Checking-in with Tamsin Scott
Floral Set Designer
This month we settled into the magical emporium that is Gypsy Rose Florals which has just opened its doors at Strand House in Rye. Here, under the watchful eye of Sparrow (Tamsin’s dog), we discovered a home of wildly romantic, cinematic flowers, and unique pieces created for people who want their celebrations to feel like a beautifully lit film scene rather than a standard event.
This new venture is the brainchild of local Tamsin Scott, an internationally experienced floral set designer whose work spans feature films, period dramas, fashion shoots and private events. With credits including floral set design for productions such as “Practical Magic” and “Bridget Jones”, as well shoots with renowned photographers Tim Walker, Mario Testino, David Burton and designing vase displays at The Met in New York, Tamsin brings an in‑depth knowledge of historical floristry, costume, interiors and how flowers behave under lights and lenses.
Before founding her own studio, Tamsin honed her craft with iconic London florists Wild at Heart, Scarlet & Violet and Harper & Toms, developing a signature style of dramatic, romantic and head‑turning flowers. Her work has appeared on film sets, fashion shoots and in the homes of clients who love flowers with personality, from wild, “drunken” urns and poppy fields to Jane Austen‑worthy greenhouses and rooms bursting with peonies.
Known for her “wild abandon” approach, Tamsin sketches, researches period‑correct blooms and then builds each design in the moment, allowing arrangements to grow organically until they feel alive and full of story. At Strand House, she brings this same film‑world eye to intimate celebrations, creating floral scenes that feel effortless in person and unforgettable in photographs.
Working seasonally and intuitively, Tamsin and her team blend garden-grown stems, market finds and considered silks to create arrangements that feel both timeless and a little bit mischievous – as if they’ve always belonged to their setting but decided to dress up for the occasion. Every installation is bespoke: they will look at your space, your colours, your references – from films and fashion to family heirlooms – and design flowers that frame the moment and photograph beautifully from every angle.
At the heart of Gypsy Rose is a simple belief: flowers should bring joy, not formality. Whether it’s a tiny posy on a bedside table, a staircase dripping in blossom or a ballroom blooming with candlelit arrangements, every design is made to make people smile, pause and feel something.
If you are after a bespoke floral design for a special occasion, or just something small and bright to lighten up your day, pop in to Strand House for a browse and a chat … and to meet Sparrow the dog!
What brings you to The George?
The delicious fire, exquisite interiors… it feels like stepping out of Rye into a chic London scene.
What is your earliest hotel memory?
Escaping off to Chewton Glenn with my grandparents for a magical adventure.
What is the best/most important part of staying away in a hotel for you?
The luxury of escaping; long, hot bubble baths with room service and a lovely glass of Chardonnay.
What are you currently reading/binge-watching/listening to?
Reruns of Brideshead and Miss Marples with Margaret Rutherford. I also love dipping into The Great Gatsby for the floral sets.
Besides The George, which hotel would you most like to check out?
St James in Paris is a like a fairy tale.
Do you have a hotel lobby/lift story to share?
I once had coffee with Matt Dillon in The Laslett. Swoon.
What is your favourite feature in The George?
The inglenook Dutch fireplace in the front and the green room upstairs for private gossip. I love staying in the George Clooney cabin in the courtyard with its big roll top bath… hidden away from the world.
I also check myself into The George each Christmas for a couple of days to hide away and wrap presents. Truly embracing the festive season.
Hypothetically, who would you most like to discover is a fellow guest?
Jack Black please. Hands down the coolest man on the planet, because of his laughter and jovial bonne viveur.
What helps you get to sleep at night? (Keep it clean!)
Votary pillow spray and The Archers.
My secret Rye discovery is…
The antiques emporium off the New Winchelsea Rd, where the new Aldi is going to be… the boys in there are super talented in their own right.
