Florist Ashley Fox is known for her ethereal designs and extraordinary use of color. As seen in Martha Stewart Weddings, People and Vogue, she hand-selects blooms from all over the world to produce her one-of-a-kind designs. The talent behind our autumn issue’s nature-inspired Guide column, we recently sat down with Fox to discuss her favorite floral trends and how to create impactful arrangements.
Photography provided by Ashley Fox Florals
Floral trends are always changing. Which flowers are you drawn to at the moment?
I love to source locally grown flowers for a range of colors. Hothouse-grown flowers that are flown in from all over the world sometimes don’t have the slightly dusty tones that make an arrangement sing. Right now, I’m drawn to mixing bold colors with something softer to make it more high-end. Instead of using all primary or bright colors, I like to add a slight beige or peachy tone for a balanced look.
Another favorite combination of mine is mixing black, brown, lavender and orange together. On paper it doesn’t sound great, but it makes for an arresting image when combined with the right plates and glassware.
I also love lisianthus chateau blue. It is truly a showstopper known for its ruffly, large blooms that have a dusty lavender color. Guests always point to it, asking me what it is since it’s not very common.
Photography by Jamie Stoia | Amanda Nippoldt | Scott Clarke
In addition to floral services, you also offer event design. What trends are you seeing when it comes to event aesthetics?
Prints are making a comeback. The minimalist style is still very chic, but I’m finding that clients are gravitating toward a pattern-on-pattern look that’s not so pared down. Al fresco patterns, Italian block prints and floral-on-floral prints are the go-to design motifs at the moment. I’ve found that embracing patterns leads to a more welcoming aesthetic that draws guests in and makes them feel instantly at ease.
Draping with linens is also having a major moment. Whether drapery is incorporated into the ceiling, wall or the tabletop, it’s a great way to make an impact or create a softer look. Beyond linens, colorful glassware is also having its moment and is a nice way to pull out a color you want to emphasize from a pattern.
Which flower arrangement placements have the most impact?
When it comes to weddings, the ceremony is key since photos of this moment are an everlasting memento that are often found on the walls of clients’ homes. Another impactful spot is the head table. For any event, pay attention to the architecture of the space. If the venue has a mantel or another spot that could be embellished with flowers, go for it.
Photography by Scott Clarke
What have been some of your favorite events this year?
My biggest wedding of the year was this past May. The planner based the entire wedding design off of a beautiful piece of wallpaper named “Hollyhocks.” All of the floral designs were color blocked with the wallpaper’s multicolored tones. Often inspiration found outside of weddings leads to some of the most beautiful designs.
Another favorite event of mine was a wedding where we brought the outdoors inside by using greenery all over the walls and windows for a greenhouse effect. This was a good example of working with the space you have. Instead of trying to cover up what you don’t like about a venue, make it the focal point for an intentional look.
