As a contemporary ikebana style, free style is not limited to the home. Free style can be appreciated during ceremonial occasions, at large events, on the stage, or in a show window. Free style has no rules governing its arrangement. Spaces and situations where the creativity of free style can be enjoyed are unlimited.

The various qualities of plant materials provide new starting points for creative arrangement. Some free style arrangements emphasize the natural shapes and characters of plant materials. Other arrangements look at plant materials in new ways, with utilization determined by the expressive intention of the arranger.