Flower power
Stars of social media and the “flowercore” trend, roses, peonies, wisterias, freesias, cosmos and others are blossoming in interior decoration and taking root.
Lyon has a long-standing love affair with flowers. In the nineteenth century, it was the world capital of the rose; and floral motifs woven by the Canuts (Lyon’s former silk workers) spurred the growth of the Lyonnais silk industry... before falling out of fashion. But they have made a comeback!
For several seasons now, flowers have no longer been content to sit pretty in our parks and gardens. Resurrected from the archives and given an updated image, they can now be found on our walls, in our plates (literally and figuratively), and in our wardrobes. Whether it’s in interior decor or plant pots, they are shaking off the shackles of convention and bringing touches of romance or wildness into our everyday. “As an urban dweller, I see this return to plants and nature, to wear or make ourselves, as a search for balance. I feel like nature reassures, slows down time and brings joy, quite simply,” considers Stéphanie Kry, founder of L’amour te va si bien, a specialist in plant printing techniques.
Infuse our interiors with the soft touch of nature
To be totally honest, the floral trend never really wilted, in fashion or in interior decoration. What is really new today is that motifs are finding their way into unexpected materials and formats. Take the paper bouquets by Flowrette, the spectacular trees by Maison Arbusta and the amazing artificial flowers by Lyon-based Claire Ginestoux, for example. “The flowercore trend is a continuation of the growing popularity of flowers seen in recent years, whether it’s dried flowers, naturalised plants, the return of French flowers in florists, or the many flower composition workshops available. There is renewed attention to flowers and the need to infuse our interiors with the soft touch of nature,” commented the creator.
This view is shared by Perrine Xavier, founder of Brontie: “our dried flower workshops attract a wide audience that isn’t in the habit of gifting fresh flowers.” Whether it’s fresh or dried, the important thing is to prioritise local sourcing; because, unfortunately, 85% of flowers consumed in France are imported. This is why, to attract the younger generation (but not just them), Brontie only offers French flowers, ideally regional, which it delivers by bicycle. This soft flower power has a positive impact on both moods and the planet.
Creative expression on silk
A speciality of Lyon, held in high esteem by twentieth-century couturiers, silk painting is demonstrated in the workshops of Brochier Soieries. Guided by a designer, discover the basics of the technique and create your own personalised silk scarf, drawing inspiration from the new Brochier collection, which pays tribute to the work of the artist Mucha, combining female figures, floral motifs and ornaments.
Soieries Brochier€120 per person for a 2-hour workshop.
33 RUE ROMARIN, LYON 1st
Booking on: visites.brochiersoieries.com
Rare spécimens
Vincent Jeannerot has made a name for himself with his botanical watercolours, which are printed on household linen, pouches, posters, wallpaper and candles. This artist also runs workshops for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
One-day course, €140
vincent-jeannerot.fr
Eternal beauties
Imagine a flower that never wilts... This is the promise of the creations by Flowrette, which produces stunning paper flower bouquets, as well as candles, DIY herbarium kits, and bouquets of dried or stabilised flowers..
From €8 for a flower stalk.
flowrette.com
Seasonal bouquets
The environmentally responsible florist Brontie is saying goodbye to Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) and returning to the Presqu’île district. The concept remains the same: the flowers, fresh and dried, are all French and seasonal, available on a subscription basis and at the many DIY workshops
Brontie2-4 Impasse Catelin, Lyon 2e
brontie.fr
Plant sculpture
For Anne-Sophie Bréband, the tree is a “symbol of balance and life”. At Maison Arbusta, she reinterprets it with a highly contemporary approach, working with stabilised plants (100% natural), which she assembles to create interior branches and trees that breathe poetry.
From €250 per branch.
maisonarbusta.com
Silk in bloom
With her silk flowers, Claire Ginestoux has returned the prestige to artificial flowers, at best forgotten and at worst shunned as old hat. Brought up to date in their colours and forms, they are now ready to blossom in interiors everywhere.
€38 for a single flower; tailor-made bouquets from €250; rental service available.
claireginestoux.fr
The name of the rose
La Roseraie de Saint-Clair has assembled nearly 130 species, earning it the title ‘Collection botanique nationale’ (National botanical collection). To discover this garden of roses from around the world, stop in for a visit on the banks of the Rhône, in Caluire-et-Cuire, or snuggle down in your favourite armchair with the eponymous book by Maurice Jay.
La Roseraie de Saint-Clair, de Maurice Jay, published by Libel, €45
Soft touches
To create her wall hangings, large silk scarves, kimonos and shirts, Stéphanie Kry uses only plant-based dying methods and fabrics with natural fibres. This dedication to nature is reflected in her wonderfully elegant creations, which put plants in the most stylish settings.
Large scarf from €170.
lamourtevasibien.fr
Petals on your walls
Looking for wallpaper with shabby chic that would look at home in the most traditional tea room? Make your way to Le Presse Papier, an artisan, designer and maker of wallpapers and textiles. Our favourites include Joséphine,
an original creation featuring the queen of flowers – peony.
Available in six colours. From €125.
le-presse-papier.fr
By Pauline JONQUÈRES D’ORIOLA
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