A Fresh Way to Style with Flowers: Ikebana

Posted: September 23, 2026

People admiring ikebana flower arrangements

Tired of predictable floral arrangements? Ready to shake up your tablescape with something unique? Maybe you need ikebana.

On the latest episode of the Seated podcast, host Jessa joined plant whisperer Kossi, founder of Denver’s OnlyPlants, to try out this ancient craft, as they turned a few carefully chosen stems into striking, sculptural arrangements.

Want to make one of your own? Below, we’ll explore what makes ikebana distinctive, why it works so well in modern spaces, and how to create an arrangement with a few stems and a vessel you love.

See it on Seated!

Want to deep dive into all things Ikebana? Check out the latest Seated podcast episode, with Only Plants owner and guest Kossi!

What Is Ikebana?

Originating in Japan more than 500 years ago, ikebana translates literally to "making flowers alive" or "living flowers". Rather than filling a vase with blooms, it uses only a handful of elements that invite you to notice the shape of a branch, the angle of a leaf, or the way a flower draws your eye.

In ikebana, the open space between the elements is important: it gives the arrangement its distinctive silhouette and lets each cutting stand out.

Three ikebana flower arrangements on counter

That doesn’t mean ikebana can’t be colorful.

A bright bloom can be the star of the show, with a few carefully placed stems giving it shape and balance. The goal is to make every element feel intentional, like a living sculpture.

Why Ikebana Makes the Perfect Modern Centerpiece

It makes a statement without taking over. A thoughtfully shaped branch or bloom can catch the eye without requiring a tableful of flowers.

It leaves room for conversation. Keep a dining-table arrangement low or position taller stems away from guests’ sightlines.

It fits your space. Style a shallow bowl for the dining table, or scale down your design for a coffee table or console.

It makes the most of a few stems. One market bunch can give you materials to experiment with across several small arrangements, as Kosi and Jessa discuss in the episode.

It feels personal. Choose a vessel and seasonal cuttings that suit your home, then let their shapes guide the finished piece.

Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Own Arrangement

Ready to try it? Follow Kossi and Jessa’s lead: choose one piece that catches your eye, build around it, and give yourself permission to adjust as you go.

Step 1:

Choose your vessel and focal piece.

Pick a shallow bowl that can safely hold water, then select a branch, flower, or striking leaf to lead your design.

Think about where the arrangement will live: a dining table centerpiece may need to stay lower than one on a kitchen island.

Step 2:

Set up your pin frog.

Place your pin frog (also called a kenzan) securely in the bowl, with the pins facing up, and add enough water to keep the cut ends of your stems submerged.

Step 3:

Start with your strongest line.

Trim your focal stem to the height you want and carefully set its base onto the pins. Let a natural curve or lean establish the arrangement’s silhouette.

In the episode, Kossi starts with his tallest piece, then works downward.

Closeup of ikebana with single flower stem in hand

Step 4:

Add contrast at lower heights.

Bring in a second and third cutting to add depth without hiding your focal piece. Try a leaf beside a flower or a delicate bloom against a woody branch.

Kossi likes working with 3, 5, or 7 cuttings, but you can stop as soon as the arrangement feels complete.

Step 5:

Step back before adding more.

Look at the arrangement from the angle where people will see it.

Can you still appreciate the shape of each cutting and the space between them? If not, shorten, reposition, or remove a stem.

Wide angle shot of ikebana flower arrangements

Reinvigorate Your Space with Mindful Botanical Design

Styling your home should bring peace, beauty, and authentic self-expression. Whether you are hosting a festive holiday dinner or refreshing your living room coffee table for the week ahead, an ikebana centerpiece brings fresh artistic energy into everyday living.

Grab a decorative bowl, pick up a few seasonal stems, and give the art of ikebana a try. Be sure to tune in to the full episode of Seated with Furniture Row to watch Jessa and Kossi craft their arrangements live, and share your handmade creations with us on Instagram!