A Blossoming Partnership: Eccotrading Design London and RTfact Flowers
At Eccotrading Design London, we’ve always believed that the finer details can transform a house into a home and a space into a story. This year, we had the pleasure of partnering with the floral maestros at RTfact Flowers to create something truly special: a celebration of art, design, and nature, beautifully intertwined. Together, we combined our expertly curated accessories with their breathtaking faux floral arrangements, showcasing the incredible synergy between interior design and floral artistry.
This collaboration culminated in an inspiring event, the Art in Bloom showcase, where creativity bloomed in every corner. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable partnership, the story behind it, and the enchanting creations it brought to life.
The Seed of Collaboration
The idea for this collaboration was planted in the shared ethos of Eccotrading Design London and RTfact Flowers. Both brands are committed to creating timeless pieces that resonate with elegance and individuality. At Eccotrading, we’re dedicated to crafting furniture and accessories that elevate interiors. RTfact Flowers, led by the passionate and experienced Dawn Smith, has mastered the art of faux floral arrangements that rival nature itself. Together, we saw an opportunity to combine these strengths and offer our clients something extraordinary.
For us, accessories are the punctuation marks in a room’s narrative—the elements that bring balance, contrast, and cohesion. RTfact’s lifelike floral arrangements added an entirely new dimension to this vision. By pairing our bronze vases, textured bowls, and elegant furniture with their intricate floral designs, we explored how design and nature can harmonize beautifully.
The Event: Art in Bloom
The collaboration came to life at our Art in Bloom event, a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Hosted at our Eccotrading Design London showroom, the event brought together designers, clients, and enthusiasts eager to experience the magic of floral artistry paired with exquisite accessories.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. RTfact Flowers stole the spotlight with their stunning arrangements, each one thoughtfully designed to complement our pieces. Vases, bowls, and consoles became canvases for their floral artistry, demonstrating how a perfectly placed arrangement can transform a space.
The event was also a platform to exchange ideas and insights. Dawn Smith, the founder of RTfact Flowers, shared her journey and expertise in the world of faux flowers. With over 24 years of experience, Dawn has redefined perceptions of artificial florals, proving their potential to rival—and even surpass—fresh flowers in beauty and longevity.
Meet Dawn Smith: The Creative Force Behind RTfact Flowers
Dawn Smith’s journey into the world of floral artistry is as inspiring as her designs. With a background in fashion and design, Dawn’s creativity was evident from an early age. From her beginnings as a seamstress in London’s vibrant Chelsea district to launching her own children’s wear brand, Dawn has always approached her work with passion and precision.
After discovering a new love for floristry, Dawn transformed her garage into a creative studio overflowing with vases and stems. This humble beginning eventually blossomed into RTfact Flowers, a flourishing business now based in a stunning showroom and warehouse in Weybridge. Over the years, Dawn has built a reputation for sourcing the finest faux flowers and creating arrangements that are botanically accurate and endlessly captivating.
Her commitment to quality and attention to detail have earned RTfact Flowers a loyal following, including prestigious designers, private clients, and even celebrities. As Dawn shared during the event, her designs are guided by the same ethos we value at Eccotrading: a dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of how design elements come together to create something truly special.
Designing with Faux Florals: A Masterclass
At the heart of our collaboration is a shared belief in the power of thoughtful design. During the event, Dawn walked us through the process of creating floral arrangements that elevate interiors. Here are some of her key insights:
- Understanding the Space: Every arrangement begins with a deep understanding of the room it will inhabit. Factors like color palettes, textures, lighting, and furniture styles all play a role in the design process. RTfact Flowers excels at tailoring arrangements to complement and enhance these elements.
- Choosing the Right Materials: Quality is paramount. RTfact Flowers sources only the finest faux flowers, ensuring that each stem is botanically accurate and visually stunning. This attention to detail ensures that their arrangements are indistinguishable from fresh flowers.
- Practicality Meets Beauty: One of the many advantages of faux florals is their versatility and low maintenance. Unlike fresh flowers, they thrive in any environment, making them perfect for spaces with limited natural light or challenging conditions like underfloor heating.
- Customization is Key: RTfact Flowers offers a highly personalized service, working closely with designers to create bespoke arrangements. From initial concepts and mood boards to final installations, every detail is meticulously planned and executed.
Floral Trends and Timeless Elegance
The Art in Bloom event also highlighted some of the latest trends in floral design. One standout was the use of “Peach Fizz,” a soft and sophisticated hue predicted to dominate 2024 palettes. RTfact Flowers paired this shade with blush pinks, pale greens, and metallic accents, creating arrangements that felt both fresh and timeless.
Texture played a starring role as well. From fluffy pampas grass to delicate astrantia, each arrangement featured a mix of materials that added depth and interest. The result? Designs that felt alive, dynamic, and perfectly suited to modern interiors.
Why Choose Artificial Flowers?
For those new to faux florals, the event was an eye-opening experience. Dawn highlighted several compelling reasons to choose artificial flowers over fresh:
- Low Maintenance: With no need for water or sunlight, faux florals are perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Longevity: A well-crafted arrangement can last for years, offering incredible value.
- Versatility: Faux flowers can thrive in any environment, from dimly lit corners to sun-soaked conservatories.
- Sustainability: By reducing the need for imported fresh flowers, faux arrangements can help lower carbon footprints.
These benefits make faux florals an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces, offering beauty without compromise.
Looking Ahead: A Flourishing Future
Our collaboration with RTfact Flowers has been an inspiring journey, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next. As we continue to explore the intersection of furniture design and floral artistry, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.
The Art in Bloom event was just the beginning. Whether it’s through bespoke arrangements, ready-to-go designs, or innovative new concepts, we’re eager to keep inspiring our clients with the beauty of nature and design.
To those who joined us at the event, thank you for being part of this exciting chapter. And to those who couldn’t make it, we invite you to visit our showroom and experience the magic of Eccotrading Design London and RTfact Flowers for yourself.
Together, let’s continue to create spaces that tell stories, spark joy, and celebrate the art of living well.
