Isn’t there something so satisfying about making what you already own feel brand new again? It is what spring is all about… renewal, right? If you have followed my blog for a long time, you know I love finding new ways to use my stuff over and over again in new ways. Like this one bunch of long-stemmed faux pink peonies I have had for over 10 years. They’ve moved with me from my previous house, have gone room to room, season to season, and somehow never feel tired or dated. The reason? I rarely use them the same way.
5 Ways to Style the Same Faux Flowers to Create Different Looks
In today’s post, I’m sharing five simple ways I style this one bunch of faux flowers using tall vases, low bowls, planters, and baskets that I have in my decor stash for years. Instead of heading out to buy new florals each year, I restyle this same bundle in different ways depending on the season, the room, or simply the mood I want to create. Each look creates a completely different feel, proving you don’t need more decor… just a fresh perspective.
1. Place the Flowers in Mass in a Floor Basket
Fill the bottom of a large basket with scrunched-up plastic or brown bags, then arrange the stems in the basket to fill. By tucking them into a basket, the long-stemmed faux flowers take on a softer, more casual feel in my foyer.
This look is perfect for a rustic or farmhouse-style home, where a more relaxed and effortless vibe is desired. The faux flowers add a pop of color and texture to the space, while the basket adds a natural and organic feel.
2. Arrange in a Favorite Vase
A tall vase gives the same faux flowers a more classic, gathered look that can look more formal depending on the style of tall vase you use. To make the faux peonies look more realistic when in a glass vase, I always fill the vase with water.
This look is perfect for a traditional or formal space, where a more elegant and sophisticated vibe is desired. The tall vase elevates the faux flowers, making them look more like real flowers.
3. Arrange in a Low Bowl
This low wood bowl feels relaxed and centerpiece-worthy on my wood plank kitchen table. To style the faux flowers in a low bowl, I removed the flower heads from the plastic/wire stems (see below for more on how I do this).
This look is perfect for a casual or rustic-style home, where a more laid-back and effortless vibe is desired. The low bowl adds a natural and organic feel to the space, while the faux flowers add a pop of color and texture.
4. Arrange in an Outdoor Planter
I created this faux concrete planter a few years ago. When looking for something in my attic decor stash to use on the wicker side table in my living room, I came across it. I felt it had just the right casual and outdoorsy – nature-inspired look I am going for in the living room.
To style the flowers in this planter, they still needed stems to hold them up, so I used wooden skewers or chopsticks to create new shorter stems to the height I needed. This look is perfect for an outdoor or patio space, where a more natural and organic feel is desired.
5. Place in a Tote and Hang on a Wall or Door
I created this arrangement one summer after we removed the stone fireplace in the living room. To create it, I filled the tote with scrunched-up plastic bags so the flowers won’t fall deep into the basket and hung it on the wall with a screw. It would also look great on an entry door to your home instead of a wreath.
This look is perfect for a seasonal or festive space, where a more playful and whimsical vibe is desired. The tote adds a fun and casual feel to the space, while the faux flowers add a pop of color and texture.
How to Remove the Flower Heads From the Stems
Depending on your flowers, removing the flower heads is as easy as pulling them off the stem. Doing this doesn’t cause any damage, so that if you want to style the flowers in the future using the long stems, you can simply pop the flower heads back on.
Once you have the flower heads off the original long stems, break wooden skewers or chopsticks to create a new shorter stem to the height you need. Since these stems won’t be seen, it doesn’t matter what they look like as they are just a way to hold the stem upright.
A Few More Faux Flower Styling Ideas
- A large vase on a hearth filled with the faux flowers. I haven’t styled the peonies this way yet, but I am sure I will in the future. All you need to do is line up a collection of identical glasses or vases and fill them with the faux flowers.
- A faux flower garland on a staircase or along a banister. This is a great way to add a pop of color and texture to a space without taking up too much space.
- A faux flower wreath on a front door or wall. This is a great way to add a seasonal or festive touch to a space.
By following these simple tips and ideas, you can give your faux flowers a fresh new look every year without buying new decor. Remember, it’s all about perspective and creativity!
