How to design a charming flower room
A flower room may sound like the ultimate luxury for a country house, but in reality these rooms need to be as practical as possible. A stone floor with good drainage makes sense, as there will be plenty of drips and spills, and you'll need to make sure you have a wide, generous sink for keeping flowers in water. A hose tap can also be a helpful addition for cleaning out tall vases. The room should be cool – heating is not a necessity in here – and materials like stone and concrete can help with this. Wall shelving for vases, watering cans and tools keeps the space feeling streamlined.
Alexander James1/7When the current owners viewed this eighteenth-century former rectory in Oxfordshire, it was love at first sight and with the help of decorator Emma Sims-Hilditch they have made the interiors their own. Pretty floral wallpaper and gingham cabinet curtains make this a fresh, airy place for flowers arranging.
William Waldron2/7Simple and functional, this flower and laundry room has a 1.2-metre-long soapstone sink. An extra-long hose tap is perfect for cleaning out tall vases, and unfussy open shelves make it easy to see exactly where everything is.
tom mannion3/7The combined utility and flower room in this Oxfordshire house decorated by Max Rollitt has a relaxed, layered feel – created with a mix of freestanding pieces, including a reclaimed sink, rather than built-in units. A curtain in Robert Kime’s ‘Tansy’ linen cotton hides cleaning products while keeping them easily accessible. ‘Antique stained-glass lanterns and a vintage painting were chosen to provide colour and character,’ explains Max.
Alexander James4/7Making use of antiques and pretty fabrics, interior designer Amanda Hornby has sympathetically updated this Cotswolds former dovecote, transformed into a house by her husband's great-grandmother. Amanda designed the cupboards in the flower room, painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Card Room Green'.
Simon Brown5/7The flower room at Holker Hall in Cumbria is in constant use, with a large table in the middle for arranging and plenty of storage for vases. Holker Hall has a rich history resulting in an interior that combines comfort with charm. Former House & Garden editor Susan Crewe recounts her childhood at the house here.
David Oliver6/7From their first glimpse of this country house, its owners were captivated and, with the help of interior designer Veere Grenney, have put their stamp on it. The house's Tudor bones are evident in the flower room and cloakroom.
7/7This flower room by Plain English has been created with a florist in mind. The large concrete butler's sink and stone flooring are practical choices and also make the room feel cool.
