CUSTOM CREATIONS: “Fleurique is an eco-friendly flower shop where nature meets elegance. We specialize in custom floral designs for weddings, events, and everyday moments,” says Fleurique Design owner Lydia Platonov. Shown is an arrangement featuring anemones, ranunculus, lisianthus, astrantia, spring roses, hanging amaranthus, and greenery in a pedestal bowl. (Photo by Meadowlens Photography).

By Jean Stratton

It’s the natural beauty. Flowers make people happy. There is immediate satisfaction whether you are in a garden or when you receive a gift of flowers. Flowers make you feel good.”

Lydia Platonov should know! A certified floral designer, she owns Fleurique Design, located at 46 South Bridge Street in Lambertville.

Known for its unique customized designs, commitment to sustainability, and friendly personal customer service, the shop has become a very popular addition to the Lambertville shopping scene since it opened last December.

Growing up in Bucks County, Platonov enjoyed the picturesque scenic surroundings of the area, including not only the Delaware River, but the natural landscapes filled with an abundance of flowers, trees, and foliage of all kinds.

FAVORITE FLORALS: “My specialty is a contemporary look, a bit more avant-garde, with more organic designs, using wild flowers, and different and unusual textures,” says Lydia Platonov, certified floral designer and owner of Fleurique Design. “We offer fresh and dried flowers, sourced sustainably, and we feature a carefully curated selection of blooms, vintage finds, and unique gifts, all chosen with sustainability in mind.” (Photo by Meadowlens Photography).

Creative Vision

As a girl, she developed a deep connection both with nature and art. She emphasizes that these two passions — art and nature — guided her toward a career in floral design in which she could combine her love of the environment with her creative vision.

“I’m passionate about plants, flowers, and the earth,” she explains. “I have also always enjoyed painting, and as an artist, I am happy to be able to combine that with my floral design work.”

After working in a number of floral shops for several years, she was able to fulfill her hope of having her own business when she opened Fleurique Design.

In addition, Platonov points out that her work is also strongly influenced by her appreciation for history, especially “the timeless charm of old and historic elements.

“This love for the past shapes my designs, resulting in floral creations that are romantic, whimsical, and reminiscent of the classic still life paintings and landscapes of bygone eras. Each arrangement tells a story, capturing the elegance and nostalgia of another time, while staying grounded in the beauty of nature.”

Barns to Beaches

At the same time, however, because of her creative talent, she is able to bring a very modern feel to her work. “My arrangements can be more contemporary too, with robust textures, and large flowers, such as anthurium and bigger roses.”

This is often reflected in weddings today, she adds. Weddings are a specialty for her, and they are very varied these days, with assorted themes and locations ranging from barns to beaches.

“Couples often have a vision or theme and the flowers they want,” she explains. ”The location can be a factor too. Also, tropical flowers are popular now, and many brides are choosing a more modern, less traditional, look. They like larger flowers and wild flowers.”

Platonov will provide the flowers for the entire wedding event, including for the bridal party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception.

Other occasions, such as showers, parties, and corporate events, are increasingly in demand as well, and these are all part of her service.

In general, she reports that roses remain as popular as ever, but often in more unusual colors, such as green, as well as the all-time favorites red, pink, white, and yellow.

“Other popular flowers today are ranunculus, sunflowers, and unique varieties of daisies,” she says. “Also, flowers with earth tone colors are very desirable, including zinnias with muted, earth tone shades. I like to use a fun variety of zinnias with interesting colors and unusual textures.”

Locally Grown

In addition to the variety of events she oversees, Platonov offers a full range of bouquets, cut flowers, and dried flower arrangements and wreaths. She has flowers from all over the world, as well as from local growers.

“We have locally grown plants from an organic farm and greenhouse,” she reports.

Customers often walk in to take flowers — or even a single stem — home. Recently, a young man stopped in to pick up a bouquet of cut flowers for his mother’s birthday. A Lambertville resident and regular customer, he had specific colors and flowers in mind, and Platonov was glad to oblige, providing an appealing environmentally-friendly “wrap” for the bouquet.

In fact, the containers (which Platonov likes to refer to as vessels) at Fleurique Design are notably different. As she explains, “I have vessels from natural materials, such as one made from coffee grounds and corn husks. This is available in different colors, and is very durable.”

Touch of Nature

This is very much in keeping with her strong focus on sustainability. “I do my best to be sustainable and environmentally-friendly. I use no plastic and have minimal waste.”

Another very popular service she offers is the subscription package in which customers have a standing order for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries to their home or office. “They can have customized floral arrangements or cut flowers,” notes Platonov. “It can be a seasonal touch of nature in their home. Many people appreciate this opportunity.”

They also appreciate a visit to the shop, which is filled with wonderful floral displays, unusual containers, and a variety of gift products. “I offer handmade items, including candles, incense, perfumes, body serums, antiques, and handmade ceramics from local artists and artisans,” she says.

In addition, Platonov has introduced a series of seasonal events in the shop, featuring area artists. Open to the public, these events further reflect her interest in the full spectrum of art.

Customers are coming to Fleurique Design from all over the area, including Princeton, she reports. Often referred by other customers, they are also finding her online, especially for events. Although the majority of her work is focused in the area, she has had weddings and events in Philadelphia and upstate New York as well as other locations beyond the immediate area.

Same Day Delivery

Same day delivery within a 25-mile radius is available, and customers can call or order online.

Prices cover a wide range, with single stems starting at $3, $25 and up for cut flower bouquets, and on up for arrangements. She also makes an effort to work with people’s budgets.

Platonov is very encouraged that Fleurique Design has attracted so many enthusiastic customers in such a short time, and she is happy they know that the shop is something special.

“We are set apart by our unique selection of flowers from all over the world, our unique designs, and our committed focus on sustainability. I’d like to do this for the rest of my life!”

Fleurique Design is open Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call (609) 212-4783. Visit the website at fleuriquedesign.com.