The Florista’s Meg Hutchinson on Art, Trends, and Design

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

Forward thinking and modern, rooted in garden design and sophisticated color palettes.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE APPROACH?

I have a somewhat non-traditional approach to my projects, as I thrive in environments where there is a level of ambiguity and room for discovery. I believe some of the best work comes from embracing the unknown, so I prefer to collaborate closely with my clients to establish a few key guiding principles or objectives.

From there, I like to give myself the freedom to explore creative possibilities. This balance between structure and flexibility is when I feel most inspired and able to deliver work that is both innovative and authentic.

One aspect I particularly enjoy is working with seasonality. I am deeply inspired by what’s naturally available at any given moment, and I find that creating with what's in season often leads to the most beautiful, organic designs.

As a "cooler shopper," I tend to shy away from pre-ordering flowers or materials. Instead, I like to visit local markets or suppliers to see what is freshly available, allowing me to respond to the landscape of the moment and craft something truly unique. This spontaneity, paired with my focus on seasonality, ensures that each project feels fresh and tailored to the time and place in which it's being created.

WHERE DO YOU SEARCH FOR NEW INSPIRATION?

I draw much of my inspiration from the natural world, particularly the shifting seasons. There’s something incredibly dynamic about nature’s ever-changing palette, whether it’s the rich, warm tones of autumn or the fresh, vibrant hues of spring. I find that nature’s ability to transform in subtle, yet powerful ways offers endless possibilities for creativity. I often find myself inspired by the textures, colors, and organic forms I encounter in the world around me. These elements help shape the mood and direction of my designs.

Additionally, I draw a great deal of inspiration from the world of art. I often find myself captivated by specific pieces, whether they’re classic paintings, modern works, or even just trendy work I stumble into on Pinterest. I’ve found that some of my most memorable and unique color combinations arise when I reflect on works of art, allowing the colors of a piece to influence the designs I create.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH TRENDS?

I have a deep appreciation for trends, but I tend to approach them with a critical eye. I love the idea of engaging with current trends, but I believe the true magic lies in putting a personal spin on them. Trends can be a powerful source of inspiration, and they offer an opportunity to push boundaries and experiment with new ideas. However, it’s important to me that I don’t simply follow them blindly. One of the challenges in this industry is creating a distinct, recognizable "look." If you constantly chase after every trend without considering your own unique style, you can easily lose your creative voice.

Instead, I aim to use trends as a springboard for innovation—something that sparks new ways of thinking or inspires fresh interpretations. By doing so, I can create work that feels both cutting-edge and timeless, allowing me to remain true to my style while avoiding the trap of becoming stagnant or repetitive.

Ultimately, I want my clients to look at a piece and feel like they can immediately recognize it as "The Florista's work." At the same time, I want them to experience that sense of surprise and wonder, as if they’re seeing something completely new and unexpected.

It’s this balance of consistency and innovation that I strive for, ensuring that my work remains fresh, relevant, and always aligned with my creative vision.


WHAT IS THE MOST UNDER-APPRECIATED FLOWER?

Currently, I am totally obsessed with mums, particularly as a seasonal fall flower. I find them to be incredibly versatile, with such a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors that they offer endless possibilities for creative expression. Mums are often unfairly dismissed, primarily because they’ve gained a reputation for being "cheap" or "grocery store flowers."

However, I believe this perception does a disservice to their true potential. Mums have a resilience and versatility that often goes unnoticed, and I think they have the ability to elevate a design in unexpected ways. For me, mums are the perfect example of a flower that is often overlooked, yet has so much untapped potential.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS A LUSH DESIGN BUT HAS A LIMITED BUDGET?

I always recommend focusing on a few key elements that can help maximize impact without compromising on quality. We are very big on price transparency and educating our clients on flower prices and setting the expectation right from the jump.

Ultimately, it’s about being resourceful and intentional in how we select and arrange the elements. While certain flowers might be outside of the budget, I always strive to create a design that feels just as impactful, lush, and memorable, even within the constraints of a limited budget.

IF YOU DESIGNED A TABLESCAPE WITHOUT FLORALS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I would keep the table itself relatively simple, perhaps incorporating dense candles or other understated elements to create a soft, ambient glow. The real statement would come from an eye-catching structural installation above the table.

I envision using dramatic materials like flowing streamers, ropes, or even cascading fabric to create a bold, dynamic focal point hanging over the table. This would instantly draw the eye upward and create a striking visual contrast with the simplicity of the table setting itself.

By using these larger, sculptural elements, the design would still have a powerful, immersive presence, offering a unique and memorable atmosphere without relying on flowers.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD PEOPLE HIRE A FLORAL DESIGNER?

I generally love when clients book me 6-8 months in advance. This timeframe allows for enough preparation to create something truly special, while still keeping the energy and excitement flowing throughout the process. I find that projects with a tighter timeline tend to maintain a sense of momentum, which helps to keep everything fresh and inspired.

That being said, I actually require less lead time than most florists. I thrive on quick turnarounds and enjoy the challenge of working on projects with shorter timelines. In fact, just this year, we successfully completed a huge wedding with less than a month’s notice! I love the fast-paced nature of these projects, as it allows us to remain agile and creative while delivering impactful designs.

WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Ultimately, I wish people had a deeper understanding of the true costs behind floral design, especially when it comes to both the flowers themselves and the skilled labor involved in creating beautiful arrangements. Flowers may seem simple on the surface, but sourcing high-quality, fresh blooms—especially seasonal or specialty varieties—requires significant investment. The prices fluctuate depending on factors like availability, shipping, and market conditions, which can impact the final cost of an arrangement.

Equally important is the cost of good labor. Floral design is a highly skilled craft that requires not only an eye for detail and creativity but also the technical expertise to ensure that every arrangement is structurally sound and visually stunning. The time and labor that go into sourcing, preparing, and arranging flowers is often underestimated. The process involves everything from careful handling and conditioning of the blooms to designing and assembling intricate pieces that align with a client's vision. This level of attention and expertise doesn’t come cheaply, as it requires years of training, experience, and a great deal of dedication.

When clients recognize the value of both the flowers and the skilled labor behind them, it allows for a deeper appreciation of the work involved in creating a truly exceptional design. It’s not just about the flowers themselves, but about the artistry and effort that goes into turning them into something memorable and meaningful.

IF YOU WEREN'T A FLORAL DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

I think I would probably want to be an Anthropologie display coordinator or a set designer!