'Each bloom must support the composition'

'This series is really a tribute to the Dutch Masters of the Golden Age - those iconic still life paintings that symbolized wealth, elegance and abundance,' says floral designer Hanneke Frankema. 'We wanted to honor their legacy, but as today's Dutch Masters, in our own way.'

Creating such opulent, painterly arrangements is no easy task. 'You need time - a lot of time - and hundreds of flowers, all carefully placed to achieve that perfect balance. Each bloom must support the composition without overwhelming the others.'

Hanneke also emphasizes the importance of structure, proportion, and refinement. 'You can't just keep adjusting endlessly - it must be right almost immediately. But that's the beauty of it. There's real elegance in the layering, in the depth and the subtle lines. It's classical, yes, but with our own modern touch.'

Hanneke created three floral arrangements inspired by the Dutch Masters, each featuring real butterflies delicately integrated into the design - a detail she finds especially enchanting. 'I used butterflies in all three pieces because they add something magical and refined.'

The process, however, was incredibly demanding. 'You wouldn't believe how many flowers we needed to source just to create a few of these arrangements. From a whole bucket, maybe one bloom is at the right stage and facing the right way.' Each piece explores a different color palette and mood, yet all were built using the new Oasis Renewal Floral Foam. 'With strong stems like Delphinium or sun flowers, placement must be precise from the start. You can't keep redoing it, or you'll ruin the base. It must be right the first time.'

Balanced

This large, sustainable arrangement spans nearly a meter in width and is built on a striking base made from the roots of the Davallia fern. These roots dry beautifully, allowing the bowl-shaped structure to be reused time and again. The frame beneath - made from thick aluminum wire - is completely hidden, serving purely as a strong technical support. Long strands of fern root have been woven and layered into an intricate, textured network, adding depth and natural movement. Around 200 water tubes are discreetly embedded throughout the design, making it easy to refresh and reuse each one. Though robust in construction, the overall effect is organic and artistic - a perfect balance of structure and softness.

Floral Pillar

This striking vertical arrangement stands at an impressive 1.8 meters tall and is built upon a modern tulip vase from Ecri Living - a contemporary nod to a classic Dutch form. Inside the vase, a subtle internal structure of three sturdy aluminum wires supports the flowers, which are placed in tubes for hydration and flexibility. The design rises elegantly in a cylindrical shape, with color accents in the flowers reflecting the tones of the vase itself. Thanks to its modular and reusable construction, this piece is both visually impactful and sustainably designed.

Delicate

This delicate arrangement, created on the new OASIS® Renewal Floral Foam, reflects Hanneke's signature style with a soft, pastel color palette. At its heart, a butterfly rests gently on a Chrysanthemum, its wings perfectly echoing the surrounding hues - a subtle yet striking detail. The composition feels light and romantic, yet rich in variety and texture, showcasing a refined sense of balance and elegance.

Mysterious

This arrangement was created in a tall brown vase with rounded shapes and a very narrow opening - far too small to hold such an abundance of flowers on its own. To solve this, Hanneke secured two blocks of OASIS® Renewal Floral Foam on top, allowing for a dramatic and expressive composition. The mood is dark and mysterious, with rich tones of deep red and burgundy adding elegance and depth. In the bold color palette, only the attentive viewer can discover a beautiful, delicate butterfly.

Theatrical

A flower arrangement bursting with vibrant energy and bold contrasts. OASIS® Renewal Floral Foam set in a Delftware-style vase, the arrange
ment features a striking mix of strong colors - vivid reds, oranges, deep purples, and rich blues - creating a lively, almost theatrical effect. Hanneke stepped outside her usual pastel palette for this piece, embracing hues she often avoids. 'I normally steer clear of red, white and blue,' she admits, 'but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It was time to show something different.' The result is a colorful, confident design full of character and movement.