Crafting a Floral Haven: Designing From Eden & Co.
The wonderful world of shop-keeping and lovely little small town main strips is far from departed, thanks to creative and collaborative entrepreneurs like Allison Paterson.
Nestled in the heart of Fonthill, ON, From Eden & Co. has opened its doors. See the full project gallery here.
Allison, a gifted florist who has honed her craft within the confines of a home studio, sought to have a retail space where she could prepare her well-known wedding and event florals while also diving more deeply into everyday bouquets.
For some time she had been dreaming of opening up a shop, scoping out local spaces to find the right fit. In October 2023, the right one came along and everything fell into place rather quickly. Alliison knew she needed some help to bring her vision to life and thankfully had made a recent connection that now seemed kismet.
Says Allison, “I first met Joy in the community, where we discovered commonalities like motherhood and marriage. After connecting personally, I discovered her business and realized her eye for simple yet eye-catching design. I loved the flare she added to her modern style with beautiful vintage and antique items.”
When approached to bring Allison's vision to life for ‘From Eden & Co.’, I was instantly drawn to the endeavour, it was a perfect fit for Joy Johnston Design. It was an invitation to weave whimsy, femininity, and tradition into a space that would celebrate not just florals but also the essence of community.
When considering the creative direction, I thought about today's world of online shopping and constant grabs for attention. Customers are looking for brick-and-mortar shops to be experiential, inspiring, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of life.
Our starting point was a fairly blank slate but we knew we would need to update the paint, flooring and find ways to add interest within the existing structure and features. We weren’t planning on moving any walls, columns, plumbing and the like. The only thing we moved around was some electrical to accommodate the flower fridge and positioning some new recessed and pendant lighting.
BEFORE
The design concept centred on intertwining modern freshness with a moody and cozy warmth, drawing inspiration from the soft earthy pink and green hues abundant in the petals of Allison's floral repertoire.
There were several elements that Allison wanted to incorporate into the space, including a hand-drawn mural by a local artist and a sentimental antique double-basin sink from her home studio. I was thrilled to include the work of a local artist, and the nostalgia of the sink helps tell Allison’s story.
As a primarily residential designer, this call to work on a commercial project provided the opportunity to play a little more freely with colour, scale and materials.
A wall of petal pink handmade tile became the perfect backdrop to the sink from her home studio. A deep and moody green blurred the lines between trend and tradition, while textural linen draperies added a soft touch. Lighting played a role in creating the desired ambiance with playful pendants. Industrial copper plumbing fixtures lent a touch of history and practicality, harmonizing seamlessly with the overall design.
The shop's layout embodies versatility, catering to various floral needs. An antique cart that can be moved outside to catch passers-by is dedicated to on-the-go and pick-your-own bouquets, perfect for those seeking a quick yet thoughtful gift. In the heart of the shop is a large consultation and prep space, where Allison intends to collaborate closely with clients, infusing each arrangement with personal touches tailored to their unique occasions.
Allison couldn't be more pleased with the outcome, noting, "Working with Joy Johnston Design has been the best decision in this next step. She has made all of this feel possible. I think that her vision will help me to continue being creative and spark a new light in me in my own design."
For Allison, the shift from her home studio to a dedicated storefront was both a leap of faith and an embodiment of something she had hoped to see fulfilled. "This has always felt like a pipe dream, or a "maybe one day" type of dream, but the fact it has become a reality means the world to my little family. I hope it shows my girls that they can chase their dreams, too." she explains with enthusiasm.
From Eden & Co. isn't just a floral shop; it's a haven for the community, a space where customers can find respite in the beauty of flowers. Allison shares warmly, "I want From Eden & co. to be a place where people can stroll in, whether to pick up a quick bouquet for themselves or a friend, or to simply immerse themselves in the tranquility that flowers bring. To all of Fonthill, all of my previous, and any future clients that may come, thank you! Thank you for trusting me with all of your special and intimate moments, for welcoming me and encouraging me to follow this dream that I've had. I can't wait to get designing for you in this new space."
The success of this partnership stands as a testament to the power of local collaboration and the transformative impact it can have on a cherished community space. It's a reminder that when entrepreneurial spirits and creative minds unite, they can create something truly magical.
