Allied Florists of Houston

International Color Expert Leatrice Eiseman Reveals
How Flowers Bring Feelings To Life

The power of color is well established. Throughout time, nature’s spectrum has played a vital role in areas that significantly impact our everyday lives, from the color of our walls, to our clothes, to our cars – and, even more meaningfully, our emotional responses. In this realm, color may be more essential to our consciousness than we realize.

International color expert Leatrice Eiseman, who has earned international acclaim for her five book titles, including Colors for Your Every Mood and The Color Answer Book, has unearthed the philosophy of Flower Therapy.

Certain color combinations – easily expressed in floral arrangements - can stimulate and relax the senses, release happy memories and enhance our moods.

“Our response to color is intensely emotional, and flowers can be a catalyst for feelings that stimulate more than just our senses of sight and smell.”
- Leatrice Eiseman
Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute
“An artful floral arrangement has the ability to convey a feeling or create a mood without using words, just color.”

Additionally, scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions. Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health – that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

Flower Therapy

Throughout our hectic, fast-paced lives, we seek to rejuvenate ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. According to Eiseman, flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our moods.

“Color can help us find the balance we seek from our surroundings. And, flowers are an ideal way to harness the power of color to enrich our lives.”

"There is no doubt that beautiful surroundings provide us with a special environment that helps us thrive.”

“Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color and emotion into your life.”

- Leatrice Eiseman
Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

The following are Eiseman’s five emotional color palettes that are expressed through color combinations in floral arrangements and the flowers that bring them to life:

SAF's Nurturing Bouquet

NURTURING

A true sense of caring is created by a combination of colors that are fragile, soft and tender. Arrangements in pastel shades and the softest yellows, peaches, warm pinks, creamy whites and subtle greens make us feel safe, snug and loved. Consider a nurturing floral arrangement for a new mother, a sick friend or a grieving loved one – anyone who would benefit from a caring, loving embrace.

SAF's Romantic Bouquet

ROMANTIC

A sensation of intimacy, nostalgia and comfort is captured in this color palette, a blend of delicate warm and cool colors with lavenders and pinks at its heart. Romantic arrangements express loving sentiments and admiration to mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, best friends, significant others and brides-to-be.

SAF's Senuous Bouquet

SENSUOUS

The rich, luxurious color combinations of the sensuous palette set the mood for sophisticated, passionate and even seductive settings. Robust reds and purples, hot pinks and spicy oranges are at the soul of this dynamic floral feeling. Consider a sensuous arrangement for a very special evening or an elegant dinner party – anywhere you want to feel magnetic and extravagant.

SAF's Tranquil Bouquet

TRANQUIL

Serenity and relaxation are the essence of this color scheme. Its peaceful palette, reminiscent of sky and sea, is dominated by clear, light shades of green, misty blues and other cool hues. A vase of tranquility is perfect for busy moms, harried professionals and those who seek a moment of calm from life’s stressful situations.

SAF's Whimsical Bouquet

WHIMSICAL

Fun-loving, free-spirited, playful feelings are conveyed by the whimsical palette, which is characterized by bold, contrasting colors. Floral arrangements featuring these hues set an upbeat tone and are ideal for birthdays, graduations, promotions and other celebrations.

Your Florist =Your Flower Therapist

To achieve Flower Therapy, it can take just one phone call to your florist, a profession that for over a century has designed arrangements that make moments special. A good florist will ask questions about what atmosphere or mood you are trying to create and will provide expert advice on gifts that enhance any sentiment or occasion.

ASKING YOUR FLORIST FOR FLOWER THERAPY

When it comes to achieving Flower Therapy, consult a professional florist to ensure your desired emotion is expressed just the way you want it. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the names of the hundreds of flowers available. By following these simple tips from the Society of American Florists, anyone can order flowers with confidence, send the perfect floral gift for any occasion, and choose a gift that takes into account the feelings of others.

When ordering floral gifts, describe the recipient’s personality, as well as favorite hobbies or colors. Your florist can match the floral arrangement with the recipient’s personal preferences.
Tell your florist if the gift is for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary or other personal milestone) or just because. He or she can offer suggestions on how to best create an emotion with flowers.
If the flowers are for decorating or entertaining, describe the environment where they will be placed so your florist can create an arrangement that complements the style and colors of your home.

SELECTING YOUR FLORIST

Word of mouth is often the best resource when looking for a florist. An outstanding florist will have a good reputation in your community. If you use a telephone book or directory assistance to find a florist, look for one with a local address. If you choose a national service with a toll-free number, pick an established organization with a strong reputation for providing great service. For those looking for a florist, here are some recommendations:

Good florists ask questions about what you're looking for, offer expert advice and suggest floral gifts to match any sentiment, occasion, personality or home decor.
Look for artistry in the florist’s arrangements, design and presentation.
Choose a florist who will get to know you, keep track of your floral preferences and send reminders of upcoming special occasions.
Look for convenient hours, easy-access location and a satisfaction guarantee.
From the familiar rose to exotic tropicals, a great shop carries a complete menu of flowers and plants to choose from.
Florists who belong to professional groups are committed to being the best in their field. Look for affiliation with national wire services (FTD, Teleflora), national trade associations like the Society of American Florists (SAF) and the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD), state and local trade associations (such as Allied Florists of Houston and Texas State Florists Association), and local community and civic organizations.

To read more about the Society of American Florists'
study on color emotion and flower therapy:

The Association of Professional Florists

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo
- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

Allied Florists of Houston

The Association of Professional Florists

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo - your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo
- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.