Celebrated floral designer Grayson Handy combines culture, design, and color in his newly released book, creating innovative arrangements to inspire the at-home decorator.
The barely there pink tint to these ‘Sahara’ roses pairs nicely with a beige-and-white, Wedgwood pitcher made in England.
I love winter. In fact, you could say that I’m all wrapped up in the spirit of the season, as well as lots of cozy cashmere, pretty papers, and bolts of bright ribbon. ‘Tis the season for tradition– from family gatherings on Christmas Day to firecrackers on New Years Eve followed by chocolates and candlelight in honor of Saint Valentine. But this year, give tradition a twist, florally speaking. Get creative with arrangements that take you a world away—no holiday travel plans needed.
An avid traveler myself, I recognize the need for a knowledgeable tour guide, and for this floral excursion, Manhattan-based floral and event designer Grayson Handy makes an apt guide. For 15 years, Handy has been wow-ing a long list of celebrities, socialites, and magazine editors with the imaginative yet elegant floral arrangements and over-the-top events he creates for Prudence Designs, a business he co-owns with partner Arturo Quintero that is named for their beloved dachshund.
Unexpected color combinations, like these citrus-hued poppies paired with a pale powder blue, will liven up your interiors with the vitality of Mexico.
Despite the demands of his blooming career, Handy somehow found time to produce his first book, Flowers for the Home: Inspirations from the World Over by Prudence Designs (Rizzoli, October 2009). Co-authored by Tracey Zabar, the new release boasts nearly 200 pages of brain-food for both the accomplished and amateur do-it-yourself florists.
“I love books,” says Handy. “The idea for this one was in my head for many, many years. I am a true Capricorn in the sense that I had to get it out on paper before I could move on [to the next project].”
In Flowers for the Home,readers will find a wealth of design ideas influenced by Handy’s trips around the world. Nine unique locales from the Far East to the American South are showcased in a variety of floral designs and tablescapes. Handy reviews the basic design principles that can be learned from each destination and provides instructions for the “arm-chair traveler” who wishes to recreate these fanciful displays.
Metallic accents play a recognizable role in the allure of Moroccan décor and this ornate setting for tea is no exception. The universal appeal and opulent feel of silver make it translatable to any household and any style.
“I felt that there was a void in the market for this kind of book,” Handy explains. “Bookshelves are stocked with pieces on high-end, celebrity weddings and low-budget flower 101s. My goal was to create something in the middle—something that would bridge the two together and show that magnificent, modern arrangements can be both affordable and user-friendly.”
The timing for the book’s debut couldn’t be better. As he describes, “The winter months are perfect for nesting. When the sky outside is gray and the air is cold, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a book and your favorite blanket.”
It’s also the perfect time to rediscover the beauty that exists indoors—in your home’s furnishings, accessories, and textiles. As a citizen of the world, Handy considers global influences including history, culture, and local color as other key design elements. Using decorative souvenirs from his own travels as props, he thoughtfully illustrates how such global influences can intermingle with your home’s existing interiors and help set the stage for innovative floral arrangements.
Pick up our Winter 2009 issue to travel around the world with Handy and discover how global influences and floral arrangements can work together to enhance any interior.
