Faux flowers have a bad rep – cheap, tacky and, well, fake – but designers and retailers have come a long way, with some faux bouquets (faux-quets?) actually landing a highly believable look and feel. When the situation calls for it and you are required to use faux flowers in an interior (whether your touch is a death sentence to anything green or you simply want to avoid the maintenance of fresh flowers) follow the advice of these top South African designers and get your faux flower game on point.
Mix Faux Flowers with Real Dried Foliage
For me, the most important aspect is the colour, as this really makes or breaks the look – that moment when green is too green,’ says interior designer Hendre Bloem. ‘I always look for natural-looking options; if it does not look like that in real life, then I do not necessarily want to use the faux version.’ The expensive stuff is not your only option, though. Hendre recommends visiting second-hand stores – with a little luck and a discerning eye, you should be able to pick up some unique artificial blooms.
For Hendre, the real benefit to using faux flowers is the lack of restrictions that real plants face – ‘In a way, they are way more flexible as they do not require a base of water and, therefore, have virtually endless opportunities. I love utilising them in a sculptural way and in unexpected areas, such as on a ceiling or even on the floor.’
His other pro tip: mix faux flowers with dried foliage for a unique and surprisingly realistic look. ‘You know if you have a green thumb or not, and the faux options are great for homemakers who do not have time for the hassle or maintenance – or disappointment. Make sure to get a professional to style it, and the arrangement will keep for months.’ ― Hendre Bloem, Hendre Bloem Interior Design
How to Make a Fake Flower Display Look as Real as Possible
La Grange Interiors founder Sumari Krige understands your need for faux flowers better than you think. ‘People have busy lives, and although real flowers and foliage are an integral part of your home, there is nothing more depressing than dying blooms, she says. ‘Although faux plants are more expensive than fresh, they are more cost-effective in the long run, making them a popular choice.’
So, what are Sumari’s non-negotiables when it comes to filling your vase with fake florals? ‘I feel that faux flowers have come a long way from what they used to be, and the difference between quality, look and feel has become significantly clearer,’ she says. The aim with faux flowers is to make them look as realistic as possible, and she recommends achieving this by opting for a more-is-more approach to create visual interest that is organic on the eye. ‘Unfortunately, nobody wants to hear it, but the pricier products are often more realistic.’ So invest, and your interiors will be sufficiently flowered for the foreseeable future.
‘Faux flowers can look terrible if not styled correctly,’ she warns. ‘The art is to create a display that looks as realistic as possible. If you are placing one or two stems here or there, it is not going to provide you with the effect you want to achieve. You have to use them en-masse.’ Sumari also recommends incorporating real flowers with faux greenery to bulk up a decorative display – and feel free to pop your faux flowers in water to further create the illusion of real greenery.
‘We have just ordered a consignment from SILK-KA in the Netherlands to be in stock by the end of February. The exceptional quality and exquisite detail of their handmade silk flowers have made them one of the most renowned designers and exporters of artificial flowers worldwide,’ she says. ― Sumari Krige, La Grange Interiors
Opt for Aged, Dried Flowers Instead
For interior designer and Apax Design founder Rudolph Jordaan, the devil is in the details. ‘Put it this way, if the eye perceives it as faux, then our other senses – especially touch – will take the next step to affirm,’ says Rudolph. ‘With poorly made faux plants, the give away is usually in the edges where the fabric gets cut; they will feel rough and frayed rather than smooth (as they are in nature). Texture is another big red flag. Depending on the type of plant or the flower, an unbelieve sheen will be a fail but, on the other hand, a flower or plant that is too matt or felt-like will appear dull and attract a lot of dust. Your best bet is to opt for faux flowers made from pure silk.’
Struggling to find a bunch that meet your standards? Rudolph suggests an alternative solution: ‘Dried flower arrangements are very trendy at the moment. You can also dry your own flowers by hanging them upside down. Add a splash of essential oils if you need them to smell good.’
When it comes to styling, Rudolph’s recommendation is simple: keep it real. ‘Pretend as if you are working with actual flowers and not something synthetic, which is to say, do not overcrowd the vase, and if your faux flower bunch comes from one stem, avoid using a clear container or the jig’s up.’ Also, try something unusual, such as a ceiling display, to bring a sculptural – quite fantastical – element into the room. ― Rudolph Jordaan, Apax Design
