Studio tour: Bella Fiori
Name: Alicia Schwede
Location: Denver, Colorado
Company: Bella Fiori – Floral & Event Design
What is your aesthetic? Colorful, eclectic, cozy
How does your studio style convey your professional aesthetic? When we first moved into the new studio I was going for a clean lined, modern feel. During the past year I’ve fallen in love with antiquing (yes, just in the past year) and am really enjoying the vintage romance look we are seeing in weddings & everyday designs. Slowly this vintage romance look is making its way into my studio – first the chandelier appeared then the softer linens and milk glass, well, milk glass seems to be taking over!
Favorite part of your studio? Every little inch of it. We were in a much smaller space until August 2008, that’s when we doubled the size of the studio. I walk around here and just feel happy. I now have my own office & a designated meeting space. We have comfy chairs in the second office, perfect for kicking back and reading magazines or chatting on the phone. I also love the design room, it’s large and has shelves full of containers & props.
Where do you go for inspiration? Ohhh.. I find inspiration in lots of places. In Denver I like to visit the antique stores. In Denver we have a street lined with antique shops, on a sunny day there is nothing better than walking from store to store to see what trinkets they have. Also, walking through the neighborhoods and seeing the gardens in full bloom – love those! My family and friends live in California so I spend a lot of time out there. I always feel inspired when I’m home, the gardens are in bloom year round. Plus,
each time I’m in SF I visit the SF Flower Market where I can find new and unique containers.
I travel as much as I can, being in London or Buenos Aires or Shanghai – all these places provide major inspiration – I visit as many flower shops as possible and the flower markets ~ amazing! I had the opportunity to study with Paula Pryke the last time I was in London, she’s an amazing floral designer.
What tool do you use in your business that you can’t live without? iPhone – for tweeting while in line at stores. Garmin – for deliveries of flowers though-out Denver. My shiny new Mac computer.
Is there anything you’d upgrade to? I’d love a larger walk in floral cooler & perhaps another Mac computer.
Anything else we should know? I really and truly adore flowers and the art of floral design. I can’t imagine a life with out flowers.
[images from Bella Fiori]
18 Comments to “Studio tour: Bella Fiori”
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February 16th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Alicia is amazing! What a great feature!
February 16th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I love Bella Fiori! Alicia is so creative and inspiring to us all! Can’t wait to see the new shop!
February 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Fabulous feature Alicia!!
February 16th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Bella Fiori is absolutely amazing! Alicia is a delight to work with and her shop is adorable. Great article!!
February 16th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Alicia,
Your studio is as beautiful as your floral designs are.
Wonderful artical about a wonderful florist!
February 16th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Wonderful feature of a super talented florist that I LOVE to work with!
February 16th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
We love to visit your studio because it’s so cozy!!
Wonderful feature Alicia, you are a talent!
February 16th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I always like walking into Alicia’s studio as it’s very inviting with beautifully designed arrangements of flowers. Although, I guess I haven’t been there in awhile-I like what you done with the place!
February 16th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
I LOVE this floral studio! What a great write-up. It is so fun to see behind the scenes.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Great article and super cute studio! Congrats on the fab feature!!!!
February 17th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Great feature on an incredibly talented florist. Love the studio! Congrats!!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hi Alicia, Super job, but I am not surprised. You do GREAT work! I am glad to see the return of the milk glass container. Let me know if you need some more, I have a stash. May just drop by sometime to check out the real thing. Nancy Dornfeld, mother of the bride, Aug.2004
February 17th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Alicia,
I love your new studio, it looks wonderful! The green wall is fabulous. Hope to see you soon. Bonnie
February 18th, 2010 at 12:19 am
The article captures what a sweet and thoughtful person that Alicia is. She is a true professional with a large dose of personality and fun. So glad that we met last year.
Congrats on the article!
Heather
February 18th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Bella Fiori is simply the best design studio in Denver.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Hon, thanks for the link – it looks like you’re getting very inspired with the new studio and I’m sure business is booming accordingly.
Am working on a new release of my own
Do you cater for baby showers in London?
xx
March 10th, 2010 at 1:29 am
I’m so honored to know you. You are an amazing floral designer. I noticed the Turkish evil eye good luck charm on your bulletin board. Yay! May you have many years of happiness, health and prosperity.
May 9th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
I love it hot deco well done absolutely amazing! Alicia the flowers arrangements is hot Great article
Thanks