Stylist Secrets: A Passion for Vases

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

The most important props in my closet are my collection of vases—modern, craftsmen, ceramic, silver, wood, paper, glass and much more. When it comes to styling, enhancing a room with flowers is at the top of my list and choosing the right vessel is a major factor in creating impact.

I love looking for vases that are unique and fun because it makes floral arranging much more interesting. Here are some great ones that I have stumbled on this summer. Beware – once you start collecting these you may need your own vase prop closet!

This ceramic bird vase houses a hidden hole behind for water and smaller holes for flower stems in front. It doesn’t take any expertise in floral arranging to make this vase sing. I just tuck in a few clippings of garden blooms and pure happiness is sitting on my desk.

All photos by Karin Lidbeck Brent unless otherwise noted

Wooden, accordion pleated vases by artist Seth Rolland look like sculptures masquerading as vases. They have a glass test tube running through the center of the vase for blooms. I would love a grouping of each style filled with a single glorious stem.

Seth Rolland via Room68

The FACETURE vases caught my eye in a window display at Room 68 in Provincetown. They are hand made by London artist Phil Cuttance. Mix and match from a variety of colors or create a monotone grouping of different sizes.

Faceture via Room68

Artist Lara Knutsen’s magical manipulation of glass threads (yes, its woven glass) makes these vessels so much more than just functional objects. I love it when art combines with function!

While modern and forward thinking vases have a place in my prop closet, I have a passion for ceramics from the 1930’s and 1940’s. I spotted these at Found Home in Chatham—a great spot of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

Photo by Karin Lidbeck Brent

Once you start looking you’ll find interesting vases made from unique materials everywhere. Of course, anything that holds water can be a vase. These vintage waxed cardboard milk bottles were purchased at The Brimfield Antique Show. They look simple and wholesome filled with white daisies.

Photo by Karin Lidbeck Brent