At home with. . . Cherie Michele
Florist Cherie Michele, a.k.a The Flower Grocer, has turned this gorgeous worker's cottage on the range into a cosy, inviting country retreat - and just about the perfect place to curl up by the wood fire with a glass of wine in hand.
10 August 2023
Photography by Prestige Media
Q. Tell us A Little About Yourself & The Flower Grocer + Cottage?
Day to day I'm a florist, with a background in visual merchandising, styling and event design - that's actually where The Flower Grocer dream began. I was at David Jones working in VM on their Annual Spring Flower Show, and wanted to be able to take that same artistic flair and creativeness and transfer that into creating bespoke arrangments and daily florals for people (and floral experiences like those at the Flower Food and Wine Festival last year).
I also rent the cottage out on airbnb and I love being able to host people with food and flowers and little treats. I'm always working in my flower studio next door and people love that as well. I have Bridal couples stay in the cottage while I’m creating their wedding flowers on site – its so wonderful. That's why it's a little bit unique in that we're more than just a florist - we're a cottage with the cute little flower shop.
Q. What were you looking for in your home?
I've always loved timber homes, the simple architecture, the wooden windows and polished floor boards. When I saw this house, I had a really good feeling about it. It was filled with sunshine and had a beautiful space to create a nice garden.
I'm originally from SA and many of the homes there have laneway access to the back of the home, so when I saw this place and its cute laneway to the side, I was very excited.
Q. What do you love about your neighbourhood?
The area has it all, beautiful shops, restaurants, cafes and salons and a real sense of community. I love seeing the same people out each morning walking their dogs and stopping to chat with each other. Having Picnic Point so close is also wonderful - the view, the sunrise and sunsets, the walking trails and the waterfall are all favourites.
Q. What is your favourite space & why?
There's a very small area just inside the house off the back deck. It's light filled, cute and cosy and a really clever use of a small space. I’ve painted the main wall in chalk paint so I can write daily reminders, lists and flower orders and filled the space with vintage washroom finds. There is a hanging rail above the sink where I dry flowers and herbs – I love it.
Q. What are some of your favourite pieces?
I’ve been collecting Vintage Bendigo Pottery and Vintage Demijohn stoneware bottles and urns since I was 16, I love them all! I have girlfriends all over the state who are always on the lookout for me as well. I’ll often receive photo messages from friends saying – ‘I’m out OP shopping, do you have this one?’. My favourite is a Vintage Stoneware bread crock that was a gift from my Mum – It's really large and I usually arrange flowers in it for the living room.
If I see a Vintage piece when I’m out shopping I always ask myself, “am I going to think about this all the way home”? If the answer is yes, then I’ll buy it. I think if you love something, you'll always find the perfect place for it in your home.
theflowergrocer.com.au/cottage @the.flower.grocer
