Spending time with loved ones, feeling a connection to our community, and prioritizing our mental health have all taken on a heightened importance — and flowers and plants serve as a vital connection to all three. We want them in our homes, workplaces, schools, and everywhere else we gather.
To find out what 2024 has in store for floral trends, we asked Valerie Ghitelman, former vice president of product development, design, and sourcing at 1-800-Flowers.com, for her thoughts.
1. Vibrant colors
Bold, bright shades signify hope and optimism, and blooms and floral arrangements in striking hues are on trend for this year.
"We developed designs with vibrant, colorful accents for 2024, making the overall look exciting, cheerful, and optimistic," Ghitelman says.
Magenta will be popular, since "Viva Magenta" was the Pantone color of the year for 2023. And on the heels of the "Barbie" phenomenon, hot pink is hot as ever.
"Joyful and lively color is important because it is upbeat and can transform your mood and lift your spirits," she explains.
2. Tranquility
While we enter 2024 with renewed optimism, we also yearn for peace and calmness. And fresh flower arrangements and plants can help us feel less stressed in our lives.
"White and cream as a monochromatic color scheme in design is an emerging color trend since it provides tranquility in a demanding world," Ghitelman says.
"These colors are often used to soften and neutralize arrangements," she continues. "Arrangements with serenity and calm help quiet our surroundings, creating a more relaxed and soothing environment."
3. Nostalgia
"Transparent colors in soft faded hues are also comforting and serene," Ghitelman notes, adding that she sees an interest in vintage colors such as soft peach, pink blush, soft rose, and lilac tones mixed with neutrals.
She mentions that light, washed colors possess a sense of antiquity, underscoring a nostalgic Victorian trend.
4. Wedding flowers
Brides who have put off their weddings until now have had a lot of time to ponder their flower options, Ghitelman says, and they, like so many of us, have likely turned to social media for inspiration. There, they have been inundated by more colorful designs and accents to celebrate the big day.
"Couples are looking for more punch and less tradition, and are opting for non-conventional styling as well as colors that are bold," she says.
She also notes that bouquets are taking on new shapes outside the typical round configuration. Brides, for example, may choose dainty arrangements that can be easily carried in one hand or larger asymmetrical bouquets that include foliage, fronds, leaves, and other non-floral elements.
5. Houseplants
There's been a renewed interest in caring for and decorating with houseplants, and Ghitelman doesn't see that changing anytime soon.
"Planting seeds and watching plants grow provide a sense of self-worth and optimism as people are looking for value and meaning in their homes," she shares. "The idea of connecting with nature is significant as a way of improving indoor air quality as well as impacting our well-being in a positive way."
Other offshoots of the houseplant trend for 2024 include:
- Swapping and gifting plant cuttings with friends, family, and the community
- Pet-friendly plants
- Collecting unique pots and planters
- Hanging baskets
- Herb growing kits
- Indoor "garden rooms" and greenhouses
- Plant prints and patterns for decorative accessories
6. The Royals
King Charles III of England was crowned last May, and floral designers predict that the lily of the valley — a favorite among the royals for several decades — will be trending on this side of the Atlantic as a result.
"This white bloom symbolizes love, motherhood, and purity," Ghitelman notes. "It was featured in the Queen's coronation bouquet in 1953 and was included in Kate Middleton's wedding bouquet when she married Prince William."
King Charles III, who is responsible for the restoration of about 60 wildflower meadows in the U.K., has revealed that his favorite bloom is the delphinium.
"Bluebells will be in season for the coronation," Ghitelman explains. "These add a fresh and natural component to any floral display. We may also see primrose flowers for color, with their creamy yellow blooms."
7. Sustainability
Mindfulness and caring for the environment are also part of the 2024 floral trends.
"We are using more sustainable flowers and greenery that can last longer and provide the recipient more time to enjoy their arrangements," Ghitelman explains. "Flowers like chrysanthemums, carnations, cremones, roses, and lilies have a longer vase life than other more tender floral varieties.
"The addition of greenery is also an essential element in floral design, and greenery has greater longevity."
AUTHOR
Tricia Drevets has over 15 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in topics of interest to small business owners. She also frequently writes about parenting, senior care, and healthy living. When she’s not at her keyboard, you might find her digging in her garden or hiking the trails of Southern Oregon with her golden retriever.