Green Scene with Merchants of Botanica
Old-world charm meets modern day style at Merchants of Botanica. Carlie Wacker digs a bit deeper into the inspiration behind this local haven of botanical bliss.
Name
Lorenn Crawford
Business
How and when was your business born?
I had the idea and concept for Merchants of Botanica but it was after an incredible trip to Paris that everything fell into place.
I was so inspired by the historic conservatories, classical details and architecture that it cemented the emotion I wanted to portray in my business.
Merchants Of Botanica began in 2018. The product range was designed to combine all these archival elements with a focus on showcasing botanicals as the main theme.
What do you love most about your shop?
I really love the opportunity to connect with customers face-to-face. My goal with opening the physical store was to create an environment I can share with clients – a space to inspire and showcase our style and range of unique pieces.
How would you describe your personal style and how it translates to your business?
My personal style is eclectic, earthy, layered and acquired over many years.
In all honesty my business is an extension of my personal style because I only buy pieces that I really love and that I believe are timeless.
Tell us about your unique stock.
Merchants of Botanica is quite different to other businesses, not only in our stock offering (much of which we have designed and had made ourselves) but our concept is about layering interior spaces with botanicals and plant life, using interesting vessels, furniture and homewares to elevate greenery and blur the lines between indoor & outdoor areas.
What are the current trends in homewares and interior design?
Current trends are leaning into organic shapes and sculptural forms, with a continued focus on biophilic design, which is an architectural approach to connect people more closely to nature.
Interestingly, the forecast for 2023 is ‘green’. I am always conscious of the changing trends however I tend to trust my instinctive taste and desire for timeless design.
What can we expect to see in future?
More considered purchases with quality pieces over quantity and a continued focus on products that are made sustainably.
How do you make a space come alive?
Greenery. My number one thing to soften and layer a space is plants, botanical prints and vases of foliage. Followed closely by candles and the use of lamps rather than overhead lighting.
What are your top tips when it comes to finding the perfect style for your home?
Your home needs to reflect the people living within it. The pieces which you have acquired and collected tell part of your story.
Collect images and ideas of what styles you like and colours you are drawn to. Step back and look at the recurring elements you are drawn to. These elements, combined with pieces you have collected, form the basis of your own personal style.
What do you love about being IN Noosa?
I love living IN Noosa for the simple fact we are so close to the natural beauty of the ocean and the landscape.
It is so easy to access this every day and time in nature helps you to focus on what is really important.
FAVE FIVE
Fave Hobby: Swimming in the ocean, reading.
Fave Drink: Red wine
Fave Food: Italian
Fave Colours: Earth tones – soft clay and terracotta, olive, soft blue
Fave Style: Stacks of books – not just to look at but to read
READ MORE ABOUT MERCHANTS OF BOTANICA!
Summer 2022: Making Your House a Home with Merchants of Botanica
