoughtful. It's about using space, shape, and just a few well-chosen flowers to create something calm and intentional. You might see a single stem in a sculptural vase, or a small group of soft-toned blooms with plenty of room to breathe. It doesn't try to grab attention with bold colours or packed arrangements.
Pros
Timeless Appeal: Minimalist flower designs have a classic, lasting beauty. They feel elegant today and will still feel just as special years from now.
Highlights Natural Form: When you use fewer flowers, each one stands out more. The stem's shape or the petals' feel becomes the centre of attention.
Works in Most Spaces: Minimalist styling fits right into all rooms: modern or traditional, without feeling out of place or too much.
Calm & Considered: This style brings a quiet, grounded feeling. It adds a sense of calm to busy rooms or big moments.
Cons
Less Room for Error: When you only have a few elements, every detail matters. If the vase feels off or one stem is out of place, it's much more noticeable.
Can Feel Underdone: If you're not careful, a minimalist arrangement can look too empty or lack that warm, inviting feel you're after.
Harder to Personalise: With fewer flowers to work with, adding your own touch is trickier. There's little room for bold colours or fun, quirky details, which can be limiting.
Maximalist Flower Design: More, and Then Some
Maximalist floral design is bold, full of colour, and packed with personality. It's all about layers, texture, and making a big impact. These arrangements fill a space with movement and richness, turning heads and setting a mood.
There are no strict rules here. Maximalist design welcomes contrast, plays with drama, and loves variety. It's perfect for people who enjoy detail, love colour, and believe that more can be more.
Pros
High Visual Impact: Maximalist arrangements are impossible to miss. They catch your eye, draw people in, and leave a lasting impression that sticks with you.
Unlimited Creativity: Want to mix roses with proteas and a bit of wild foliage? Go for it. This style gives you all the freedom to play and show your personality.
Great for Big Events: If you're setting up a venue or want to make a bold statement, maximalist design fills the space and helps set the mood.
Personal & Expressive: With so many options to mix and match, creating something that feels like you is easy.
Cons
Can Feel Overwhelming: When there's a lot going on, things can quickly start to look messy. Without balance, the whole design can lose its shape.
Not Ideal for Every Space: Big floral arrangements can take over a room. In smaller or already-styled spaces, they might feel like too much.
Often Higher Cost: More flowers and materials usually mean more time and money, which can add up quickly.
Trickier to Keep Cohesive: When you're working with many different elements, it takes a good eye to bring them all together in a way that feels right.
Minimal or Maximal: How to Decide What Fits You
Choosing between minimalist and maximalist floral design really comes down to personal taste. If you like clean lines, soft colours, and a relaxed feel, minimalism will likely speak to you. If bright hues, layered textures, and statement-making arrangements excite you, maximalism is probably the better fit.
Think about where the flowers are going. Is it your home? A special event? A gift? Consider the setting, the vibe, and how much attention you want the flowers to command. You might even find yourself sitting somewhere in between: pairing a minimalist base with a few bold accents or going full maximalist but keeping the colour palette soft. There's no wrong answer; just what feels right for you.
From Minimal to Maximal, Linard Floral Does It All
No matter your style, Linard Floral brings your vision to life. Every piece we create is made with care, intention, and a love for floral design that celebrates your taste, whether simple or spectacular.