Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to The Art of Style, a brand-new series from The Sunday Times Style. Join artist and writer Rollo Skinner at his home in the Wiltshire / Dorset border as he reveals how to transform the "hedgerow treasures" of the English countryside into a triumphant seasonal display.
In this episode, Rollo breaks down his style philosophy of "simple abundance," showing you how to look beyond the perfect, farmed flowers and find endless magic in the unexpected elements of the landscape: from rusty dock leaves to pendulous sedge. Whether you are creating a party centrepiece or a welcoming display for your entrance hall, learn how to embrace the rhythm of the seasons and bring the beauty of the outdoors in.
What You’ll Learn:
* Slowing Down: Why connecting with nature and observing small details is the essential starting point for all creativity.
* Conditioning: Extend the vase life by conditioning your plants.
* Structure: Master the secret florist’s technique of using chicken wire and water trumpets to create a professional base.
* Refining the Display: Tips on balance, depth, and how to style your surrounding area to turn a simple vase into an immersive world.
Key Materials Featured:
* Earthenware Jug & Chicken Wire
* Foraged Beech & Hornbeam Branches
* Blackberries, Golden Rose Berries & Apples
* Dock Spires, Pendulous Sedge & Sedum
00:00:00 - Introduction to Rollo Skinner’s Style Philosophy
00:01:07 - Stage One: Go Slowly in Nature to Find Inspiration
00:02:09 - Stage Two: Gather - Materials & Ideas
00:04:32 - Stage Three: Conditioning to Extend Vase Life
00:05:05 - Stage Four: Structure - How Chicken Wire is a Florist’s Staple
00:05:34 - Stage Five: Shape - Use Your Biggest Elements First to Dictate the Shape of Your Design
00:06:22 - Stage Six: Filler - Filling Out Your Base
00:06:59 - Stage Seven: Texture
00:07:27 - Stage Eight: Colour
00:10:07 - Stage Nine: Flourishes
00:10:49 - Stage Ten: Refining Your Design
00:11:23 - Stage Eleven: Creating a World to Make Your Design More of an Installation
00:12:42 - In Summary
#TheArtOfStyle #RolloSkinner #BotanicalArt #Foraging #InteriorDesign #EnglishCountryside #FloralDesign #HomeDecor #SlowLiving #NatureInspiration #AutumnDecor #FlowerArranging
Download the app today: app.thetimes.link/5qGX9Cz5h3b
ABOUT THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
The Sunday Times Style offers a weekly edit of fashion and beauty, celebrity interviews and new writing with an irreverent take on the zeitgeist, including regular columns from the UK’s best-loved writers, Dolly Alderton and India Knight. Subscribe to this video channel for stylish, practical and fun original series for the modern woman.
Haven’t subscribed to The Sunday Times Style on YouTube? ►►► youtube.com/@SundayTimesStyle?sub_confirmation=1
Welcome to The Art of Style, a brand-new series from The Sunday Times Style. Join artist and writer Rollo Skinner at his home in the Wiltshire / Dorset border as he reveals how to transform the "hedgerow treasures" of the English countryside into a triumphant seasonal display.
In this episode, Rollo breaks down his style philosophy of "simple abundance," showing you how to look beyond the perfect, farmed flowers and find endless magic in the unexpected elements of the landscape: from rusty dock leaves to pendulous sedge. Whether you are creating a party centrepiece or a welcoming display for your entrance hall, learn how to embrace the rhythm of the seasons and bring the beauty of the outdoors in.
What You’ll Learn:
* Slowing Down: Why connecting with nature and observing small details is the essential starting point for all creativity.
* Conditioning: Extend the vase life by conditioning your plants.
* Structure: Master the secret florist’s technique of using chicken wire and water trumpets to create a professional base.
* Refining the Display: Tips on balance, depth, and how to style your surrounding area to turn a simple vase into an immersive world.
Key Materials Featured:
* Earthenware Jug & Chicken Wire
* Foraged Beech & Hornbeam Branches
* Blackberries, Golden Rose Berries & Apples
* Dock Spires, Pendulous Sedge & Sedum
00:00:00 - Introduction to Rollo Skinner’s Style Philosophy
00:01:07 - Stage One: Go Slowly in Nature to Find Inspiration
00:02:09 - Stage Two: Gather - Materials & Ideas
00:04:32 - Stage Three: Conditioning to Extend Vase Life
00:05:05 - Stage Four: Structure - How Chicken Wire is a Florist’s Staple
00:05:34 - Stage Five: Shape - Use Your Biggest Elements First to Dictate the Shape of Your Design
00:06:22 - Stage Six: Filler - Filling Out Your Base
00:06:59 - Stage Seven: Texture
00:07:27 - Stage Eight: Colour
00:10:07 - Stage Nine: Flourishes
00:10:49 - Stage Ten: Refining Your Design
00:11:23 - Stage Eleven: Creating a World to Make Your Design More of an Installation
00:12:42 - In Summary
#TheArtOfStyle #RolloSkinner #BotanicalArt #Foraging #InteriorDesign #EnglishCountryside #FloralDesign #HomeDecor #SlowLiving #NatureInspiration #AutumnDecor #FlowerArranging
Download the app today: app.thetimes.link/5qGX9Cz5h3b
ABOUT THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
The Sunday Times Style offers a weekly edit of fashion and beauty, celebrity interviews and new writing with an irreverent take on the zeitgeist, including regular columns from the UK’s best-loved writers, Dolly Alderton and India Knight. Subscribe to this video channel for stylish, practical and fun original series for the modern woman.
Haven’t subscribed to The Sunday Times Style on YouTube? ►►► youtube.com/@SundayTimesStyle?sub_confirmation=1
