Dahlia Days

Dahlia Days with Flower Magazine was a delightful learning retreat that renewed a love of floral interiors.

Dahlia Days

Flower Magazine hosted Dahlia Days at High Hampton a few weeks ago. Not only was it a wonderful event, but leaving hot Florida in August to head to the cool mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina was an easy decision. The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner which we sadly missed due to a later arrival. The next day was a series of conversations with Elyce Arons, CEO and co-founder of Frances Valentine, the jeweler Mish Tworkowski, and Cathy Graham, illustrator, floral designer, author. Margot Shaw, the editor of Flower Magazine, moderated the discussions enlightening us about the passions and histories of the designers.

Mish, Elyce, Drew, Cathy, and Margot.

Mish, Elyce, Drew, Cathy, and Margot.

Dahlia arrangement by Drew.

Dahlia arrangement by Drew.

The following day, Drew, the head gardener, shared his tips for growing his award-winning dahlias. After that we headed to the field to see his beauties in person. We were given secateurs to cut a few to take home. Because dahlias need frequent pruning it was good for all parties. The final night was a festive closing dinner with wine tasting and delicious meals prepared by the Inn. In addition, there was also a wonderful pop-up shop featuring antique and new table top items.

North Carolina Dahlias

Drew, the dahlia doyen.

Drew, the dahlia doyen.

Single orchid dahlia.

Single orchid dahlia.

What I loved most about the days was meeting the various women. Some came in small groups, but others came by themselves confident that they would be comfortable arriving solo. They were right to think that as there were interesting women to meet and get to know. It was an energizing affair. Due to the first Dahlia Days being a success, it will likely return bigger and better next year.

Many glasses were set at the final dinner’s tables.

A glimpse of the pop-up shop items and the winning fabric combination.

A glimpse of the pop-up shop items and the winning fabric combination.

(Photo: highhampton.com)

(Photo: highhampton.com)

High Hampton

High Hampton is like summer camp except that the campers are sophisticated adults. Substitute chablis for Coca Cola and cashmere sweaters for hoodies. The Blackberry Farm Team handled the design as they are involved with the running of the inn. The lobby seen above is welcoming with the old wood structure that is perfectly worn and inviting. Comfortable upholstery, wicker floor lamps, and a mix of fabrics make the interior feel appropriately updated.

Sofas were upholstered in Lee Jofa Althea (I think). Pillows in Pierre Frey semi Kalamkar paired nicely. Floral on floral felt just right in this space.

Some of my favorite floral rooms where flowers were the focus.

(Photo: source unknown)

(Photo: source unknown)

The flowers at High Hampton reminded me of some of my favorite flora-themed interiors. Muriel Brandolini designed her own Indian flowers. She used them lavishly throughout her interiors back in the day. Her dining room at the time was an unforgettable jolt of exuberant color. Her current fabrics feature less color and fewer flowers.

(Photo: source unknown)

(Photo: source unknown)

Muriel Brandolini’s former bathroom covered in orange.

(Photo: murielbrandolini.com)

(Photo: murielbrandolini.com)

She later changed the walls to have a white ground to work with the redesign of her townhouse.

(Photo: https://r-o-o-m-s/tumblr.com)

(Photo: https://r-o-o-m-s/tumblr.com)

Florals balance nicely with geometrics as is commonly seen in India and in this kitchen.

(Photo: Pinterest)

(Photo: Pinterest)

The blue and white fabric makes this room sing. Dark furniture and tobacco colored paper defy sweetness.

(Photo: source unknown.

(Photo: source unknown.

Painted framed florals transform this hallway.

(Photo: peterdunhamtextiles.com)

(Photo: peterdunhamtextiles.com)

Peter Dunham highlights this bedroom with his Udaipur pattern.

The yellow and lilac color ways have been discontinued. The red and indigo remain however for anyone wanting to satisfy their Indian flower desires.

Flowers in Mallorca

(Photo: @michaelsmithinc)

(Photo: @michaelsmithinc)

Michael Smith commissioned a special black and white color way of Carolina Irving’s Delios for his Mallorca home. I love the contrast of the floral with the dark woods and paintings of the room.

I have been longing to use the yellow color way of this pattern.

The next post will feature some favorite florals which might be of interest.

Casa V Interiors can create an interior garden for you.