ROSE FOR YOU

Do you characterize yourself as a morning person? Probably not, according to mood research conducted by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, which found that a majority of people are least positive in the morning.

The research did, however, find a creative, natural solution to give your mind and body some morning glory -; flowers. Participants in the behavioral study reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning, particularly in the kitchen, because it gave them an emotional boost that lasted well into their workdays.

"The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon, with positive moods -; happiness, friendliness and warmth, for example -; manifesting much later in the day," said Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., lead researcher in the study. "Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into our subjects' morning routines, people perked up."

Simply incorporating flowers into your home, particularly in the kitchen, may be one of the best ways to boost your morning -; and overall -; mood. New York City floral and interior designer Rebecca Cole, host of the Discovery Channel's "Surprise by Design," has compiled several flower tips to help brighten your day:

Play off of the accent colors in your kitchen.

Look around and match flowers to decorative wall plates, placemats or curtains to pull out key accent colors.

Playing it simple and elegant.

For a sure-fire bang of modern beauty and simple elegance, select a variety of flowers in just one color family. For the kitchen table, cut stems short to stay below eye level.

Make a big "wow" statement with one type of flower.

Take off the leaves below the waterline, and place them in everyday kitchen containers such as a big jug, teapot, coffee tin or water pitcher for a burst of cheer.

Creating a sense of drama.

Line three bud vases or decorative bottles, low or tall, along the middle of your kitchen table or along your sink for a fun, dramatic effect. It's also a great conversation starter when guests drop by.