Ruth Lindfield is the creative founder of Ruth Fiona Floral, a floral design studio with a contemporary, naturalistic aesthetic. Ruth’s distinct floral styling is seen at weddings, events and sculptural arrangements found in many Auckland retailers.
We caught up with Ruth to learn about her background and what led her to start RFF, hear some special Mother’s Day memories held close to her heart and she shared some of her favourite sources of inspiration. Enjoy our chat below.
Before Ruth Fiona Floral you worked as a Spatial Designer, how does this unique design background inform your floristry practice?
I studied Spatial Design and was very fortunate to transition into floristry after my studies. With that being said, having spatial design as a background definitely created the foundation of some of my most unique floral designs.
I love designing floral sculptures that have a unique form and texture, that represent the landscape which the design will be displayed in. Having that connection between the natural setting and your design is definitely very important to me, and elevates each design.
What led you to start RFF?
I launched RFF in 2020, after making the sharp decision that I wanted to create an art driven brand that was more than just flowers! I wanted to create something of a point of difference, and of course I had no plan other than to start. So I did, and here I am 4 years later!
RFF is more than flowers, you’re also an incredible stylist for events, editorial and set design. Is there a distinctive RFF style? And if so, how does this inform these varied applications?
Aw thank you! My style is constantly evolving, which I think is important. I don't ever want to become stagnant in my craft. Although I do really gravitate towards tonal colour combinations, and creating designs that have been influenced by their natural landscapes. I would say the RFF style is naturalistic with an element of sculptural drama!
You often cite inspiration from nature. How do the changing seasons affect your design process throughout the year?
My design process is very much influenced by the season. Each season evokes its own sense of style, and I like to honour that. For example; Spring brings an abundance of highly scented flowers, which are more frilly in texture and perfect for those playful and unique briefs. Summer brings more structure to my designs and so forth.
Where else do you look to for inspiration?
I am constantly seeking inspiration and aspire to lots of international florists, designers and stylists. Some of my favourites are;
- Lalia Cooks, Designer - @lailacooks
- Sammy Bate, Floral Designer in Australia - @ffoliar
- Stella Goodman, Floral Designer in Australia - @Fritillerie
- Carolin Ruggaber, Designer in Berlin @carolinruggaber
For those of us keen to create at-home florals, can you offer any advice or tips on simple arrangements?
Absolutely! I would recommend investing in some Kenzan frogs and a pretty bowl to create your very own Ikebana style arrangements. You can be so surprised by what you can find in your garden or on your daily walks.
Practising your own floral processes and creating unique arrangements by allowing the flowers to fall naturally can be a great way for beginners to get a feel for working with flowers.
At Ashley & Co we are all about scent and beautiful fragrance, we would love to know a few flowers that in your opinion have the best perfume.
Likewise, I'm obsessed with the scent of garden roses, tomato leaves (I know it's not a flower, but gosh they smell delicious) and I adore the smell of sweet peas!
It's Mother’s Day coming up in New Zealand, this must be quite a special one for you as you are expecting your first child, congratulations! We would love for you to share a fond memory shared with your own mum?
Thank you, my partner and I are super excited to be expecting a boy in October!
My mum is the most special lady, and my fondest memories have to be our long walks in Wales and Scotland on our family vacations. My mum and I can chat for days, like literally days! So a long country walk filled with life lessons and wisdom is a very fond memory of mine.
Mother’s Day is often celebrated with simple traditions, like breakfast in bed or a handwritten card. Are there any traditions you share with your mum or family? Or any that you would like to start with your little one?
Definitely breakfast and coffee in bed! My siblings and I got very good at hand written cards and lavish meals in bed for both of my parents! Of course as we got older, the gifts became more sophisticated but I like to think my parents preferred the chaotic meal preparations while we were young.
I would love to continue this tradition with my little ones!
Quick fire Q’s:
Name a scent that invokes a special memory for you.
Coco Channel number 5, this instantly makes me think of my nana!
A daily ritual you can’t live without?
My morning coffee, I just can't live without.
Favourite dish and where would you like to eat it? Ohh can I have a favorite drink instead? Chilli Cosmopolitan from Lillian, hands down the best!
What’s your favourite space in your home?
I would have to say our sun room, the morning light is so special in this space.
Your most-loved Ashley & Co scent?
Bonberry candle, but also their Lotus Leaf and Lustre surface zap. This scent always reminds me of my yoga practice at Sala, if you know you know.
Thank you to the talented Danni for the photos and for capturing this beautiful sunny morning with Ruth.
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