What was your material palette?
I made the decision to do an earthen plaster treatment on the half of the space not dedicated to work and storage. I’m very lucky to have a dear friendship with natural builder Bryce Ehrecke of Cré Natural Building. The world of natural building is very labor-intensive, time-intensive practice rooted in ancient culture. It’s beautiful and earth-centered.  We did three of the 14-foot-high walls in a plaster mix of Lincoln Fireclay, lapis sand from Monterey Bay, water, iron-oxide pigment, and a couple of handfuls of hay. That’s it! A pile of friends crewed on to do it, from all walks of life: florists, artists, carpenters, raptor scientists. The meticulous, artistic woodworking was done by local design/build team, Galen and Justin, who were game for whatever concept I threw at them.

Over the past few years, I’ve been very inspired in my work by the desert, and I wanted the space to look as if the sun was traveling across a warm landscape. We move from a biscuity taupe to a goldenrod saffron yellow to the dusky rose of sunset. What I wanted came true: You feel very enfolded by the earth, the walls are indeed very warming, it smells lovely—a testament to it being made by people who cared about each other, and for the space itself. 

And what a poetic notion to have sealed the space with the energy of your loved ones. They all put their energy into it.
Yes, they literally laid hands on it. 

Would you also tell us about your exquisite wreaths?
Each custom wreath for home is carefully made by hand. Each is unique, using a variety of seasonal materials, from evergreen to lichen, collected cones, dried flora, feathers, and stones. In my earth-based faith, wreaths are representative of the cycle of the seasons and the life-death-life cycle. I think of them as very potent, magical things to have in your home.

Let’s talk for a moment about how we can integrate ecological and holistic mindfulness into design. 
I am an enormous admirer of interiors and how design comes together. I’m a Cancer sun and a nester homebody to a T—it’s so important for my space to feel beautiful and energetically clear. I’m one of those people who has to clean their desk before they can sit down and write an email.  

So thinking about “What is the lowest impact on the environment? How can we be as carbon offset or neutral as possible? What is the life cycle of these elements, starting from production and ending at the landfill?” are some excellent initial questions to ask.

I think there’s an overall desire from consumers and clients for mindful interior design. I can certainly say that my clients value beauty and value space. And the process of creating their homes becomes a representation of their character, their values.

Finally, how can designers commission your florals and source your products?
All are welcome to shop in-store or online, or shoot me a message at katie@eothenfloral.com. We offer local pickup, delivery from Monterey to Marin, and domestic shipping of our wreaths and Circle apothecary items. If you’re coming in to visit us, our fresh flowers arrive on Wednesdays, which you’re welcome to put in-hand yourself, or select one of our seasonal bouquets, which I’m happy to put together for you!