Milieu is a series that explores the unique ways in which we breathe life into our homes. From coastal towns to city living, our homes are a celebration of small, simple moments. They’re a reflection of our lives. Our stories. Our milieu. 

We are so pleased to be visiting Ann Mekala in her thoughtful abode, snugly situated in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ann is a multifaceted creative, living with her husband and 2-year-old son in their inviting brick house. Her penchant for warmth is evident; from the way she has fastened an array of dried botanicals and baskets to hang from the ceiling in the dining room, to her eagerness in hosting friends and family around her table. 

Speaking of, one of Ann's many aforementioned creative outlets includes whipping up a delectable feast for friends and family, and you're just in time... 

Shall we? 

Before we begin, please, introduce yourself! 

Hello! My name is Ann and I am a sustainable floral designer, stylist, actor, art director…(I dabble in a lot!) I live in a little brick home in Minneapolis Minnesota with my husband and 2 year old son.

Has Minnesota always been home for you? 

For all of my adult life, yes! I love it here. 

What is one of your favourite things about Minnesota in the springtime? 

I actually love the long cold rainy springs here. It takes a long time for it to warm up. And I don’t mind that. It’s strange I know, but I love cool wet weather more than almost anything. Cool rainy days when everything is just starting to turn green is my favorite. 

What inspired you to begin working with flowers? 

Both of my grandfathers were avid gardeners. And I grew up gardening with my dad. I always loved looking through seed catalogues in the wintertime and clipping fresh things from the garden for our dinner table. So flowers have always been a part of my story..I just kept doing what I had always done.

At the risk of asking the impossible, do you have a favourite flower? 

It’s usually whatever is in season at the moment. So lets say daffodils and fritillaria. But my most most favorite are probably Iris.  
 

What are some of your favourite ways to welcome spring into your home? 
Clean out the gardens and tuck in some radishes and peas, bonfires with last years sticks and brush, and I love a good spring dinner party on our porch! 

When it comes to spring dining, can you walk us through how you like to set a seasonal table? 

Even though I am a floral designer, I keep things pretty simple. I love a pretty tablecloth, a couple of taper candles, a few bud vases with some snips of whatever is blooming in the garden. But I like to serve family style and let the platters of food be the biggest focal point on the table.

What is one of your favourite dishes to serve this time of year? 

I love roast chicken with a fresh spring salad. And lemon cake for dessert!

If you had to choose, would you prefer to host a potluck? Or a ‘just bring yourselves!’? 

I’ll cook if you bring good wine! 

Go-to recipe book or blog? 

I read lots and lots of cookbooks and try to absorb a lot. But I rarely follow a recipe. It will usually go something like this: “I remember reading about a pea salad with endive once….that would be good with a shallot and mint dressing..I’ll make that..oo and pecorino and hazelnuts would be nice on that” So I’m always just sort of riffing off of something I read once. 

Where in your home do you feel most creative? 

I love our porch with wrap around windows overlooking our garden. I do most of my floral arranging there. I also love to sneak out there really early with a cup of coffee and watch the birds if I am the first one awake in the house. 

If you'd like to see more of Ann's enchanting floral designs, you can find her at @dearhyssop or @herownlittlecorner for doses of dreamy daily life. 

Photography and styling for this feature was by Stephanie Sunberg, styling by Ann Mekala in her home.