E2 Grace and Thorn
Unveiling the new-look Grace and Thorn flower shop on Hackney Road. I was recently asked to contribute on some of the decorating decisions by founder and pro florist Nik Southern. Discovered as a new build and blank canvas, Nik has transformed the space into a haven for botanical shoppers. To work for a client who already has a strong sense of style and vision is always a treat, and as you can imagine it was a joy to work with such an abundance of flora and natural colour. The shop is now open to customers at 312 Hackney Road.
Image credit: photography Alexander Edwards
Nik had already sourced crucial items such as the reclaimed wooden counter, but wall and detail colours were yet to be decided. After a colour consultation on site we narrowed down the palette to green. With so much window space it was obvious that the shop would be able to take a dark colour palette, so the final choice included a triple selection of greens - two dark tones and one pale. The majority of the walls are Invisible Green, whilst the flooring is finished in a checkerboard Obsidian and White. All Little Greene Paint Company. Nik created the concept and installation of a dried floral canopy, giving addition wow factor.
Image credit: Owner Nik Southern stands beside Rose Uniacke lighting display, image by Alexander Edwards.
We sourced statement lighting for above the front flower table display from London designer Rose Uniacke. These singular pendants are finished in brass with a subtle spiked petal aesthetic.
Image credit: Alexander Edwards.
‘The majority of the walls are finished in Invisible Green, a colour made popular by the landscape gardener Humphry Repton who is said to of used the colour as a backdrop because of it's ability to blend and let foreground colours pop’
Image credit: Alexander Edwards.
For the wall shelving, which Nik designed, we chose the finishing colour of Ball Green, a Farrow and Ball tone which is known for being soft and versatile. It works brilliantly as a ‘break’ from the darker greens used elsewhere and allows the products to stand out. Ball Green is continued to the rear work area of the shop, and provides a natural transition from the Invisible Green.
Image credit: Alexander Edwards.
‘Ball Green, from Farrow and Ball, provides the perfect transition from the darker Invisible Green walls into a lighter work area behind the counter, and is continued into a shelving display area to the right.’
Image credit: Alexander Edwards
The small single pendant is a reclaimed find, sourced online, and provides detail to what otherwise would be a dark corner. A bright red fabric cable cord has been added for punch.
Photography: Alexander Edwards.
If you would like to know more about my involvement on this project, or you have a similar project in mind, please contact me on rory@roryrobertson.co.uk