This spring, Waterford joins Chicago-based floral studio epoch.floral and its co-founder and creative director, Mike Hines, to explore how intentional design shapes meaningful moments.
Epoch's work features a considered and bespoke approach, known for sculptural compositions that respond to space, light, and architecture. Mirroring Waterford's own philosophy of craft—rooted in patience, precision, and an understanding that beauty lives in the details—it's a process perfectly suited to the magic of springtime.
As a starting point, the collaboration found inspiration in the Lismore 14in Vase to create a contemporary tablescape that's intimate, yet impressive. Whether shared with someone you love or as a gift to yourself, this is crystal made for connection.
For Mike Hines, every design begins with the vessel itself, letting form shape feeling.
“My floral designs begin with the vase. A vase that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional catches my eye. My flowers follow the character of the vase and, when the design is complete, the entirety of it is cohesive in both design and style.” — Mike Hines, Epoch FloralIn creating a Valentine's Day centerpiece, the Lismore Vase takes central focus. With Waterford's signature crystal clarity enhancing the colour and presence of the arrangement, the silhouette takes shape. The florals rise with purpose against the architectural cuts, anchoring the table. Paired with Lismore Toasting Flutes, the scene is pure romance. A quiet invitation to linger and mark the moment together.
To capture the Valentine's Day ambience, Mike Hines selected each stem for what it contributes to the overall composition: movement, tone, and atmosphere. It’s this balance that gives the design its strength. The foundation comes from magnolia branches, chosen for their graphic lines and gentle buds. They bring height and architecture to the final look, framing the design. Each stem is added slowly, with pauses to consider height, spacing, direction, and negative space in conversation with the Lismore Vase. As these form the visual bones of the piece, it’s critical to get the scaffolding right to establish proportion and create a sense of intention from the outset.
A mix of soft greens layered throughout introduces lightness and rhythm to round out the structure. Ferns, viburnum, and delicate green textures are introduced to cushion the mechanics and begin shaping the silhouette.The fine, airy fronds cushion transitions and carry the eye through the piece. Generous without losing discipline, the form widens and lowers organically. What might appear effortless is, in reality, carefully constructed.Throughout the process, Mike edits constantly. He rotates the piece, removes stems, adjusts placement, steps back, and refines again. This allows the composition to take shape organically and create a foundation for bolder-colored buds.
The floral body consists of a couture mix of ranunculus, garden roses, lisianthus, and viburnum. In close, considered groupings, they achieve fullness, warmth, and depth through variation in scale and hue, with lighter blooms that seem to hover between the others.Placed low and near the rim, they create a lush crown that contrasts with the vertical branches while keeping the crystal visible and central. The blooms never overwhelm the vase; they respond to it.The palette remains soothing with blush, apricot, pale pink, and fresh green notes. By finding balance from every angle, the flowers feel alive and expressive, rather than ornamental. A sculptural, yet soft, reminder that the most compelling moments come through patience and purpose.
Spring brings new life and color to the home through flowers chosen with care, a table set for company, and the simple act of making space for others to feel welcome.
In this collaboration with epoch.floral, the beauty of floral design becomes a language of intention. Through movement, texture, and composition, each element adds to an atmosphere where presence matters.
That’s the enduring power of design done right, the ability to craft a feeling for every day that calls for connection.
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