I woke up this morning feeling absolutely wonderful! The weather has finally broken in Colorado, the trees are starting to bud, and the sun has been out everyday which has been such a mood booster. We’ve been moving along nicely in the primary bath, and with all of the greenery coming in I’ve finally started swapping out my wintery florals for some fresh spring stems. Doesn’t the change of the season just make you feel so energized and happy?

Speaking of spring, there is one hot topic in the world of interior design that most designers just can’t seem to agree on: to use or not to use faux florals. Some say its a faux pas to opt for artificial ones, but I have to be honest with you – sometimes it’s just not realistic or practical to use real stems.

Using Faux Spring Stems

I also have to admit that until recently, I would have never considered using fake florals in my own home. For me, they stir up memories of cheap polyester flowers in old church vases collecting a thick layer of dust that is impossible to wipe clean. You could spot those fakes from a mile away!

But recently, I’ve realized that faux florals have come a long way in the world of decor, and I would rather have faux florals in my home to enjoy everyday than no flowers at all. I still purchase real ones, but I’ve definitely gotten better at layering real stems with fake. A lot of the flowers available on the market today look super realistic, so investing in them has become a bit easier for me to swallow.

Honestly, unless you’re really examining them, you can’t always spot the difference without touching them. And whose rummaging through your home decor, anyway?

My Spring Stem Inspo

My favorite part about our backyard is all of the snowball lilac bushes. It’s still pretty early in the season and they aren’t quite ready to clip yet, so I purchased these faux stems to use until they’re ready. I knew I wanted something big and bushy to make a statement in our front entry and these definitely fit the bill. I’ve been moving them around the house so much that I might need to order another bundle!

One of the reasons I love snowball lilacs is that they closely resemble hydrangeas. In fact, one of my favorite trips we’ve ever taken was to Newport, Rhode Island in the summertime. The hydrangeas were in full bloom and filled the streets – it’s been inspiring me ever since. They were so lush and fragrant – I’m still not over them.

I mean, just look at that color! We could never replicate that here in Denver. I am still on the look out to find the perfect faux hydrangea stem – so if you have one you love, please let a girl know.

When you are selecting a faux stem, make sure to look for ones that feel a little bit imperfect. Nothing in nature is perfect, so your faux florals shouldn’t be either. You should also pay attention to the color variations used within a bundle. Usually, any stems that have multiple hues in both their petals and leaves will appear more realistic in person. Stay away from stems that are one solid color throughout and look for more organic, natural shapes for best results.

My Favorite Faux Spring Stems

Although I’ve welcomed faux florals into our home, I still have high standards when it comes to selecting stems. I still prefer a nice dried floral when possible, but some of the new silk arrangements are absolutely stunning. For the sake of this post, I’m sharing with you some of the spring stems that I own as well as some that are on my wishlist.

I find all of these stems to be affordable options, but if some seem too pricey for your budget, don’t worry! You can easily mix and match different price points to create an arrangement that works for you. Get creative and have fun making something beautiful within your budget

1. Cream Lilac Flower Branch // $8
2. Variegated Ficus Stem // $6
3. Pom Pom Berry Stem // $10
4. Snowball Flower Branch // $9
5. Lavender Arrangement // $40
6. Persian Buttercups // $15
7. Peach Stem Bundle // $70
8. Lilac Bundle // $40
9. Laurel Leaf Branch // $24
10. Green Sedum Spray // $16

Whether you’re team real or team faux, there’s no denying the charm that blooms bring to any space. What are your thoughts on faux florals? Do you have any favorite finds or tips to share? I’d love to hear from you, so drop a comment below. And if you happen to stumble upon that perfect faux hydrangea stem, don’t forget to share the love!