“Classical lines are not perceived as old fashioned when used with inspiration. For example, by magnifying motifs or using unusual materials. “In fact”, says designer Angelique Diks, “classical styles can be given a new lease of life in this way”.

“Playing around with classical designs is not a recent development. Just look at Viktor & Rolf, who have designed a range of contemporary classic fashion lines for H&M. Look at new, luxury wall coverings with classical patterns, bas-reliefs and contrasting colours. Even chandeliers are back in fashion. The idea behind Floral Empire is much the same. We are reintroducing classical shapes like rosettes, pillars, wreaths and ovals as well as accessories such as bows, ribbons and fabrics. However, these are exaggerated or magnified to bring them bang up to date again. This theme is ideal for creating atmosphere, e.g. with medallion covered wallpaper, a table lacquered in glossy black or white or a classical mirror or vase. All these make Floral Empire perfect for winter use.”

Tips: Create a display
Use white as the main colour in arrangements and add highlights of pink, purple, red, grey-green and silver. Spraying green foliage white can add a stately image. Avoid mixing the colours if possible. Make perfectly symmetrical bouquets and stand them in classical vases or goblets. Decorate them with bows, ribbons or fabrics and use luxurious packaging printed with medallions, reliefs or contrasting vibrant colours. You can also use smooth leather, velvet, crystal and fur.

Elegant Modern mono bouquet of creamy white Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Colombe de la Paix' (3205), in which the stems are wrapped with shiny satin ribbon. Extra  bows can be added.	Koord Teardrop bouquets using Dianthus ‘Farida’ (17159) and ‘Megu’ (26610), Nerine Companion Grp 'Mr John' (22263) and Zantedeschia 'Captain Romance' (18889). The bouquets are finished with a tight edging of box and ivy leaf and are suspended by ribbons.
Rosette Symmetrical arrangement of Dianthus 'White Liberty' (14520) and Hippeastrum 'Temptation' (20820), in a classic flower shaped bowl.	Patterns Hugely magnified corsage using fabric strips to create a decorative frame. With Gypsophila paniculata 'Million Stars' (13400), Nerine Companion Grp 'Mr John' (22263), Ranunculus asiaticus Success Pink (20812) and ‘Mistral Black Jack’ (25085) and Rosa Sweet Akito (21042).
Neoclassic Flat metal vases filled with Nerine Bowdenii Grp 'Biancaneve' (17371), Zantedeschia aethiopica 'White Dream' (14014) and Hippeastrum ' Mont Blanc' (18999) with Magnolia leaves. The designer chandelier is made from paper.