In February 2026, Accent Decor proudly supported the Society of American Florists’ Next Gen Conference in North Carolina. The event brought together floral professionals under the age of 45 from across the country, representing retail, event, wholesale, import, growing, and manufacturing sectors. The conference was designed to educate and strengthen the industry by connecting passionate individuals poised to lead and support the next generation of the floral industry.

A highlight of the conference was the Supplier Expo, offering sponsors a platform to showcase their products and expertise to an engaged, knowledgeable audience. This year, Accent Decor featured the new Melora Arch, demonstrating its scope and versatility as event decor or a large-scale piece. Attendees were able to see firsthand how expertly designed statement pieces can elevate floral displays and showcase flowers in a striking, artful way.

Sheldon Jensen of Flowers by Michelle was tapped to bring the Melora Arch to life, and his meticulous craftsmanship and artistry were on full display. We spoke with Sheldon to hear his impressions of the Melora and to gather his expert tips for designing large, impactful archways.

What was your initial impression of the Melora Arch?
During setup I was struck by how seamless the mechanics are. Additionally, I loved that the screws holding it together are invisible. The base impressed me as it was durable enough to support the weight of my design. Its gold color is a beautiful accent for the back. Overall, I found it incredibly easy to assemble, everything fits together perfectly, and it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight with arms wide enough to accommodate any form I used.

How did you approach designing for this structure compared to other arches you’ve worked with?
Initially, I was unsure how sturdy the metal would be or if it could hold my cages facing forward, so I brought items to secure them, but I ended up not needing them. The flat face makes it so much easier to attach design cages. I worked with the natural curve of the Melora Arch, placing my cages along its shape to make the flowers follow its lines seamlessly.

Did the shape and scale influence your floral selections? How so?
Absolutely. The arch’s shape was perfect for showcasing flowers along its natural curve. Its size allowed me to design large pieces without overwhelming the structure. The arch is strong enough to hold the weight of the flowers, so everything felt balanced without elements overtaking each other.

What mood or atmosphere were you hoping to create with your installation?
Since this design was for a conference, I wanted it to be picture-perfect with a tropical twist. I aimed for a bright and cheerful design that would draw people in while feeling fun and vibrant.

Can you walk us through your floral recipe or color palette?
This installation was a bit different as we partnered with JetFresh for the final florals. I chose greenery that felt playful and versatile, then, as I unboxed the flowers, I separated colors and started shaping the design organically. I love color-blocking, so I kept most elements grouped while allowing a few colors to move throughout the design for a balanced flow.

For florists considering investing in statement structures, what should they keep in mind?
This structure really shines when you have a clear vision for how it fits into your designs and how you’ll introduce it to clients. If that plan isn’t there yet, it might be something to revisit when the right opportunity comes along.

What advice would you give florists who are newer to large-scale installations?
Always design with airflow and negative space in mind. Without it, you risk creating something either extremely expensive or too small to scale. It’s also important to have your mechanics planned but also stay flexible. You might need to make last-minute adjustments.

About Sheldon Jenson
With more than a decade of experience in the floral industry, Sheldon has evolved from a customer service role to managing a family floral shop. He has spent nine years developing his floral design skills and five years overseeing shop operations, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service and continuous learning within the family business. To connect with Sheldon, visit Flowers by Michelle or follow along on Instagram @sheldon_jens.

For more insight on the Melora Arch, read our interview with Christina Yan of Bellevue Floral Company. To shop Accent Decor’s arch wedding decor and wholesale event decor including all new flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com.

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