A Day in Colour with Hattie Molloy

The very first guest in our Days in Colour series, Hattie Molloy challenges the norms when it comes to traditional floral artistry, creating the unexpected in the most beautiful way.

Drawing inspiration from nature and the surreal, Hattie’s work has evolved from temporal floral arrangements to installation, sculpture, creative direction, photography, objects and homewares… all in her special Hattie style.

We were lucky enough to spend a morning with Hattie in her East Melbourne home-studio-oasis, for a glimpse into an inspiring world of creativity, colour and a cat named Jerry.

Your work is so beautifully unique, what drew you into the world of floristry and how did you develop your individual style?

As a child, I was always in my grandmother’s garden and drawn to flowers. As I grew older, it was still the thing I felt most connected to.

When developing my style, I’ve always stayed true to what feels right in my gut and soul. I rely heavily on being in tune with myself. That’s why I think it’s unique and not based on trend. I also like to spend time playing and experimenting with flowers for my own personal portfolio and not for commercial work, so I have creative freedom. I think it’s hard to find your style if you are always fulfilling other people’s briefs.

‘As a child, I was always in my grandmother’s garden and drawn to flowers. As I grew older, it was still the thing I felt most connected to.’
- Hattie

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My greatest inspiration is nature. So, I always love to be in gardens and looking at plants. When looking at nature I try to think, how can I change the context of how a flower or botanical form is viewed? I think that nature always gets it right so I’m not trying to recreate that exactly. I’m trying to put my own spin on it.

As the first guest on our Days in Colour series, how important is colour in your everyday?

Colour is my whole world! My house is filled with every colour. It’s an eclectic mix and match of all the things I love. Colour adds little sparks of joy throughout my day.

‘I think that nature always gets it right so I’m not trying to recreate that exactly. I’m trying to put my own spin on it.’ - Hattie

What is your favourite (and most unexpected) colour combination?

I’m loving cherry red and sky blue at the moment.

What does a regular day look like for Hattie Molloy?

Since being diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder, I never know what the day will entail. Some days I wake up and my legs won’t work, or my speech. So, I have to be very adaptable to what my body is allowing me to do.

Life is a lot slower now as I have to manage my symptoms and fatigue. I have to pace out my day to have breaks and rest in-between tasks. My ideal day, when my brain is working, is to create an arrangement to photograph. I love to be able to play without creative boundaries, that’s when I come up with new and exciting combinations.

‘Colour is my whole world! My house is filled with every colour.’ - Hattie

The work you do brings so much joy and colour to others, we’d love to know who brightens Hattie’s world?

My cat Jerry is always demanding cuddles and I love to potter on my little balcony garden. A friend popping over for a cuppa. All the small things that make life joyful.

Are there any kikki.K products you love, or that make your day easier?

As I have to plan out my day, and like to plan well in advance, I love the 18-month diary. The notebooks are great also and come in super fun colours! I love my personalised one – I’ll never lose it!

‘I love to be able to play without creative boundaries, that’s when I come up with new and exciting combinations.’
- Hattie

What’s next for Hattie?

I’m working on a few new vases which I’m excited to share with the world. I love designing vases as I think I have a unique viewpoint on functionality, while also being beautiful. It brings me joy seeing the objects I design in people’s homes.

Shop Hattie's Edit

For more of the colourful world of Hattie Molloy, follow along at @hattiemolloy

Days in Colour Vol. 1 photography by Becca Crawford, @beccacrawford