Sculpting Color with Florist Hattie Molloy

To launch our Color Play collection of rugs, we collaborated with florist Hattie Molloy on a whimsical installation in our Sydney flagship showroom. Styled by Joseph Gardner with plinths by Occasional Pieces and furniture by Fomu, her floral sculptures echo the audacious hues, suave shapes and rhythmic textures of our new palette. Below, Hattie shares how it all came together.

Were you creative as a child?

I was obsessed as a child with flowers, always jumping into gardens and stealing flowers to make posies for my family and friends.

You originally worked in the corporate world! What led you to floristry?

Ever since I was about 5 years old, I wanted to be a florist. My personality didn’t suit the corporate world and I thought, “What do I have to lose by giving my dream job a go?!” I’m so glad I followed that dream!

Is there a flower that has particular significance to you? If so, why?

So many! I think flowers and scents can evoke so many memories. I would make violet posies with my grandmother and that was one of the first flowers I learned about. Every year I buy them and think of her.

How did you approach the brief to create an installation for our new Color Play collection? What inspirations did you have on your mood board?

I wanted to create something playful, with interesting shapes and scale. I was inspired by those pebble stacks people make on the beach!

Your floral sculptures have pride of place in our Sydney flagship showroom. How do you think it interacts with the rugs on display?

I love how it plays off the circular rugs and how the colors work in perfect harmony.

What was it like collaborating with stylist Joseph Gardner? Was there a lot of back and forth in working out the spatial design?

Joseph gave me a lot of space and freedom to develop my idea. He gave me the color palette and brief, and then allowed me to figure out what I wanted to do. I appreciated the trust he put in me which allowed me to explore new ideas that haven’t been done before.

"The colors work in perfect harmony."

Your work can be described as maximalist. Do you have any tips for those of us a bit hesitant to play with color on using flora and fauna to transform the ambiance of a room?

Don’t be afraid of color! I think for your home it’s best to stick to one or two types of flowers in an arrangement. Focus on the shape more than anything – when making arrangements, I always try to make the eye travel through the work.

Any tips on making our blooms last as long as possible?

Recut the stems and refresh your water. Also, keep them away from direct air condition or heating.

Finally, we can’t help but ask – what’s your favorite rug from the new collection?

I love the Malawi in Amber. The color adds such a wonderful depth to a room.

Follow Hattie Molloy on Instagram.

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Shop 2, 188 Chalmers Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010

sydney@armadillo-co.com
+61 2 9698 4043

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