Stop to Smell the Roses: Exploring the Power of Floral Artistry With Natalie B

Natalie Bowen Designs provides a beautiful example of nature as art. Every one of her floral arrangements represent a larger philosophy—that flowers connect our inner and outer worlds, while reminding us of the most precious aspects of our humanity. Through every bloom, Natalie breathes life into ordinary spaces, crafting unforgettable moments that reconnect us with nature.

As a third-generation floral designer, Natalie often sources blossoms and branches directly from her garden or her mother’s garden, crafting sustainable creations that celebrate the season with artistic expression. Every vibrant bloom aims to inspire shared experiences, foster community, and bring us closer to each other and the planet. 

Natalie’s floral design workshops at 1 Hotel San Francisco do exactly that. In celebration of this creative and unifying art form, we spoke with her to explore her approach, chat beginner-friendly floral tips ahead of the holidays, and most importantly—pause to savor the ever-evolving natural beauty that surrounds us.

A Bouquet of Insights From Floral Designer, Natalie Bowen Brookshire

From your early memories in the garden to becoming a floral designer, can you share a bit about your background and what first drew you to the world of flowers and design?

I’m honored to be a third-generation floral designer, coming from a lineage of individuals deeply connected to the natural world. My grandmother had a flower shop in San Francisco—first at the Mark Hopkins and Fairmont on Nob Hill, and later, she opened her own space in West Portal. For me, flowers have always been a universal language, a way of creating beauty with meaning. Arranging flowers allows us to bring nature into everyday spaces, transforming them with purpose and artistry.

How do you approach color selection in your floral arrangements, particularly with the vibrant hues of autumn? Do you have any go-to flowers for autumn arrangements?

Color is always my starting point, followed closely by texture. I’m drawn to the hues that speak to me in the moment, and from there, I layer supporting tones to bring everything together. This autumn, I’m leaning into deep burgundies accented with mauve—tones that compliment the season but still surprise. It’s about creating something rich and unexpected, yet in harmony with the energy of autumn. 

Recognizing that sustainability is at the heart of 1 Hotels, how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your floral creations?

Sustainability has become an essential part of my approach. Much of what I use comes directly from my own garden or my mother’s. I’ve also learned to be patient with the seasons, waiting to prune trees until the right time to use those branches in my arrangements. Whenever possible, I love to forage locally—whether it’s picking up fallen branches during a walk or repurposing trimmings from a friend’s landscape. It’s all about celebrating what nature provides in its own time, with minimal impact on the environment. 

As we enter the season of celebration and gatherings, can you share beginner-friendly tips for creating beautiful seasonal floral arrangements at home?

• Embrace simplicity. A thoughtful mix of greenery alone can create a striking arrangement.
• Small touches make a big impact. Place a single flower or leaf on each napkin—it’s an effortless way to elevate your tablescape.
• Go for single-variety bunches. When buying flowers at the grocery store, opt for a single type—this creates a more refined, elegant look than mixed bouquets.
• Create clusters of small arrangements. Instead of one large centerpiece, try grouping smaller arrangements. If you don’t have bud vases, small water glasses work beautifully.
• Don’t forget the candles. There’s something incredibly inviting about candlelight, even during the day. A few candles on a brunch table bring a sense of warmth and luxury.

We admire your commitment to celebrating shared experiences through your floral design. How do you plan to weave the themes of autumn and community into your upcoming workshop at 1 Hotel San Francisco?

The workshops at 1 Hotel San Francisco have always felt special, thanks to the incredible guests who attend. I love seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, and there’s a real sense of connection as everyone designs together. This autumn, our arrangements will capture the vibrant energy of the season—lively, fresh, and inspired by the city’s unique October charm. It’s a time when San Francisco truly shines, and we’ll bring that spirit into our designs.

Let Your Creativity Flourish

Join us for a lovely autumn afternoon at 1 Hotel San Francisco, as Natalie B leads an immersive fall floral design workshop on our lush patio.