In heaven, it's always springtime. For heaven here on earth, however, you may traverse tulip farms in the Netherlands, roll around lavender fields of the south of France, linger longingly through London's Chelsea Flower Show - or maybe just stroll out your own back door. Fresh spring flowers are a lovely reward for making it through the long winter. So, indulge yourself!

For the home, flowers are the perfect accessory to finish off a room or add a focal point. A simple bouquet of garden peonies in a cut crystal vase shimmers with renewed life. Add a vibrant variety of lilacs, viburnum, oak leaf hydrangea, hosta, or perhaps astilbe and poppies for an exciting twist.

Flowers make such a statement that one single stem can go a long way. Sometimes just a fern or other greenery in a pretty container or a vase full of berries or fruit on a stem can soften a room without adding competing color. It's fun to have three to five small vases with just one stem of the same flower in each.

For designers, the taste in flowers should also fit the style of the room.

In a contemporary setting, for example, an artistic bunch of bamboo branches or a single quiet flower works well. In an English traditional home, on the other hand, a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers may be more appropriate. More elaborate topiary standards of herb, bay laurel, myrtle or lavender give a lively but old-world feel without being stuffy. An olive wood basket brimming with tulips boasts bounty, while a single-stem bleeding heart rose emotes a very delicate but elegant look.

In flowers, fresh is always best, but faux is forever.

Permanent faux flowers, once a heresy, are now in full bloom in stylish homes all across Europe. That's because, today, permanent flowers are literally individual works of art.

Floral artists in Thailand work with special paper molds that sun dry in the tropical sun, and are then coated and assembled by hand. They're thicker, richer, and have the texture and feel of real flowers with a multitude of color variations that you see in nature itself. You might even add a drop of varietal fragrance to your selections!

Today's fine permanent flowers and arrangements have a lasting advantage. They can be custom arranged to fit any spot or color scheme. Then, at a later date, they can be rearranged and reused.

Many create special arrangements for each season, offering a simple technique to keep a room interesting throughout the year. These blossoms are not fragile, and the very best are not inexpensive, but they do keep blooming year after year.

Spring reminds us that florals are an essential element in interior decorating. They can either take center stage or become the perfect compliment to the colors in your sofa or your window treatments.

Bring beautiful flowers inside to extend your garden – even if its your imaginary garden.

Whether fresh or faux, bring a bouquet inside to decorate your home.