People often ask me where I get my ideas - from the floral styling to the candle names, the way I decorate my home, or even the kinds of meals I cook. And honestly? A lot of it comes from stories I’ve loved since I was a little girl. Whether it’s books, films, or TV shows, certain ones have just stuck with me over the years and shaped the way I see beauty, home, creativity, and even comfort.
Here are a few that have inspired me in ways big and small.
Beatrix Potter
I grew up with Beatrix Potter books and the little TV show that used to play on ABC. One of my most-loved toys was a Jemima Puddle Duck plush that came everywhere with me. There’s something about her gentle stories and those little animals in bonnets and aprons that just gets me every time. Her world felt soft and safe, and I think I’ve always tried to recreate a little bit of that in my own way - through my florals, my candles, and the way I try to live a bit slower and closer to nature.
The Secret Garden (1993)
This movie had a huge impact on me. I must have watched it a hundred times as a kid. The overgrown garden, the old English estate, the sense of mystery and healing - it stirred something in me. Even now, I often imagine what that garden would smell like, and I try to bottle a bit of that feeling into my candle blends or the wreaths I create. It also kickstarted my love of English countryside gardens - wild, untamed, and full of character.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
I couldn’t write this list without including Beauty and the Beast. I watched it on repeat as a child and completely fell in love with the story, the music, the enchanted castle, and - of course - the library. Belle was the first character I really related to - bookish, a little dreamy, and drawn to something deeper than appearances. That scene where the Beast surprises her with the library? Still one of my all-time favourite movie moments. Looking back, I can see how it shaped my love for storytelling, moody castles, warm lighting, and big, blooming roses. There’s a bit of Beauty and the Beast magic in almost everything I do, especially when it comes to candles and florals.
Titanic (1997)
I was seven when this came out, and probably a little young to be watching a film with such serious content, but here we are! It completely fascinated me and started a lifelong obsession with the Titanic itself. I went through a full blown Titanic phase that hasn’t really ended - I still watch the movie whenever I’m sick or feeling a bit low. It’s like emotional comfort food. The music, the costumes, the feeling of it all - I can’t explain it, it just stuck with me.
Jane Eyre & Wuthering Heights
These were gifted to me when I was quite young, and while I didn’t fully understand them at the time, I felt them. I loved the atmosphere - the wild moors, the complicated characters, the moodiness of it all. There’s something about that slightly gothic, windswept English vibe that’s always appealed to me. I think that’s where a lot of my love for darker florals and more dramatic styling comes from.
Downton Abbey
This is my ultimate comfort show. I’ve rewatched it more times than I can count - especially the earlier seasons. I love the slow pace, the music, the little moments over breakfast or in the garden. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to set the table properly, polish the silver (or at least light a candle), and pour a proper cup of tea.
And the costumes - don’t even get me started. Lady Mary’s striped Edwardian garden party dress is honestly my dream outfit. Every time I see it, I think, yep, that’s the one. The attention to detail, the elegance, the soft femininity - I just love it. And I think that’s part of why I’m so drawn to romantic, slightly vintage styling in my own work.
The Parent Trap (1998)
It might seem random, but this movie is such a feel-good one for me. The California house, the vineyard, the camp scenes - it’s all so beautifully done. I didn’t know it back then, but it was my first introduction to Nancy Meyers films, and her style just makes me feel safe. Like everything’s clean, calm, warm and lived in. I always come away wanting to bake something, rearrange the pantry, or hang gingham curtains.
Sex and the City
Bit of a wild card compared to the rest, but I can’t lie - I love it. I think its the theme of sisterhood that gets me every time. The way those women show up for each other is something as women we can only hope for. And my favourite out of the four? Charlotte, hands down. I love her girly style, her old-school approach to romance, and the way she tries to make everything beautiful. It’s not exactly English countryside, but there’s something about her that I relate to.
Practical Magic
I watch this every year like clockwork. There’s something about that witchy sisterhood, the garden, the kitchen, the old house - it just hits. I always finish it wanting to make herbal tea from my own garden, light a dozen candles, and bake something sweet at midnight.
Outlander
And finally, Outlander. Honestly, what more is there to say? The scenery, the story, the costumes, the chemistry - it’s all just so extra in the best way. I find myself completely pulled into that world. It’s one of those shows where I can just escape and get inspired, whether it’s the wild landscapes or the romantic tension or the cottage-style interiors.
So there you have it - some of the stories that continue to shape what I do and how I see the world. From the way I decorate my home, to how I design my florals or name a candle scent, these little influences are always with me.
I’d love to know - what films or books have stuck with you over the years?
Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week, lovely ones.
With love and wildflowers,
Kels x