CHARLOTTE MOSS ON ELEVATING THE EVERYDAY THROUGH FLORALS

Apr 30, 2021Uncategorized

Interior designer, tastemaker, and author Charlotte Moss. Photography by Brittany Ambridge.

Well-known in the world of interior design for her creative and timeless aesthetic, keen eye, and unique point of view, Charlotte Moss has been delivering inspiration for decades through her work, lectures, and books. For her latest title, Charlotte Moss Flowers (Rizzoli), the tastemaker turned her attention to florals, which she regards as not just for special occasions, but as glorious additions to decorating, entertaining, and everyday living. The result is a vivid chronicle of how flowers can enliven and brighten our lives, whether placed on a bedside table, a single stem in a quiet corner of a room, or a cluster in the center of the dining table.

Of course, gorgeous imagery, expert instruction, and inspirational touchstones come into play in the new volume. To that end, included throughout are images of Charlotte’s flowers that she has captured for the past decade; ideas for arranging flowers, selecting containers, and placing blossoms around the house; and thoughtful reflections on the contributions of past tastemakers, authors, and artists as muses—Colette for the role flowers have played in her prose, Karen Blixen and the garden arrangements she enjoyed creating for herself and her friends, Bunny Mellon’s baskets, Constance Spry and her groundbreaking mastery of arranging, and Lee Radziwill for her rooms filled with flowers and floral-themed works of art, to name a few.

Charlotte Moss Flowers , the author’s 11th publication.

On the eve of the book’s publication, The Scout Guide sat down with Charlotte to learn more about her floral philosophy, her favorite types of flowers, tips for creating a signature arrangement, and more.

TSG: What prompted the writing of Flowers?

CM: Flowers just happened. I have been photographing flowers around the house, it seems, forever. Flowers is a selection of arrangements over the last decade.

TSG: You show so many varieties of flowers and arrangements in the book. What are your favorites?

CM: I love all flowers, but I particularly enjoy the growing of roses. There is nothing like a garden full of them at their peak. At the same time, I love exploring the woods and fields for wildflowers, branches, and the “odd thing” to add to arrangements. Life’s essential contrasts.

TSG: What guidance can you offer people who are just starting to experiment with arranging flowers?

CM: First, forget the rules. There are none. Select what you like, gather your favorite containers, and just start practicing. Practice will teach you how to pair certain flowers with vases: tall, short, etc. Then find something you are comfortable with and create a signature arrangement you can call your own. Change it up from time to time, experimenting, and practice will get you there. There are a number of great books on how to arrange, and I have listed many in my book. Buy one—they are filled with experience and tips.

Continue reading the whole interview on The Scout Guide right here.