Name: Alicia Schwede
Location: Denver, Colorado
Company: Bella Fiori – Floral & Event Design
What is your aesthetic? Colorful, eclectic, cozy
How does your studio style convey your professional aesthetic? When we first moved into the new studio I was going for a clean lined, modern feel. During the past year I’ve fallen in love with antiquing (yes, just in the past year) and am really enjoying the vintage romance look we are seeing in weddings & everyday designs. Slowly this vintage romance look is making its way into my studio – first the chandelier appeared then the softer linens and milk glass, well, milk glass seems to be taking over!
Favorite part of your studio? Every little inch of it. We were in a much smaller space until August 2008, that’s when we doubled the size of the studio. I walk around here and just feel happy. I now have my own office & a designated meeting space. We have comfy chairs in the second office, perfect for kicking back and reading magazines or chatting on the phone. I also love the design room, it’s large and has shelves full of containers & props.
Where do you go for inspiration? Ohhh.. I find inspiration in lots of places. In Denver I like to visit the antique stores. In Denver we have a street lined with antique shops, on a sunny day there is nothing better than walking from store to store to see what trinkets they have. Also, walking through the neighborhoods and seeing the gardens in full bloom – love those! My family and friends live in California so I spend a lot of time out there. I always feel inspired when I’m home, the gardens are in bloom year round. Plus,
each time I’m in SF I visit the SF Flower Market where I can find new and unique containers.
I travel as much as I can, being in London or Buenos Aires or Shanghai – all these places provide major inspiration – I visit as many flower shops as possible and the flower markets ~ amazing! I had the opportunity to study with Paula Pryke the last time I was in London, she’s an amazing floral designer.
What tool do you use in your business that you can’t live without? iPhone – for tweeting while in line at stores. Garmin – for deliveries of flowers though-out Denver. My shiny new Mac computer.
Is there anything you’d upgrade to? I’d love a larger walk in floral cooler & perhaps another Mac computer.
Anything else we should know? I really and truly adore flowers and the art of floral design. I can’t imagine a life with out flowers.
[images from Bella Fiori]