Have I mentioned that sometimes I get a little ‘moody’?
I do.
Sometimes that mood is just all me-and that creative energy process… and other times it is reflected in my decor and flowers too. Instead of soft and subtle by itself- I add in a bit of rich saturated hues like you might find in dark velvet pillows and burgundy candles, mood filled paintings and lots of ‘drama’.
I love them and might be a bit of a drama queen. I have quite a bit of saturated moody colors in the house actually- I find that the perfect balance to all that soft and simple white palette that I love to decorate with -is to add something deep and rich to the mix. Bring in a bit of brass and dusty greens too- and you basically have summed up what I love in the house right now.
And I have another confession. This floral design wasn’t all planned out. It wasn’t on purpose. It was one that just sort of came together.
Where it started
Did you know how this moody arrangement started? With a design for Christmas. Yes. Christmas. You saw a sneak peek in The Weekend View yesterday… and there is more on that design that will be coming your way soon. But when that was wrapped up- I gathered up the blooms and put them all together and brought them in the house. And they were perfection with the raw wood armoire and brassy golds. So sharing a bit more about this gorgeous bucket of blooms today.
The Flowers
Blush & White Peonies, Burgundy Dahlias, Chocolate Lace, Baby’s Breath and spiral eucalyptus. All beautiful by themselves- and together – they create a charming arrangement.
And one that is full of French style charm.
Tip: Start with your favorite neutral color flowers and add a bit of mood with dramatic colors. I started with blush and white peonies- and the burgundy dahlia was the perfect rich accent.
I started by simply gathering up each of the blooms and placing them in the bucket just as they are. They mostly fell into place and created a bit of of a moment without any tinkering. But I did position a couple of the peonies and Chocolate Lace to fill in a few areas.
Don’t sweat the unruly look
You will notice it is a wonky arrangement- not perfectly symmetrical or designed. My favorite flower arrangements are ones that feel that they just came together as they are – no rules and regulations for making sure that they are perfectly placed.
These cane back chairs are vintage from The Bella Cottage when we were working on my new book. They are absolutely so charming and my husband and I both love them.
Giveaway
On that same note- there is just 1 more day to enter to win the $500 Shopping Spree to The Bella Cottage– it is so easy to enter- find all the details in this post.
What do you think about adding a bit of a moody look to the dining room?
Mary from life at bella terra says
Courtney,
I would love to see a post on how you photograph this…I know you are a professional, but It would be fun to learn about the camera you use, the settings, etc. Beautiful shots, indeed.
Courtney says
That would be fun to do! I am actually working on something along those lines that has to do with photography 🙂 Stay tuned.
Diana says
Totally beautiful Courtney, I always love your arrangements.
Courtney says
Thanks so much Diana!
Antonietta says
Hi Courtney! As always, a stunning post of words and photos from your talented Hands. I wish i could find a way of explaining why the photos are so ComfortabLe to thE eyes; maybe its the “poetry” of your styling. “preTty “ Can be such a simple word, but its really the Only perfect word that can encompass all yOur Thoughtful photography for Your blog. And yes…….definitely with a french flair. Blessings!
Courtney says
Hi Antonietta! What a lovely note to find this morning!! It is such a compliment to hear that you feel that way -thank you!
Barbara c says
All of those beautiful flowers in that galvanized bucket—looks like a painting! On a side note, i don’t have my caps lock on!
Courtney says
They do! Thank you!! And not sure why the caps lock appears to be on- it is one of the strange glitches we are working on!
Barbara c says
Now i see that when my comment is posted it is not all caps.
Cindy James says
LOve the moody look. I do the same in our home. Esp. in the cold months. Golden light and moody colors spell cozy for me. Thanks much for this beautiful post.
Courtney says
Yes! Moody styling for winter is always so beautiful!
Nancy Brantley says
I Absolutely love this arrangement with that GORGEOUS raw wood armoire and cane back chairs!!!
Courtney says
Thank you Nancy!The armoire is from Eloquence! 🙂 Hope all is well!
Jacquie Ellsmere says
I love the moody look of your flower arrangement and it is surprisingly Similar to an idea I had Last winter after I purchased two velvet pillows With an old worLd look of a renaissance painting, Featuring florals in A soft pink,Dark purples , dark grays and soft grays,The pillow backs are black velvet. I then gathered up some of my Favourite Artificial Flowers to compliment thE pillows, next came candles, pretty throws and off to the races scoring my hoUse for other nuggets of design to compliment the MOody cozy look! I very much enjoy reading your blog….so inspiring.every time!
Courtney says
Sounds so lovely Jacquie! I am a big fan of moody elements coming together!
Anja says
Gorgeous as always,Courtney.
I am so very jealous of your beautiful chandeliers 🥰
Courtney says
Thanks so much Anja!
Susan N. says
This is my favoRite Arrangement to daTe Courtney! ABsolutely beautiful is your goRgeous dining room. So, so charming.
Courtney says
Thank you!! It was such a fun one to put together.
Carolyn K. says
Wow, your talents grow with each passing year. (I still remember your blog about your son’s graduation From hiGh school & how hot it was!) It has been such joy to watch you define your talents. Congradulations, each blog is stunning. I thank you for proviDing this fan with so much beauty and style.
Carolyn K.
Courtney says
Hi Carolyn!
Oh my gosh!! That was awhile ago-and I am reminded how HOT it was just thinking about it!! I love that you remember that post and that you are enjoying my blog even now! That is so wonderful!! 🙂 Thank you so much!
debbraweber says
LOVE the mood/setting!! loved to see the christmas post. I can’t wait to see more. stay well!!
Courtney says
Thank you!
Bettie says
I love the richness of tHe colors you put together! As usuual, your wOrk is very beautiful!
Shelly Bultemeier says
bEAUTIFUL ARRANGEMENT! i’M FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE FLOWERS EXCEPT THE cHOCOLATE lACE… CAN YOU GIVE A LITTLE INFO ON IT? tHANKS
sHELLY