Space, Line, Form, Size, Texture, Pattern and Color. Balance, Dominance, Contrast, Rhythm, Proportion and Scale. Traditional designs of flower arrangements are those handed down from a previous generation and are considered to be, to a greater extent, decorative rather than interpretive, although there will be some element of the interpretive since one is executing the design today. Visually they emphasize natural lines of growth and the aesthetic qualities of color, form, and texture. Traditional designs stress smooth transitions and harmonious relationships in which similarities predominate over differences.
Forms progress logically in size, colors are graded, and materials are consistent in character.
Traditional designs trace their beginnings to various European Periods. European styles of flower arrangement had certain similar characteristics. All were predominantly Mass designs in form, with quantities of garden flowers used for texture, color and form. Containers were characteristic of the period. Native plant materials were placed in utilitarian containers such as baskets, stoneware or wooden bowls.