To describe Parisian florist Mathilde Vial’s tiny shop on the Rue du Vertbois in the 2nd arrondissement as under-the-radar is putting it mildly. If you walk by, you will almost surely miss it. With no storefront sign, On the Sunny Side is more of an atelier than a boutique; Vial’s reputation spreads by word of mouth and many of her customers are longtime loyalists.
But for anyone who wanders in, the shop offers a selection of seasonal bouquets (many featuring flowers Vial grows herself), and an eclectic collection of planters and pots, many from small French producers. Since starting the business in 2013, Vial also has offered floral design workshops. Here are 10 ideas to steal from the casual elegance of her arrangements.
Photography by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
Pick a Palette

What is Vial’s favorite flower? “It is very hard to answer that question because there are some many flowers I adore! I particularly like les anémones,” she says.
Think About Texture


Skip the Vase

Put It on Repeat

Instead of getting one houseplant, get three or four that are identical; en masse make a more powerful visual statement. In Vial’s shop, four identical potted vines hang in a row, creating a curtain of foliage to catch the light.
Make an Angled Cut

Embrace ‘Blushing Bride’

Keep It Simple

Press Here

Extend the life of your favorite blossoms by pressing them to create dried flowers.
Think Like an Artist

On strips of muslin or linen, you can mount pressed flowers with strips of tape (or a few well-placed stitches) to create botanical art.
Clip It

Keeping a Low Profile

N.B.: For more of our favorite simple floral arrangements, see:
- NYC Flower Market: 5 Floral Arrangements for Under $200.
- Small Space DIY: A Wall of Colorful Dried Flowers.
- Dried Hydrangea Garlands for Fall.
- How to Make Transcendent Pressed Flowers.
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