Elevate Your Home with the Lasting Beauty of Faux Florals: A Conversation with the Co-CEOs of Diane James Home, Carolyn & Cynthia

04/16/25 • 36 min

A tastemaker brings together elegance and joy, curating thoughtful details that make a space feel special. Whether you’re seasoned tastemaker or aspiring one, this episode will be sure to complement your expertise.

We’re joined by Carolyn and Cynthia of Diane James Home, creators of gorgeous faux floral arrangements so realistic, they even fool the bees.

Their story began in 1997 when their mother, Diane, launched her first collection at Bergdorf Goodman. By 2008, the debut of their e-commerce platform made their signature florals accessible to designers and tastemakers around the world. Their pieces have graced everything from chic city apartments and countryside estates to five-star hotels, Hollywood sets, and even presidential libraries.

Diane James Home has celebrated collaborations with noteworthy brands such as, Gray Malin, Aerin Lauder, Ashley Stark, Lee Jofa, and Serena & Lily. What makes their brand so distinct is that—like couture—each design is handmade with love.

And of course, there’s something inherently special about a family business. The love, attention to detail, and genuine joy Carolyn and Cynthia bring to their work shines through in every arrangement—and in this conversation. Their warmth is as comforting and fresh as the first days of spring.

In this episode :

The Diane James Home brand story, from its early beginnings to today
Their meticulous process for crafting lifelike floral arrangements
How to care for and maintain your faux florals
A few of our favorite designs—and the stories behind them

Complete show notes can be found on styledbyark.com

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Connect with Diane James Home via Instagram @dianejameshome and dianejameshome.com

We’re joined by Carolyn and Cynthia of Diane James Home, creators of gorgeous faux floral arrangements so realistic, they even fool the bees.

In this episode :

The Diane James Home brand story, from its early beginnings to today
Their meticulous process for crafting lifelike floral arrangements
How to care for and maintain your faux florals
A few of our favorite designs—and the stories behind them

Complete show notes can be found on styledbyark.com

___
Connect with Diane James Home via Instagram @dianejameshome and dianejameshome.com

Previous Episode

Designing a Small Traditional Garden: A Conversation with Butter Wakefield, One of House & Garden’s Top 50 Garden Designers

As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it feels only right to celebrate the season with a conversation about gardens and the beauty they bring into our lives. And who better to join us than one of the most distinguished garden designers in the UK - Butter Wakefield.

Butter grew up on a small farm outside Baltimore, Maryland. After gaining experience at Christie’s in New York City, she relocated to London in 1988. There, she began her career at Colfax and Fowler as a design assistant, where she honed essential design principles such as color, scale, and pattern.

In 1992, she followed her true calling: gardening - an art form embedded in her family’s legacy. With a mother, aunt and grandparents who were all accomplished gardeners, it was inevitable that Butter would cultivate a passion for gardens herself. She trained at the English Gardening School before graduating from the prestigious London College of Garden Design.

Today, she's recognized as one of House & Garden's Top 50 Garden Designers and has earned multiple accolades including the RHS, Gold medal and the People's Choice Award at the Chatsworth Flower Show for the Belmont Enchanted Garden. Her talent was also acknowledged at the Chelsea Flower Show, where she received Best Trade Stand Award for Gay's Burrville.

William Kent once said, "Garden as if you will live forever." The wisdom Butter shares today reminds us of the lasting beauty we can create when we design with intention and heart.

Butter’s vibrant spirit, generosity, and boundless creativity are as inspiring as her gardens.

In this episode, Butter and Anne discuss:

Butter’s journey into garden design
Insights on designing small, traditional gardens
Tips for seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces
Embracing maximalism in interior design

Complete show notes can be found at: @styledbyark.com

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Connect with Butter Wakefield on IG @butterwakefield and at butterwakefield.co.uk
You can also learn more about Small Garden Design from Butter Wakefield at Create Academy, UK's most beloved learning platforms.

Next Episode

Currently Loving: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas with Classic & Curious Host Anne & her daughter Abby

Welcome to May! This is a wonderful month to honor mothers and the special women who have shaped our lives.

Following the positive response to the first Currently Loving episode, Anne and Abby are excited to return with their thoughts on celebrating Mother's Day!

Currently Loving is a seasonal feature within Classic & Curious, offering a blend of perspectives from our host and her daughter, both with unique tastes. Anne's extensive 20-year background in fashion and refined sensibility, paired with Abby's design style, promises to bring you delightful ideas.

In this episode, Anne and Abby share:

Their top recommendations for gifts.

Thoughtful, no-cost gift ideas.

Suggestions for spending quality time together, the most valuable gift of all.

Heartwarming mother-daughter

Join us as we explore many wonderful ways to make someone feel special and appreciated.

Complete show notes can be found @styledbyark.com

Follow Anne @styeldbyark.com