Eddie Zaratsian: A Floral Feast for the Soul

"Years ago, when I came to Los Angeles, I wanted to have another store with a completely different point of view for flowers and plants."  This approach is said to be heavily influenced by contemporary European floral design not well represented here.  It was not lost on Restoration Hardware, which recognized Eddie's talent by teaming up with him in their Beverly Hills store for their first floral galley.  It features an exclusive in-house floral design studio showcasing Zaratsian's custom floral and lifestyle brand.  The studio features arrangements designed by Eddie to complement their line of furniture and accessories. 

"A cloche is a hidden treasure made private by enclosure," Eddie says of his unique terrarium-like creations. Evoking the botanical roots of Victorian times, these miniature environments speak a strong botanical language which brings the mystery of jungle plants into home or office. But unlike their predecessors, Eddie’s creations break the rules by combining unlikely plants such as arid zone succulents and moisture loving orchids for truly unorthodox compositions. "I'm a botanical artist who uses different forms of plants and even faux options," such as these faux black aeoniums.

"I listen to my clients, and then try to do something different for them," says Eddie about his design process. "They give me their input on inspirational colors and textures and I combine this with my own vision of flowers." Eddie Zaratsian's book features large detailed photos of his creations accompanied by the names of flowers used in each arrangement. This example features Hoya linearis, scabiosa pods, viburnum flower clusters and spray roses.

"In Hollywood, they need to see interesting work, new work. You need to skip boundaries, show how it can be done – tastefully. We've hit the mark because we've been working with celebrities who are not easily pleased. That audience is highly critical, but they love our energy because they're artists too who understand how hard it is to create something that's fresh and new."

Professionally he’s a Californian floral designer, a West Coast designer (an important differentiation in America), living and working in Hollywood. For his special clients he creates superb atmospheres, parties, events, weddings, birthdays, a whole raft of the usual celebrations, formal, casual and far fetched but always significant, always memorable. He makes beautiful grand gestures, fills ballrooms and swanky homes and terraces, party places, everything and anywhere dreamed up for impact and specialness or turns around on a penny and conjures up subtle intimate scenes and treasures in a heart beat.

– Introduction by Isabel Gilbert Palmer, Eddie Zaratsian: Custom Florals and Lifestyle

Zaratsian’s use of unusual botanical materials from burls to bark, twigs and lichen and moss give his creations a unique dynamic that stands out. "What I wanted to do with the book is present a style already going in Europe but is coming around for Americans too. I'm so into people living with plants and flowers. They are God's gift. Why would we not want to live with that? Here in California we have such amazing weather and it is easy here. I'd rather you grow your flowers and cut them to bring indoors – flowers feed the soul."

"I love the feeling of a mini garden," says Zaratsian of his beautiful conservatory arrangements. "They're so simple yet visually striking in any room." These table top creations are as suited to the office as they are a sitting room. "We're getting a lot of interest from younger folks, and surprisingly enough, men are attracted to them." Perhaps such a conservatory embodies the essence of organic, a strong botanical beauty that speaks in hushed horticultural tones. For those without a garden, or others working long hours indoors, a conservatory in the office is the next best thing to visiting an orchid house.

"I think I'm always ahead of the game with intuitive design aesthetic. I always want to do something different." This striving to explore design off the beaten path is why Restoration Hardware selected Zaratsian for partnership. "They and I were going in the same direction – a marriage made in heaven." This lovely creation features the segmented rods of horsetail, a living fossil of ancient times that's on the cutting edge of modern design styles.

Zaratsian’s European philosophy is rooted in the belief that inspiration is everywhere; therefore his vision is constantly inspired and evolving, though grounded with satisfying consistency. Customer service is key within his work and Eddie has a strong team to help bring his captivating art to life. Flowers are a feast for the soul and Eddie believes everyone deserves a seat at the table.

Eddie Zaratsian

Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle

310-508-6126