Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilton Carter.
Hi Hilton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My mother raised me knowing the importance of adding greenery to the home. While she had the right idea of adding fake plants, I grew to appreciate the wildness that comes from owning live plants. It all started with my passion for plants and the arts. My focus in high school was on drawing and painting. I fell in love with light and the way it reflected on works of art.
I went on to study at MICA as a film major. After MICA, I studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA, and graduated with a master’s in film. I learned a lot from my film studies about how to make a space tell a story, and of course, plants have a lot to say as I’ve come to find out. My attraction to lush green spaces grew into something more than just a hobby. I’ve traveled across the United States and Europe and have come across some pretty fabulous people and “greenterior” spaces. I have four books that I have written so far, which describe my love for decorating with plants and how to care for them.
Wild at Home is my first book, followed by Wild Interiors, Wild Creations, and Living Wild. I am originally from Baltimore, MD currently live and work here. I plan to have a few more books published next year and continue designing spaces and sharing that love with my following.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest hater said to me “Hilton, nobody is going to like all these plants in your space. It’s too many”.
That hater’s name is Mom. No hate on my mom, I love my mom. She was part of the reason I got into plants, but I knew what she was trying to say. The way people would receive me and my ideas was challenging. I had to learn to break away from what other people thought and be okay with how I viewed myself instead.
If I went through my career asking “How would this person feel about this” I would not be where I am today. It’s the same struggle many people experience daily. Being judged and criticized can be scary, but being untrue to your authentic self and what makes YOU truly happy, is even scarier. This was one of the biggest challenges I have faced so far in my career: chasing something that would make me happy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work includes painting and drawing. As I mentioned before, I have written four books with more on the way. I have a presence on Instagram and other social media platforms.
I have a studio space where I do most of my shooting and sell products and merchandise online, which is also shipped out of my studio. I have been featured on a few segments and shows as well.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
-Background in Film: My background in film allowed me to appreciate spaces for what they are and what they say about the individuals who live in that space.
-Painting and Drawing: my original love for the arts led me to do what I am doing now.
-Plant Care: Caring for plants has shown me that slowing down and being in the present moment is so important. Taking the time to build a relationship with each plant and learning what its needs are helps to strengthen that bond. Combining this relationship with the relationship of an interior space makes a room feel really special. It’s also about knowing your limits. What rooms are not ideal for plants and vice versa?
-Traveling: Meeting other plant lovers and seeing new wild interior spaces has been eye-opening. I’ve learned what my style is, and how it differs from others (or relates). Expanding my world map has been an essential quality for me. Seeing the same plant in many different environments/situations during my travels has been the coolest experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: hiltoncarter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiltoncarter/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ706X_WX_1o9IPFjEv0yRw
- Other: https://linktr.ee/hiltoncarter
Image Credits
Hilton Carter and Ryan Rhodes
