Hello, and welcome.

My name is Dara Paquette. I began my floral design practice at the age of 14 at my high school in Hudson, New Hampshire at an arts and agricultural school called Alvirne High. It was here I was immersed in a 4-year course in what was then called Ornamental Horticulture, the Victorian term for floral design. I was immediately obsessed.

We worked on all the traditional mechanics of floristry; boutonnieres, corsages, wicker baskets, funeral sprays, plant identification, dried arrangements, and so many fun “vintage” style designs. After graduating high school, I immediately began working at a local florist where I got my first glimpse into the real world of flower shop life. It was an FTD florist at a small town shop where the everyday arrangements were paint-by-number and followed a strict recipe utilizing conventionally grown materials. Some days were spent perfecting holiday bows or selling hanging flowering baskets. Others were cleaning out the flower cooler and maintaining inventory. I desired something more glamorous, but having yet to be exposed, I didn’t know exactly where or how I could create what I had imagined.

After a brief stint studying Art History, Theatre Stage Makeup, Pottery, and Jewelry Making in Morton, Illinois - a year later, in September of 2005, I decided flowers were it for me and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my floral design career further working diligently with an array of floral designers from television and film set florists…to a literal flower factory churning out arrangements on a production line. I’ve worked in grocery store floral departments, and I’ve worked with top designers creating floral arrangements for Hollywood and fashion’s elite in their intimate spaces and grand boutiques on Rodeo. This decade of varied experience mixed with a unique vision of my own gave me the knowledge and confidence to launch my business, FLORA LUX, in 2012.  

My concept for FLORA LUX is simple, yet maximalist. I believe in creating one-of-a-kind floral arrangements that are more like intimate glimpses of a recipient’s soul. The highly intuitive nature of my practice is what thrills me most. Gleaning information about a recipient; an image, a description of their style or personality - combined with my passion for the treasure hunt of the season’s most unique flowers and botanicals results in a highly tailored experience just for that person and the occasion.

In addition to the mainstay designer’s choice arrangements, I created a series of FLORA LUX signatures: ONYX, which combines meticulous handwork with dark, nearly-black flowers and botanicals that feel more like an objet d’art than a flower arrangement. The classic EROS; red roses - reflexed and accented with unusual greenery. The VENUS arrangement, evoking the mythological Aphrodite and alchemical signatures of the celestial body Venus; an embodiment of femininity - but with an edgy undercurrent. And PURE; a classically lush and elegant display of pure white blooms. All of this - depending on the recipient, the result is tailored for the occasion.

With 25 years of experience, my vision and practice remain the same: I approach floral design as a sculptural art and a divine meditation imbued with sentimental inspiration and esoteric symbolism. FLORA LUX aims to delight and elevate your special occasion…and create memories that last a lifetime.  

Thank you for allowing me to be a conduit of your love, gratitude, and beauty. 

C L I E N T S

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Hallmark Channel House of Honey Stuntz Beauty

Kravitz Design Buck Kung Fu Grip Co.

Laurie Steichen Interiors The Last Follies Closet Alien Films Entertainment

Luxurious Problems Pacific Design Center Glossier

Mattison Happy Isles Salon Thomas Beeton Interiors

Driver Creative Netflix + many private celebrities & homes

Skims The OA

French Tuesdays Mark Media Law