Decorating with flowers and plants can boost your mood and create a welcoming, elegant atmosphere. If you're just starting to decorate with flowers, there are a few techniques and best practices to keep in mind.

Here are seven pro tips for decorating your home with flowers for a designer-inspired look.

Change Your Arrangements Often

Flowers are one of the most versatile decorating elements, as you can continuously refresh your bouquets with something new and exciting. Decorators on a budget can also take advantage of this versatility by comparison shopping for affordable flowers from reputable vendors. Many florists also offer a subscription plan, in which you can get recurring flower deliveries at a discounted rate.

Get creative when changing out your arrangements, keeping a seasonal approach in mind. Using seasonal flowers sets the tone for the decor while being both eco-friendly and budget-conscious.

Perfect Your Floral Arranging Skills

Arranging flowers is an art form that takes years of practice to perfect. However, it's a skill worth developing if you plan on decorating with flowers.

When you receive an arrangement, transfer it into a vase with the drop method, letting the flowers settle as they are. If you get a bouquet that isn't pre-arranged, follow these pro guidelines to get started:

1. Cut the stems on an angle for better nutrient absorption. Trim away leaves from the lower part of the stem.
2. Place larger blooms in the center with smaller blooms toward the outer edges of the arrangement.
3. Find a vessel that keeps the flowers contained in the formation you've put together. Otherwise, use floral tape or foam.
4. Fill in gaps with greenery and filler flowers.
5. Consider balance, creating even distribution of color and size.

If the idea of arranging your own flowers is too intimidating, purchase your blooms from a florist who handles the work for you.

Choose the Perfect Placement

Next, determine the best places to display your flowers. While the center of a dining room table or prominent spot in the living room is always an option, it's nice to think outside the box.

Brighten up your bedroom with a small arrangement on the bedside table. This display is also an elegant touch in a guest bedroom when you're expecting company. You can also display a small tropical arrangement or garden-fresh bloom in the bathroom.

Use flowers to liven up darker areas of the home or create a transition from outdoors to inside. Adding a bright arrangement to entryways, hallways, and mudrooms is always a lovely surprise.

Keep Them Fresh

The fleeting nature of fresh-cut flowers is what makes them so beautiful. Fortunately, there are many ways to extend the lifespan of your floral arrangements.

Change the water every few days, adding plant food to keep them nourished. Remove any fallen leaves or petals from the water to prevent bacteria growth. Mist your flowers and keep them away from extreme temperatures to get the longest possible lifespan.

Consider Fragrance

The fragrance of a bouquet is considered one of the core elements of floral design. Think about which flowers smell the best together and how you can use those scents to create an immersive decor experience. Lavender, for example, is often used in aromatherapy for rest and relaxation, making it ideal for a bedside table.

Rethink Your Vessel

If you hope to decorate with flowers, invest in a few different vessels. You should have at least one long stem vase, a smaller bowl-style vase, and a few accent pieces. If you need inspiration, upcycle old pitchers and glassware from the local thrift shop.

Dry Your Favorites

Finally, keep your favorite arrangements forever by drying the blooms. You can use dried flowers as arrangements around the house or turn them into ornaments or potpourri.

Use these seven tips to make your home more elegant and luxurious with designer-inspired floral decor.