Estonian floral designer Saale Halla brings a unique combination of Nordic clarity and artistic sensitivity to her work. Deeply influenced by ikebana and rooted in nature’s rhythms, she creates light, harmonious compositions that speak through form, texture, and intention. With a calm, intuitive approach and a strong commitment to sustainability, Saale’s designs reflect both technical finesse and emotional depth – an elegant balance of tradition and innovation.
‘The balance between northern clarity and Central European richness defines how I work. The cool, minimalist aesthetic of the north gives my designs structure and calm, while the more expressive traditions I encountered later brought in a sense of abundance and emotion. Ikebana has had a strong influence on how I see com position – it taught me to value simplicity, asymmetry, and the importance of space between elements. I see each design as a living composition, where materials and meaning are in dialogue. Colour, shape, and feeling guide every decision. I strive to create floral art that feels intentional and natural - effortless, but never coincidental.’
‘Nature remains my most consistent in spiration. I’m drawn to the colours, textures, and seasonal rhythms, but also to the imperfections. I also enjoy exploring art, architecture, and materials or techniques that spark curiosity. Sometimes an idea guides the process, sometimes the material initiates it. The process is always intuitive and exploratory.’
‘I tend to choose natural materials and let their textures and irregularities shine. My designs often feel light and airy, shaped by movement and line. I blend traditional and modern techniques – ikebana still has a strong influence.’
‘Some of my proudest moments have come from works where the structure is part of the story – natural wood, found objects, or modular supports that integrate with the overall idea. My master florist piece, the Flowercarpet, still feels very close to my artistic identity. It combined refined floral work with recycled structure in a way that continues to inspire me.’
‘Sustainability is a constant value em bedded in my practice. I use reusable supports, like concrete-based devices that allow for disassembly and reuse. In earlier projects I explored recycled materials – like in my Flowercarpet and Flowertable. Creating beauty without waste is a long-term goal.’
‘I see the World Cup as a chance to grow – creatively and personally. Meeting florists from around the world, exchanging ideas, and working at such a high level is a privilege. I believe my strength is the ability to unite artistic intuition with technical clarity, and to let the materials speak clearly. My sensitivity to rhythm, balance, and form has developed over time and reflects what I hope to bring to the stage: work that feels calm, fresh, and emotionally alive.’
