How ‘It Ends With Us’ Crafted Lily Bloom’s Gothic Flower Shop

As a lover of art and literature, I find myself deeply captivated by the meticulous process behind the creation of Lily Bloom’s flower shop in “It Ends With Us.” The dedication and attention to detail shown by production designer Russell Barnes is nothing short of extraordinary. His journey, from carrying a well-worn copy of Colleen Hoover’s book through Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to hand-mixing the iconic BBB color, truly embodies the spirit of an artist who goes above and beyond for his craft.


In the story “It Ends With Us,” written by Colleen Hoover in 2016, Blake Lively’s character finds her calling as a florist, given her unique name, Lily Blossom Bloom. Unlike traditional flower shops that are often bright and colorful, the protagonist’s store, “Lily Bloom’s,” has a dark, gothic atmosphere, which is an unusual yet fitting choice for its distinctive name.

As a dedicated fan, I carried around a worn and tattered copy of “It Ends with Us” during our travels in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, taking turns to read it with my partner. Eventually, this well-loved book found its place within our production department, where it was adorned with various colored Post-it notes highlighting characters, settings, design aspects, and hidden details for the audience. Crucially, it contained notes about specific stores and florists that emphasized the use of leather, dark gothic hues, and steampunk aesthetics. Colleen’s vivid descriptions ignited early discussions between Russell Barnes and Justin regarding the appearance and ambiance of the store.

Constructing a place that readers have envisioned in countless diverse ways certainly increased the challenge during the design phase, but Barnes and his crew were more than capable. “We made it a priority to respect the fans, striving to adhere to the book whenever feasible. When a book is transformed into a movie, modifications are inevitable for the visual format, which can necessitate deviations. We were aware of this, so at every step, we proposed concepts to the entire creative team, repeatedly asking, ‘Does this align with our character?'”

How ‘It Ends With Us’ Crafted Lily Bloom’s Gothic Flower Shop

Barnes looks back fondly at collaborating with Lively and Justin Baldoni during the initial design stages, mentioning that “Justin had a distinct vision of the overall style he envisioned. We took inspiration from local shops and pictures found online and on social media, striving for a refined, vintage Parisian shabby chic ambiance.”

When the three of them couldn’t locate the specific deep burgundy they desired for their walls, Barnes took it upon himself to create a solution. “In time, we concluded that the perfect shade didn’t exist in stores, so I swiftly concocted an entirely unique color from scratch, which turned out to be the instantly recognizable tone that now graces our store. We affectionately labeled this custom hue BBB (after Baldoni, Blake, and Barnes).”

Indeed, lilies were a significant part of the visual appeal in Lily Bloom’s store. Barnes teamed up with florist Tess Casey and her team from Aisling Flowers. As Barnes explains, “Lilies were definitely crucial.” The captivating bird of paradise was Barnes’ favorite flower to use, bringing a smile every time he saw it. Wisteria and lavender were used extensively throughout the store, while darker hued and unconventional flowers dominated the overall aesthetic. Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of floral arrangement that favors minimalist and disjointed arrangements, was also incorporated into the design.

In my perspective as a film critic, I ardently hope that viewers can grasp the subtle nuances and symbolic messages our team intended to convey through the delicate art of floral arrangement in this movie. To me, we’ve crafted the most considerate and reverential adaptation imaginable, paying tribute to Colleen Hoover’s original work. I earnestly wish that the fans will share my sentiments.

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2024-08-16 02:46