Q: You have a background in fashion and art. What brought you into the floral design business?

A: A natural talent for design, a love of flowers and fragrance, and the utter awe of what nature can create.

Q: What is your typical day as a florist like?

A: Just when you think it will be another “typical” day of creating arrangements, watering plants, and rearranging vintage pieces, a shipment of flowers comes in. Among the bunches of roses, tulips, peonies and hydrangea appears a flower so beautiful it makes you stop and stare.  It may be a hybrid tulip, a monster dahlia, or perhaps a rose whose color and texture you have never seen before.  Trust me, it happens.  And when it does, I shake my head in amazement.

Q: Tell us about your store? What is the vibe? What do your customers say?

A: People who stop in for the first time often say, “Your store is so beautiful and peaceful. It smells divine.” A feeling of calm and peace prevails among the flora and vintage finds.  Devoted patrons stop in to breathe in the gentle scent of the flowers and take a moment to calm their souls.

Also, I am called the dog-whisperer.  Every neighborhood dog stops in for a treat and a hug. Some refuse to walk past and stage a sit-in until their owner agrees to come in.  My newest favorite – Stanley the French bulldog.

Q: What is your shop known for?

Patrons love our exquisite hand-tied European bouquets and breathtaking, unusual arrangements (i.e. bushy kale, purple artichokes, scabiosa mingle beautifully with orange finesse roses, peonies, sweet peas and mini green hydrangea). The arrangements speak to a serene visual beauty that I believe everyone can relate to.

We are also known for our detailed customer service.  New clients always get a call asking how their flowers are doing. Were they happy with their arrangement? Is there anything we may do further? Coming from the restaurant business I can assure you that superior customer service is often what separates a good business from a great one.

Q: What designs are popular this time of year?

A: Everyone asks for a colorful springtime design.  In Chicago the wait for spring and warm weather is often long, tedious and painful.  When spring finally emerges, we celebrate and honor all pretty things.

Q: What do you love to do most as a florist?

A: Every now and then, I will create a design that is truly amazing. All of the elements come together and create that perfect harmony of color, texture and whimsy.  It is magical when that happens.

Q: What is the most memorable event you have worked on?

A: It is hard to choose just one wedding or event.  But what I will say is that the tea party shower we just did was pretty amazing and beautiful. And when everything was in place for Janus et Cie, I was blown away.

Q: Favorite flower?

A: Without question… the pansy.  I have a wall of vintage pansy art both at the shop and in my home.

Q: Favorite film?

A: I have four: The Birdcage, Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment and the original Mame.

Q: What are your favorite places to eat in Chicago?

A: There are many great restaurants in Chicago… MK for contemporary American and Pequods for pizza. My absolute favorite is Buona Terra. Imagine it as Cheers for those who are regulars at the bar.

Q: Other popular spots in the area you recommend visiting?

A: Cafe Floriole. It is amazing (forget the no carb diet) with homemade pastries, salads and the best mochas, made with chocolate ganache!  I don’t drink coffee and I love them! I also recommend the Local Option, a long standing bar known for its small batch beers and great (I mean great) bar food. Try their spicy shrimp tacos and you will not be disappointed.

What else would you like to know about Nancy? What were you surprised to hear? Share in the comments below!

The Essence of Nancy Krause Floral Design + Garden Antiques

Elegant and rustic. Grand and peaceful. Vibrant and cool. Balance among the unexpected. That is her specialty. Nancy Krause will pique your curiosity with her unique twist on unusual combinations.

The Nancy Krause customer has an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, intricate details, and understated elegance. She is the professional who expresses her personality through art. He is the husband who tells his wife I love you with flowers as bright as she is.  She is the bride who enjoys vintage touches to complement her timeless style. He is the corporate executive that cannot wait to enjoy the outdoors. But in the meantime fortifies his indoor space with reminders of natural beauty. She can be as fierce in the boardroom as Anna Wintour. But she isn’t afraid to entertain her love for antiquing, boutiquing, crafting, or anything that will satisfy her softer side.

Nancy’s designs enable one to nourish his/her passion for rare beauty and remember the finer moments.

Intrigued by what you see? Visit us again soon to learn more about Nancy and her floral philosophy!

Coming Soon!

Style Me Pretty…Featured Wedding (click to read)
Jan. 2013

Crain’s Chicago Business (click to read)
Sept. 2012

CS (click to read)
Oct. 2011

CS Interiors (click to read)
Oct. 2011

Chicago Tribune (click to read)
09.02.11

Yahoo Local (click to read)
09.01.11

Chicago Magazine (click to read)
08.30.11

Daily Candy (click to read):
08.16.11

Domestica (click to read):
08.11.11

We love Chicago and Chicago loves us…
See what the city has been saying about your favorite new florist in Lincoln Park. 

Whether you favor romantic, traditional floral designs, understated elegance in your bouquets or dramatic glam-bam bling arrangements, Nancy will create the look you love with exquisitely fresh flowers.

A fashion photographer with a studio in downtown Chicago and a degree from the Art Institute, Nancy fell in love and refused to move to New York to pursue a career.

Instead, she opened two flower shops in downtown Chicago: one in the Congress Hotel, the other in Institute Place, focusing her artistic eye on creating beautiful floral designs.

The economy changed. She closed the shops. And for the past fourteen years, she worked in the restaurant industry – first as part of the opening team for Chicago’s House of Blues, and then as an executive with Rosebud Restaurants.

But she always kept her hands in floral design, doing private parties, dinners and seasonal decorating for clients on the Chicago’s Gold Coast and North Shore.

Four years ago, she realized she needed to open another flower shop. Fast forward to July 2011. Nancy found a wonderful corner space in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, signed a lease, called in the painters, ordered a giant cooler and put signs in the windows.

Today, Nancy Krause Floral Design & Garden Antiques provides gorgeous floral arrangements and custom bouquets to smitten clients throughout the Chicago area.

Nancy will come out to your home (or office) to see what you like, what you need and how you like to entertain. She can then create custom floral designs that fit your lifestyle, taste and décor.

Your vases, her vases – vintage or contemporary.  Choose weekly, bi-weekly or monthly floral deliveries. Or order for your special events and parties.

Whether you favor romantic, traditional designs, understated elegance or dramatic glam-bam bling, Nancy will create the look you love with exquisitely fresh flowers.

Average range $35 – $400. Large custom creations vary in price. Prices do not include delivery charges.

• Weekly floral design and delivery
• Holiday decorating: doors, mantles, stairways, trees
• Events, private parties, corporate parties, weddings
• Consulting