Florist Sarah Richardson is all about bold flourishes and bags of colour when it comes to making a festive statement at her home in Otley
Of course she extends this to her own home when it comes alive with colour pops that are a long way from traditional reds, golds and greens. Instead, think bright pinks, purple and clashing retro shades.
It starts with a front door which goes way beyond the traditional wreath. Of course, there’s a masterpiece of hers on the door, but there’s also fabulous foliage, paper pompoms, presents, twinkly lights, and tinsel trees.
It’s an explosion of Christmas right on her doorstep of the Victorian terrace she shares with her family in Otley. ‘I did my front door like that because I wanted something exciting when I came home, and to spread joy in the streets in winter when it’s dark.’ It certainly hits the mark there.
Shocks of colour and the joy of blooms are reasons she started her floristry business Leafy Couture back in 2006, when she began working out of her mum’s cellar.
These days, Sarah heads up a leafy empire creating stunning florals for weddings and events, running a busy flower school, and even starting a franchise business.
She runs workshops at her pretty studio in the stunning grounds of Creskeld Hall in Arthington where magnificent creations are born.
‘I want people to share the joy of flowers,’ she explains. ‘To show how flowers make things better and people happier.’
It is an ethos she extends to her own home, and which really comes to life at Christmas in which this comes alive
For Sarah, dressing her home for Christmas is all about ‘joy and celebration’ using bright colours, decorations, and opulent tones to create this. ‘Christmas is about evoking childhood memories and for me that’s colour and sparkle and glitter and joy.’ And even though she thinks she veers more on the traditional side of things, she doesn’t believe Christmas has to be a set way. For example, on the Christmas tree she’s used reels of ribbons and paper honeycomb decorations – ‘I just like to add more and more each time, I’ve never been one of those people that has a set colour scheme each year.’
If you’re looking to achieve a similar look to Sarah’s, she recommends ‘being a magpie and collecting things’ as she loves to bring different pieces out each year to mix and match. And if you want to go a bit different, her advice to you is to go ‘big, big, big!’ Sometimes it can be tricky to think of ideas, so Sarah suggests doing as she does and getting inspired by art, fabric, colour, and nature – ‘things like flowers and their colours in the garden.’
Believing you should have an eclectic colour scheme, rather than having to decide on a set theme each year is one of the ways Sarah advises approaching Christmas. She believes it’s all about evoking childhood memories and recreating that magic, so try to get as many people involved as possible. ‘Encourage those around you to join you,’ she advises. ‘It doesn’t have to be just you. Go for a nice walk, forage lots of beautiful foliage, get excited. There’s no need to feel the pressure, just enjoy it.’
And what’s hot in Christmas interiors this year? ‘It depends what household you have,’ explains Sarah. ‘But lovely pops of colour, along with homemade pieces is a big thing at the moment, especially if you’re looking at more sustainable items.’ She advises mixing rustic pinecones with glitzy baubles and jewel colours to create a unique look. However you choose to decorate, the most important thing to do is to ‘start by looking at the space around you,’ stresses Sarah. For her, the functionality of a room is really important, as is thinking about what’s seasonal.
Of course, being a florist means that flowers often make an appearance in Sarah’s Christmas. ‘As a florist, you’re working right up until December 23, so after then it’s my turn to have flowers in my house for when people are coming round and I can actually enjoy them.’ Even if it’s just a touch of tulips and berries, she makes sure to add them in there. If you’re looking to do the same, Sarah advises that you think about what’s in season – foliage, tulips, hyacinths, and hellebores. ‘Think about the colours in your house, what you want your flowers for, the space you have, etc.’ There’s also the option to book onto one of Sarah’s workshops where you can create a stunning wreath or festive floral bouquet.
Sarah’s main bit of advice, however, is; ‘don’t worry about what others are doing – just be creative and have fun.’
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
