Florist Mikarla Bauer Welcomes Us Into Her Relaxed Bangalow Home

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, florist and founder of Wilderness Flowers, Mikarla Bauer, welcomes us into her home. 

Since founding Wilderness Flowers, Mikarla Bauer has become one of the most sought-after florists in Australia, and a quick scroll through her feed explains why. This Byron-based creative is known for her arrangements and installations—the kind that take centre stage on your Dream Wedding Pinterest board… only better. Her work is meticulous and delicate, and crafted in a range of tonal palettes.

As with her arrangements, Mikarla’s beautiful Bangalow home in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is thoughtfully designed and understatedly elegant. Muted tones of soft pink and beige flow through the space, whilst blooms burst from an enviable collection of ceramic vessels in every room.

Basking in natural light and sprawling onto a property with endless, lush greenery, it’s no wonder Mikarla feels inspired to create here. From the charming mustard breakfast nook—her favourite spot in the house—to the wood beam ceilings and vintage oatmeal armchairs, this Byron abode pays homage to a relaxed, contemporary Australian lifestyle. Oh, and just wait till you see her studio.

Hi Mikarla! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?

I make botanical installations and floral designs for weddings and events in my home studio in gorgeous Bangalow, Northern New South Wales

How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?

I would describe myself as creative, intuitive, and curious, so “making” is something I feel compelled to do. I love the messiness and trial and error of the process, it inspires me and gives me a sense of creative energy.

When did your appreciation for flowers and creating beautiful floral arrangements begin?

I've always been a roadside flower picker and I come from a big family of avid gardeners. My grandma was a florist for over 50 years, and my special place as a child was in her flower room playing with dried flowers and ribbons. After dabbling in interior design and feeling restless I decided to give floristry a spin. I love that as a florist no two days are the same—I enjoy being on my feet and designing, visiting new spaces and venues, and meeting great people. I got my start working for some terrific florists in Sydney who remain inspirational mentors to me. 

What keeps you motivated when you have to wake up so early in the morning to head to the flower markets?

Thankfully I’m a morning person and being motivated in the morning is easy for me because I love what I do so much. Unpacking boxes full of flowers with a hot coffee in the studio in the early morning light would have to be my favourite time of day.

What’s been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business? 

Networking and really committing to working hard on our Instagram content has been the most crucial tool for growing the business. 

What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt since you started your business?

I guess, for me, it’s been accepting that I can’t do it all! Despite my best efforts and my sometimes quite manic energy, some things just have to wait till tomorrow or can be better done by someone else.

What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your business?

Hands down the best thing that has happened to me since starting my business is the wonderful friendships I’ve made in the floristry community. The scene has such a vibe! I’m really proud of the growth our business has seen in the last five years. I am blessed to have the most talented right-hand girl, Maddie, and together we make a really dynamic duo.

Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self/ someone looking to start their own business? 

My advice to someone starting a small business would be to find a great mentor and pursue them relentlessly. Get involved in the community of your chosen field and give back as much as possible. 

Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?

We bought our little home in Bangalow in July, 2016.

How did you initially know this was the space for you?

My husband Mitch and I loved the house the moment we laid eyes on it! The good bones, high ceilings and mature garden had us hooked. It’s a really private block that backs onto rainforest and a creek.

Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in? 

Before we moved in, we re-painted the house inside and out as well as replacing the flooring and putting in a new kitchen and two bathrooms. Since then we have mainly focused on the garden and the outdoor dining areas, where we added a swimming pool, veggie patch, fire pit and pizza oven. Both my husband and I love tinkering around the house cooking and nesting. 

What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?

I haven’t intentionally styled the interiors as such—our home is a collection of old and new things that we have layered over the years. There’s a mix of some family furniture pieces that I have inherited and a few great things from local Byron businesses. 

What are your favourite pieces in the home?

My favourite pieces in the home are a pair of armchairs I inherited from my grandparents. They are a beautiful oatmeal-coloured tweed with really elegant shaped walnut legs.

Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?

I’m constantly lusting after interesting shaped vases. I’m hoping to score some really chunky Murano glass vases. I also love incense and just ordered some from Byron brand Dutchie to keep the vibes high at home.

Which is your favourite room in the house?

My favourite spot at home is the nook in the kitchen. It’s so cosy and sunny in the morning. With a view of the garden, it’s the perfect place to have a cup of coffee.

Tell us about your bedroom.

The furnishings are simple and light. It’s a really big airy space with windows on all three sides. It has beautiful natural light and a really Zen feeling. When my four-year-old son is running amok or blasting cartoons, I retreat to my bedroom to read, relax and rest. It’s my haven. 

Shop Mikarla's look with the Terracotta Bedding Set and Turmeric Sheet Set.

What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally? 

I would say go with what you are intuitively drawn to and aim to buy quality over quantity. Don’t feel pressured to fill the space immediately with furniture. Get to know the light and flow of the home first.

Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?

We have some beautiful weddings later in the year that I am so excited to be a part of, with really beautiful unusual colour pallets and textures. We are also on the hunt for another renovation project, so watch this space!

For more from Mikarla, follow her @wildernessflowers_

Loved this home tour? Tour Beck Wadworth's Monochromatic Auckland Home and Office

Discover more inspiring homes in our series, The Makers.