Seasonality, Authenticity & Natural Beauty: An Interview with Floral Designer & Interior Stylist Teressa Johnson
We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with floral designer and stylist Teressa Johnson on our recent photoshoots, and each time we walk away feeling deeply inspired. Her eye for uncovering beauty in nature and her thoughtful styling so seamlessly complements our designs. In our conversation, Teressa shares the creative spirit behind her studio and how travel, seasonality, and authenticity continually guide her work.
TSD: What inspired you to begin working in floral and event design, and how did your husband-and-wife partnership evolve into a full creative studio?
TJ: I initially imagined building a life as a wife and mom with a creative outlet, and I thought that outlet would be interior design. But very quickly I realized I had a natural intuition for florals. I began doing weddings while studying interiors, and little by little flowers became the thing I kept returning to. By 2002, I committed fully to floral work.
My husband, who is a teacher by trade, stepped in as the business began to grow and I needed logistical support. Because he had summers off, he was able to dive in with me—and he’s the type of person who genuinely wants to make my ambitions happen. Today, while I run most of the business with my team, so many foundational pieces were built by the two of us together. He helped get us off the ground and supported me through many challenges early on.
TSD: I love the branding for your business—your social media and website is so personal, intentional and aesthetically stunning. How would you describe your design philosophy in your own words?
TJ: I don’t like to interfere with things that are already inherently beautiful. My aim is to honor what naturally occurs and to spotlight it—taking something from its environment and thoughtfully placing it in a home or space.
Nothing should feel too contrived or too obvious. I love subtlety, and I’m driven by the idea of revealing beauty that people might not notice at first glance. Not everything can be a high note—otherwise there’s no song.
I also love capturing moments that show the fullness of life. Imperfection and process can be incredibly beautiful—someone mid-task, a little mess created by movement or preparation. Those moments tell the story.
TSD: What does your creative process look like from the initial meeting to the final installation?
TJ: There’s a lot happening behind the scenes before anything tangible begins. I spend time researching, thinking, and imagining the narrative that will make sense for each home or shoot. I’ll often scout the location and begin with the kitchen—considering the time of day, how the space is used, and what people would naturally be doing there.
Pinterest is a guide for developing that visual direction. For example, when styling Parkmont 1920 for TSD, I first sent Tammara images of how her kitchen design felt to me and how I envisioned the storytelling in that space. If I get that initial vision right, designers usually trust where I’m going and give me the freedom to run with it. That trust and autonomy are essential. From there, I think about anchoring pieces—textures, shapes, and items that ground the narrative. The designer–stylist relationship is very fluid—I come in with a plan, but it evolves as I collaborate with the photographer to bring the final story to life.
TSD’s Parkmont 1920: Styling by Teressa Johnson, Photography by Kara Mercer
TSD: You work across such a wide range of experiences—from floral design, interior styling and installations to workshops and retreats. How do you adapt your creative approach to each of these?
TJ: Everything I do is connected through the same creative filter. Even though my work spans different disciplines, the thread that runs through all of it is helping people see the beauty that already exists—sometimes in ways they don’t expect.
It’s hard to define exactly what I “do” because it is so varied, but I think my role is to shift perspective. I’m always thinking about authenticity, the seasons, and the way people live. Whether I’m styling a home, arranging flowers, or hosting a retreat, those principles stay the same.
TSD: Your immersive food retreats in Italy immediately caught my attention — they seem equal parts adventure, artistry, and connection! What first sparked the idea for these journeys, and how do the experiences you gather abroad shape your creative approach and design aesthetic?
TJ: My love for Italy began in 2005, and it never really left me. Years later, I hosted a private creative retreat with a watercolor artist, and it became clear that I had to return—this time to create something of my own.
The retreats developed in collaboration with the Fraticelli family, who have lived on their property for over a century. Their estate was originally used for farming and curing meat, and over time it transformed into a place of cultural exchange. We decided that I would bring American guests seeking an authentic experience, and the family would share their Italian traditions, food, and way of life. They’ve become like family to me now.
What I love most is the connection—setting the tables, encouraging conversation, creating a sense of belonging. Travel inspires me deeply. Exposure to difference—terrain, food, body language—keeps my eyes open. When I’m outside my usual rhythm, I become more alert and observant and I think that awareness fuels my creativity.
2025 Italian Food Retreat hosted by Teressa Johnson & The Fraticelli Family
TSD: When working with florals, what are your guiding principles for color, texture, and composition?
TJ: I’m always drawn to texture first. I typically choose two or three textures to establish shape. I especially love a triangular outline in floral design; it creates movement and structure. Scale is important too—using a mix of large, medium, and small elements to create interest. A focal point is also essential because your eye needs a place to rest—without that, the arrangement feels unsettled.
Color often comes later. I usually look for transitional tones before settling into a palette—I find that brown is often a beautiful bridge. These are all principles I teach often in my floral workshops.
Florals by Teressa Johnson
TSD: How do you approach designing for a client’s home or workspace in a way that feels personal and integrated with their lifestyle?
TJ: When I’m styling for a client—not for a photoshoot, but for their actual life—my priority is understanding how they truly use their home. I don’t love objects that have no purpose. Everything should either serve someone or offer beauty.
I ask a lot of questions because I want accessories and florals to make sense for the people living there. Solving problems creatively, in a way that is both functional and beautiful, is something I really enjoy.
TSD: What do you enjoy most about collaborating with interior designers on projects and photoshoots?
TJ: I love bringing fresh eyes to a project and celebrating the designer’s work. By the time I arrive, everyone is usually exhausted from years-long projects—so I enjoy contributing energy and helping carry the vision across the finish line.
I often say I’m the “hair and makeup” of the house. Just like in fashion, it takes a team to bring the final look together. When there’s trust, it’s incredibly rewarding to show designers what they created through thoughtful styling and beautiful photography.
Interior Styling by Teressa Johnson
TSD: What advice would you give interior designers who want to incorporate florals or styling into their work in a more elevated or editorial way?
TJ: If styling doesn’t excite you, it’s okay to let it go. Styling is a different skill set from design, and it’s perfectly fine to bring someone in to handle that final layer.
But if you love styling, trust your gut. Designers have a naturally trained eye—they absolutely have the ability. The key is knowing where your intuition lies and building a team you trust so you can focus on what you're great at.
TSD: What inspires you outside of floral design? Fashion, travel, architecture, nature?
TJ: The changing seasons and food inspire me endlessly. There’s so much happening in nature—the colors, textures, rhythms—that shifts with each season. Observing those changes has always fascinated me.
TSD: What trends are you seeing locally — in weddings, interiors, or lifestyle design — that excite you?
TJ: I don’t love trends. I’m drawn to things that are timeless. I’m skeptical of trends because I feel that things need to age well to truly appreciate them. I believe beauty gains meaning with age—patina, scars, history. Trends usually undermine longevity.
TSD: What do you love most about working in the Seattle design and event community?
TJ: I love how small and connected it is! There’s so much camaraderie and generosity, even though we’re all ambitious and competitive in our own ways. We run in similar circles and always end up coming back together. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community—there’s so much warmth and mutual respect.
To learn more about Teressa, follow her on Instagram @teressajohnson or check out her website teressajohnsonstudio.com
Stay tuned for more collaborations between Teressa & Tammara Stroud Design!