Dried and tested blooms

Dried flowers are trendy again: Here’s why they have made a huge comeback – and how to make your own

Along with chintzy fabrics, pine furniture and ivy wall stencils, dried flowers were an interiors fad that died out some time in the 1990s.

For more than two decades, preserved petals were – for the most part – consigned to the scrap heap as Scandi-style minimalism took over. But now, the trend pendulum has swung in the other direction, and dehydrated blooms are back with a bang.

“Dried flowers and grasses, also known as ‘everlastings’, have made a huge comeback over the last few years,” says Ash Read, interiors expert and founder of Living Cozy.

“Trendsetters are switching out their fresh bouquets for dried wildflowers, using the

iconic Instagram and Pinterest blossoms to make beautiful seasonal displays.”

Brands like the Happy Blossoms and Your London Florist have become hugely popular with brides who want a bold bouquet and shoppers who want to brighten up their homes.

“I have not seen such interest since the 1970s when I wrote my second book, Teach Yourself Dried Flowers,” says Judith Blacklock, author of 18 books and founder of her own flower school.

“We have had our dried flower courses sold out and enquiries into these courses have more than doubled.”

Why the sudden resurgence? “Perhaps it is a result of the pandemic,” Judith says.

“Many are working from home or spending more time in the home than before and want it to look its best. Whilst fresh flowers are a lovely way to decorate a home, it requires effort to change fresh bunches and there is also the cost.”

Plus, there’s the sustainability aspect, with some fresh flowers flown hundreds or thousands of miles from where they’re grown in carbon-intensive greenhouses.

Ash Read agrees that “These low maintenance flowers are perfect for

those that struggle to maintain fresh flowers, adding amazing textures and personality to the home without the guilt of purchasing fresh bouquets every week.”

There are lots of incredible dyed or painted arrangements to buy online if you love the maximalist aesthetic, including the Candy Corn Dried Flower Baked Blossom Autumn Wreath, £48, and the Sherbert Macaroon Baked Blossom Bunch, £32, both from the Happy Blossoms.

Candy Corn Dried Flower Baked Blossom Autumn Wreath, £48, available from the Happy Blossoms

The Mystic Nova Dried Flower Baked Blossom Bunch, £32, available from the Happy Blossoms

The Sherbert Macaroon Baked Blossom Bunch, £32, available from the Happy Blossoms

Bold dried blooms have gone viral during the pandemic

Preserved flowers are back with a bang