While Dehlia Nelms always envisioned opening up her own florist, Avalon Florals – her newly open flower and homewares shop – came about almost unexpectedly. Recently, Dehlia has been honing her craft at Flour & Bloom in Camp Hill, in addition to freelance flower wrangling for weddings and events. It was by chance that a suitable site – a former laundromat on the corner of Brunswick Street and Harcourt Street that was just begging to be given a new life as a hub of multi-hued blooms – became available at the right time. A fit-out process has stripped back the light-filled tenancy to its original Art Deco elements, with exposed brick walls and ornate ceiling panels accented by minimalist touches like pastel blue and pink tiles. Naturally, most of the colour comes from Dehlia’s curated selection of flowers, vases and other decorative items, which tastefully dominate available shelf, table and floor space without creating a sense of clutter.

Currently Dehlia is sourcing her flowers daily from the Brisbane Flower Market in Rocklea and a selection of wholesalers, though expect the range to soon include seasonal blooms from a greater range of local growers and micro farms. Those looking to nab a bouquet for a special someone (or to simply brighten up their own living space) can pop in and peruse Avalon’s selection of ready-made arrangements, which come in various sizes – though Dehlia can also whip up a bouquet from scratch! Once the Avalon Florals website is live, locals will be able to place orders for pick-up and daily delivery. Along the window shelves are an assortment of hand-picked pieces – we’re talking colourful vases from KAS as well as candles from Nonna’s Grocer and Byron Bay maker Posie, with more locally made ceramics to come. Moving forward, Dehlia is eager for Avalon Florals to double as a community hub, opening for art shows and other small events.

Avalon Florals is now open to the public. Operating hours and contact details can be found in the Stumble Guide.