2 min readIt’s no secret that flower arrangements can be expensive, which is why we’re always looking for clever ways to make store-bought bouquets look like they came straight from a boutique florist. But every now and then, we come across a styling tip that completely changes the way we think about displaying blooms. Interiors photographer Douglas Friedman—who has seen his fair share of beautifully designed homes—has one particularly unexpected rule: only display flowers that are about “an hour away from death.”
As both a photographer and home stylist, Friedman understands how the smallest details can transform a space. In the latest episode of our social video series The Next Issue, Editorial Director Joanna Saltz sits down with Friedman to talk about the simple ways anyone can make their home feel more layered and interesting.
At first glance, the idea might sound strange—after all, most people don’t want wilted flowers on display in their home (unless that’s the spooky vibe you’re going for). But Friedman believes flowers are at their most beautiful when they’ve started to slightly bend, crinkle at the petal edges, and lose their polished look.
“Remember, there used to be a day when it, like, it was peonies, hot pink peonies, but so tight and so perfect. Like they were shellacked to perfection,” Friedman tells Saltz.
His thoughts reflect a broader shift in interior design. Today’s best-designed homes are all about embracing personality and character. A little clutter is welcome because it signals that someone actually lives there. Instead of spaces that feel staged and museum-like, homeowners want interiors that feel warm, lived-in, and authentic. So, displaying a bouquet with a few petals beginning to fall feels more natural—and more beautiful—than one that's pristine.
“I want petals missing and falling down,” Friedman says. “I think it just enhances the beauty of the material next to it.”
