Floral Inspiration with Designer Tulipina

WN:
I am crazy about your incredibly unique flower arrangements!  How did you fall into the spectacular art of flower arranging?

KU:
I grew up around flowers all my life.  My grandfather had a beautiful garden where I spent a lot of time as a little girl, and my mother always had fresh flowers in our house.  After I earned my Master’s degree in International Relations, I worked for a couple of years, but then had children and chose to stay home with them.  Despite the fact that I loved being at home with my kids, I always felt like I needed a bit more – something for me.  With a strong push from my husband, Tulipina was the result of that desire.  In a short period of time, my business grew tremendously and I found myself ever so in love with the art of floral design, and constantly striving to be better at it.

WN:
Who inspires you and influences some of your creative pieces?

KU:
I would have to say that Ariella Chezar is someone I look up to.  She began this revolution with garden-style design and remains my number one flower hero.
Beyond that, I’m inspired by color, art and music.  You never know what will happen when I’m listing to Beethoven’s piano concerto for the thousandth time; each time there is new inspiration.

WN:
What style arrangements do you prefer for your own home?  Your home MUST be filled with gobs of leftover flowers?? ;)

KU:
I absolutely love lush, organic, garden-style arrangements, but I have to admit, unless I have guests, most of the time you’ll just find flowers sitting in a galvanized bucket in the corner of my breakfast room.

WN:
I see that Gardenias are your favorite flower… What would be your 2nd and 3rd choices?

KU:
Gosh I have MANY, many favorites, but if I had to pick a 2nd and 3rd they would have to be the roses that grow in my garden (most of them David Austin’s) and Lily of the Valley.

WN:
What are the ‘hot flowers’ of 2015 and what styles and trends do you see approaching the summer season?

KU:
I think that peonies and garden roses win the award for “hot flowers”, as I have never met a bride who doesn’t love both of them.  I think that many brides now do want the lush garden-style look, more wild than sleek.  There has also become greater awareness about sourcing locally grown flowers, which is very cool.

WN:
Can you give a few ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for the flower novice on what to look for when picking fresh flowers from our local market or store?

KU:
Believe it or not, I do buy flowers from Trader Joe’s quite a bit.  When I am choosing, I look for flowers that are not so stiff – ones that I could incorporate into a a loose and free flowing arrangement.  I often don’t buy tightly closed roses at the market, and instead prefer those that are a bit more open.

WN:
Any tips on how to make our flowers at home last longer?

KU:
Nothing magical – just give them a fresh cut when you bring them home and make sure their water is clean, as well as your vessel.  Of course, try to avoid putting them in direct sunlight.

WN:
Where do you find all your vessels and vases?  Do you have a favorite style?

KU:
Pedestal vases are my absolute favorite as they complement my floral design style best.  I can generally find pedestal vases anywhere – from thrift stores to Pottery Barn, or even fruit bowls at Crate and Barrel!

WN:
Should most stems (except roses) be cute straight across?

KU:
I cut everything at an angle and woody stems cut and then snipped up in the middle.