Florist Philippa Craddock reveals her design secrets

When it comes to the floricultural world, few are as established as Philippa Craddock. Since launching her business in 2009, the floral magician has designed her way to the pinnacle of her industry and has established herself as one of the most respected floral experts on both sides of the Atlantic. But don't just take our word for it...

Among Philippa's most prestigious clients are Christian Dior, Hermès, and BAFTA – and in 2018, she dressed the interiors and archways of St George's Chapel in Windsor for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding. 

See: Floral trends – chic new ways to bring the outside into your home

With a globally-renowned floral empire under her belt, we were inevitably curious about the figure behind the success – from her love for coffee to her favorite skincare shop. In an interview with H&G, Philippa revealed all. 

1. My design heroine 

British fashion designer Phoebe Philo is my design heroine. I love her minimalist, feminine aesthetic, tonal palette, and the quiet practicality that informs her work. 

2. My favorite flowers to combine 

Flowers I love to combine are orlaya, scabiosa, didiscus, and cow parsley. These whites seen together are delicate yet complex.  

3. My favorite little luxury  

Super quality, small-batch coffee beans are a little luxury I can't live without – but I stick to just one espresso early in the morning.  

4. My design rules

I don't work with flowers to a rule book, but I do look at how plants grow – for example, hellebores that bow gently work perfectly on the edge of larger arrangements.  

See: The top house plants – that all interior design lovers should know about

5. My favorite past-time 

My husband and children have given me an artist's easel, canvases, and oil paints. I haven't painted seriously since school, and it means so much to start again.  

6. My favorite shop 

I love to visit Aesop shops for the aesthetics and wonderful architectural details as much as their skincare products.  

7. My favorite museum 

The Victoria and Albert Museum is a building I find emotionally moving. I'm awed by its scale and the quietness of the space. It was the first London venue to appoint me onto its preferred supplier list for flowers at its events.  

8. My favorite garden

I love gardens that aren't over-designed – Trebah Garden in Cornwall is a great example with the bonus of a beach for swimming.  

9. My favorite book 

I read cookery books to be inspired by cooks who instinctively know what works together and recently enjoyed Flavour by Ottolenghi.  

10. My favorite meal   

My best meal was at Marle, Heckfield Place, led by Skye Gyngell. The grilled scallops and roasted pumpkin were truly memorable. 

See: Health benefits of houseplants – why you need greenery while working from home

If you want to follow in Philippa’s footsteps, you can take a Floristry Fundamentals Masterclass with the master herself. The classes launch on June 26th and are on sale from June 11th via her website. We’ve never felt quite so inspired to get involved.