IKEBANA FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Ditch the usual vase routine and step into the elegant world of Ikebana — the Japanese art of floral arrangement. It’s more than just arranging flowers — it’s about finding harmony, balance, and beauty in simplicity.

My love for Ikebana began during my travels to Japan. I was captivated by how every arrangement felt like a quiet story, with each stem placed so purposefully. It was unlike anything I had seen before — a celebration of nature, space, and minimalism.

The secret to achieving that effortless look? The kenzan, also known as a flower frog. This little tool anchors stems securely while allowing them to take in more water, extending their life. It transforms even a shallow bowl into a perfect base for floral design. Here’s how I like to create an Ikebana arrangement:

1. Choose Your Base: Skip the tall vase and opt for a shallow bowl or a low, wide vessel with a neutral or textured finish. The base truly sets the tone.

2. Position the Kenzan: Place your flower frog securely in the bowl (I love using this one!). Its weight will keep it stable, even with heavier flowers.

3. Select Your Florals: Less is more. Stick to a small number of stems, mixing heights and textures for balance.

4. Start Arranging: Insert stems into the kenzan one at a time. In Ikebana, asymmetry is key — let one taller stem create drama while shorter blooms and greenery provide balance. Experiment with placement to let negative space become part of the design.

5. Add Water or Go Without: If you’re using a porous vessel, consider skipping water and opting for florals that dry beautifully. For this approach, I recommend lightweight blooms and greenery — think smaller leaves and petals that won’t droop when they dry.

Want to see a video on how I brought an Ikebana arrangement to life? Check out my Instagram reel linked here.

I hope this inspires you to bring the beauty of Ikebana into your home. If you give it a try, I’d love to see your creations so please tag me!