In the world of Arizona floral design, few names carry the trust, taste, and tenure of Nicole Newman. As the creative mind behind Simple Bliss Designs, she has become the Valley’s quiet authority on color, composition, and the art of crafting arrangements that feel both modern and deeply rooted in the desert. Her clients rely on her intuition, her understanding of climate, and her ability to translate trends into timeless design.
So as 2026 approaches, we turned to Nicole for the patterns she’s seeing take shape. What colors will dominate homes and weddings? Which stems will thrive in the desert? What textures and shapes will define the year ahead? Her answers create a clear, thoughtful roadmap for anyone looking to style florals in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and distinctly Arizona.
Seasonal Color Moods
- Winter: Stone blue, pewter, olive, deep evergreen, cranberry
- Spring: Chartreuse, blush apricot, lilac, dewy greens
- Summer: Sun-forged gold, cactus green, teal, rust, electric coral
- Early Fall: Burnt sienna, terracotta, plum, ochre, muted sage
Month-by-Month Color and Stem Guide
- January: Stone blue and pewter with eucalyptus
- February: Blush and berry with ranunculus
- March: Chartreuse with sweet peas
- April: Sun-washed apricot with peonies
- May: Terracotta melon with garden roses
- June: Sun-scorched gold with sunflowers or solidago
- July: Monsoon teal with kangaroo paw
- August: Lush monsoon green with bird of paradise
- September: Burnt sienna with leucadendron
- October: Dusky plum with dahlias
- November: Olive and pewter with olive branches
- December: Deep evergreen and cranberry with amaryllis
What’s Trending in 2026
Sculptural, drought-conscious blooms define the year. Protea, king protea, leucadendron, banksia, kangaroo paw, anthurium, trailing amaranthus, dried pods, bleached grasses, and hybrid preserved stems. These stems echo desert architecture and thrive in Arizona’s climate.
“They photograph beautifully and they survive,” Nicole says.
Climate Matters
Arizona’s extreme climate plays a measurable role in floral longevity. High temperatures, strong UV exposure, and very low humidity accelerate evaporation from petals, which is why delicate blooms wilt so quickly here. Flowers with thicker, waxier, or more fibrous stems retain moisture longer, allowing them to stay vibrant even in harsh conditions. Tropical varieties naturally withstand heat, making them ideal for summer, while winter’s cooler air supports structured greens and sturdier foliage.
Protea, eucalyptus, orchids, anthurium, succulents, and woody branches consistently perform well because their anatomy is designed to conserve water. More fragile stems such as tulips, peonies during warm spells, delphinium, lilac, sweet peas, and gerbera tend to falter, especially in direct sun.
“Longevity in the desert is all about biology,” Nicole says. “The flowers that thrive here are simply built for it.”
Unexpected Combinations
"Fresh pairings include protea with sweet peas, succulents with ranunculus, and dried palms with orchard fruits," she says.
- Terracotta with ice blue
- Sage with electric coral
- Deep plum with chartreuse
- Dusty lavender with sun-faded gold
Florals & Wellness
Florals have a measurable impact on mental wellbeing. Studies show that fresh flowers lower cortisol, boost positive mood, and create an immediate sense of calm. Nicole says it’s because flowers invite you to pause to notice color, texture, scent, and something living in your space. It’s a small, sensory ritual that shifts the energy of a room and your state of mind.
Implementing certain colors into your home or floral palette isn’t just aesthetic; there’s actually a science behind it. Studies in environmental psychology show that soft greens and blues mimic natural landscapes, which the brain interprets as safe and restorative, lowering stress and heart rate. Lavender-based hues have been linked to reduced anxiety and improved relaxation responses in both neurological and aromatherapy research. Warm neutrals and soft whites help regulate the nervous system by creating low visual stimulation, reducing cognitive load and mental fatigue. When used together, these tones create an environment that supports emotional balance, promotes calm, and subtly encourages a more regulated state of mind.
Nicole suggests approaching florals as a weekly wellness ritual: choose one small floral moment each week, select stems that match your mood, and arrange them with intention. Refresh the water midweek, recut the stems to extend their life, and at week’s end, repurpose or press the blooms as a gentle way to close the cycle.
What's in and What's Out
Nicole’s floral pick for the season is the protea: bold, sculptural, long-lasting, and striking enough to stand as a design piece on its own. It thrives in desert environments, adds instant artistry to any arrangement, and brings the kind of structure and personality that defines modern Arizona style.
As for what's out... the era of candy-colored, perfectly symmetrical Instagram bouquets is fading fast, along with foam-heavy, cookie-cutter arrangements that feel manufactured rather than meaningful. In their place, designers are embracing textural, regionally influenced florals that honor place and climate.
"Arrangements now have intention, movement, and air, with shapes that feel organic rather than engineered. It’s a shift toward authenticity and artistry, and away from trends designed only for the camera."
Where Florals Belong at Home
"Place florals where people pause, not just where they look."
- Entry table: tall stem or sculptural bowl
- Dining table: low, horizontal arrangement
- Kitchen island: casual greenery
- Bedside: calming bud vase
- Bathroom: succulents or eucalyptus
An Easy Formula for Beginners
Nicole’s go-to formula for effortless arranging is the 1–3–5 Rule. Start with one focal bloom to anchor the design, add three supportive stems for balance, and finish with five greens or textural fillers to create depth. The magic comes from using odd numbers, varied heights, and a simple vase; a combination that instantly makes any arrangement feel polished and intentional.
Start with warm neutrals or mineral tones. Layer in seasonal color. Use sculptural lines, negative space, and intentional asymmetry.
“Think museum piece, not bouquet,” she says.
About Nicole
Nicole Newman is the Owner, Certified Floral Designer (CFD), Arizona Master Florist (AzMF), and Lead Eventscape Designer behind Simple Bliss Designs. With more than 25 years of experience in the floral and events industries, she brings a refined blend of artistry, precision, and elevated design to every project.
Raised in a family of interior designers, Nicole’s early exposure to aesthetics and thoughtfully crafted spaces shaped her lifelong passion for florals and event styling. She founded Simple Bliss Designs in 2004, relaunched the brand in 2023, and has since earned both her Arizona Master Florist and Certified Floral Designer credentials further deepening her technical skill and creative voice.
Known for designs that are intentional, personal, and artfully composed, Nicole approaches each client experience with care, creativity, and a dedication to creating unforgettable moments.
simpleblissdesigns.com
(602) 370-5350
"Fresh pairings include protea with sweet peas and succulents with ranunculus."