Jennifer McGarigle of Floral Art Talks Flowers and Furniture Design

By Beth Whiffen
October 5, 2011

Jennifer McGarigle

Jennifer McGarigle of Floral Art

Jennifer McGarigle, the owner of Los Angeles’ Venice Beach flower and home décor emporium Floral Art, has long been a victim to the power of the flower. Like many passions do, her obsession blossomed during childhood. “I’ve loved flowers as long as I can remember,” she says. After working her way through college as a floral designer and then apprenticing under several established designers afterward, she struck out on her own, opening her shop and floral design studio on Venice’s artsy Abbot Kinney Boulevard in 1993.

Since then she’s become known for creating beautiful, modern arrangements that feature unexpected, whimsical twists, such as a white ceramic bust with succulents sprouting from the head or a Lucite vase that bears a sleek photographic image of the flower variety it is filled with. In 2009, she began designing furniture and other home décor items that incorporate floral touches. These unique pieces now punctuate her shop with even more vivid, if not fragrant, bursts of color. She chatted with The Inside Source about how she went from flowers to furniture and offered suggestions for incorporating floral touches into your home—with or without the real deal.

The Inside Source: What is your favorite floral trend right now?

Jennifer McGarigle: I love the bohemian chic look, which is really about blending rustic textures and materials with sleek modern pieces. For a tabletop, this could include a burlap tablecloth combined with antique mirrored boxes and vintage green glass vases filled with white to green flowers. Etched gold votives add a sparkle to this setting.

Jennifer McGarigle

Floral Art Calla Vase and Green Flax Vase

The Inside Source: When most people think about flowers, they immediately think of colorful spring and summer bouquets. Now that we’re heading into fall, what are some of your favorite varietals and arrangements for autumn?

Jennifer McGarigle: Dahlias, Ranunculus, and Parrot Tulips are all incredibly rich in color and texture. They bring traditional fall shades of oranges and greens to life.

The Inside Source: Is there anything you avoid in your floral arrangements?

Jennifer McGarigle: I believe there’s a way to make anything look good, except curly willow!

The Inside Source: When you entertain, what is your go-to centerpiece?

Jennifer McGarigle: I like to keep it super simple. Whether it’s a modern acrylic trough filled with solid yellow Chrysanthemums, amber glass globes filled with orange Ranunculus, or vintage glass bud vases filled with garden roses, all look great on my grass green dining room table.

Jennifer McGarigle

Floral Art White Dahlia Serving Tray

The Inside Source: What do you think is the key to decorating a space with flowers for someone who’s not well-versed in the art?

Jennifer McGarigle: Definitely keep it simple—choose one kind of flower in one color. The trick is to select vases that work with the particular kind of flower you have chosen.

The Inside Source: You design a furniture line as well. How did you transition from flowers to furniture?

Jennifer McGarigle: It was an organic transition. My obsession evolved from the somewhat limiting scope of putting flowers in a vase to applying their natural beauty to furniture and accessories. Fashion and the innate style of individual flowers really inspire my furniture design.

Jennifer McGarigle

Floral Art Sepia Peony Cabinet

The Inside Source: What are your top five tips for adding a floral touch to the home without using actual flowers?

Jennifer McGarigle:
1. Graphic photographs of flowers: Striking, graphic photos in black and white or in color bring the beauty of fresh flowers into any environment—without the fragrance, of course!

2. Wallpaper: Modern, fabulous floral wallpaper patterns can offer an unexpected twist when it comes to flowers and design.

3. Pillows: Pillows can be the perfect floral accent to a room, without going overboard. They sit well with solids, patterns, or stripes.

4. Dishes: Mixing vintage or modern floral patterned dishes with other solid colored or patterned plates is an interesting and eclectic way to brighten up your tabletop.

5. Furniture: Floral-inspired pieces, like the Floret Chair [see below], are a wonderful way to surround yourself with the beauty of nature. It just makes you feel good!

Jennifer McGarigle

Floral Art Floret Chair and Natural Lace Chair

The Inside Source: Do you ever browse on eBay for inspiration for your designs?

Jennifer McGarigle: Yes, I’m always interested in combining vintage objects and materials with modern design. eBay is a great way to source unique pieces that would otherwise be almost impossible to find.