Vases for Springtime

It was always a popular opinion in my household that you could never have too many vases. Large ones, small ones, tall and stubby, wide and narrow, my mother’s collection of vases is rather impressive. Not only did this mean that my family home is constantly full of lovely flowers and plants, but it’s also full of beautiful vases to accompany them.

Now that the sun is shining away, and it’s finally starting to feel like spring, it’s time to give our homes that fresh spring makeover, and what better way to do so then by adding some amazingly designed vases and pots to your collection. Whether you have miles of space to play around with, or can just about squeeze a small pot in somewhere, walking into a room that has a beautiful plant or boutique and a decorative pot to match is always guaranteed to be a mood enhancer.

This Kali vase from Abigail Ahern really caught my eye, the aged dappled effect adds character. The pretty off-white ceramic colour will wonderfully complement some vivid green leaves overflowing from the top.

Kali Vase from Abigail Ahern

New from The White Company are these Mossed plant pots that come in a range of sizes. This look is created by coating the pots in yogurt and burying them in soil. The look has a rustic, urban feel about it and would look great with some tough, Mediterranean plants.

Mossed Plant Pot from The White Company

For more of a colourful touch, and something that would look fantastic even without flowers inside are these retro Mid-century Italian vases from Alfie’s Antique Market. They’re made to capture the attention of the room, and would make a superb statement grouped together on a side table or on top of a cabinet.

Carlo Moretti Vases from Alfie’s Antique Market

Interior Supply stock some super stylish contemporary pieces that never disappoint, including these intriguing deformed vases. It’s an interesting take on the classic glass vase that puts across a subtle yet distinctive look.

Glas Italia Transformer from Interior Supply

Not on the High Street have a wonderful collection of marbled cement pots that are a fantastic and inexpensive way to inject a dose of glamour into your interior. They’re the perfect solution if your porch, kitchen or conservatory is in need of a quick vamp, especially if you don’t want to break the bank!

Marbled Cement Mini Pots from Not on the High Street

Cactuses have been a hug trend over the past couple of years, filling up thousands of window sills and decorating an infinite amount of homes. From Abigail Ahern comes this interesting, cactus shaped vase that is perfect for all the cacti lovers out there! Pop a colourful flower or plant on top for a fun and modern feel.

Tall Cactus Vase from Abigail Ahern

Another mosey down the vintage lane to The Old Cinema, who always have a few hidden treasures within their midst, including this charming 1970s vase designed by potter Michael Cardew. I love the abstract striped effect and the almost diluting colours.

1972 Slipware Vase by Michael Cardew from The Old Cinema

If you’re into your sweet interiors, this adorable vase from Houseology is something to keep your eye on. The beautiful porcelain appears as if to be knitted, making a lovely effect.

Kinto Couture Knit Flower Vase from Houseology

For those who like to play around with historically classic decorative styles, this Chinoiserie-esque planter is something can be worked into dozens of different schemes, whether it’s to complement or to contrast, this piece could settle quite nicely into an interior or exterior of a home.

Chinoiserie Planter, Oka Direct

Fill your homes with bright and fun vases and wonderful florals and foliage to match!

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A Clutter-Free Life

Whether it’s a big or small problem, our constant need for more storage space seems to be never-ending! Unless ultra-minimalism is your thing or you’ve completely conquered the hoarder’s curse then it’s quite likely that often you find yourself with piles of things all around your house; be it books, clothes or just general clutter, it always seems to be accumulating.

Sometimes it’s a simple case of needing a few more boxes or baskets to help house your overflowing tendencies or maybe you’re in need of a storage unit or a piece of furniture that can accommodate your needs. Either way we’ve found some marvellous storage solutions that aren’t just about utility but look stunning as well, all just waiting to be your storage saviour!

For a simple design with an industrial style, a piece like this super convenient unit from Graham and Green is a great idea. Its open style makes it decorative as well as functional and would look lovely in a contemporary designed home.

‘Zoe Pigeon Hole Storage’ and ‘Mekon Baskets in Black’ from Graham and Green

The Mekon baskets are also a fantastic storage solution, they come in a set of three in various sizes and are very versatile meaning you can keep all sorts in them and they’ll look great on display as well.

Another small but handy storage idea comes from Lombok, this beautiful bone inlay box is exquisite and would look perfect used as a jewellery box or located on a coffee or occasional table.

‘Siri Small Bone Inlay Box’ from Lombok

Alternatively if you’re looking for something a little more robust these crate-style storage boxes from Loaf are a brilliant idea. Their rustic style can be adapted to multiple design schemes, plus the handy chalkboard front means you aren’t stuck with a mislabelled box when it’s function changes.

‘Pomme Wooden Storage Crates’ from Loaf

For a more permanent, larger solution to your storage troubles investing in a large, sustainable bookcase or storage unit is the way to go. For the ultimate contemporary style head straight over to Ligne Roset. Their designs are breathtakingly gorgeous as well as practical, not only will they solve your clutter problems but they’ll add heaps of style to your home.

‘Book & Look’ from Ligne Roset

‘Cuts’ from Ligne Roset

If you don’t have a lot of floor space at your disposal you needn’t compromise on style, in fact there are some fantastic shelves around that look amazing and won’t break the bank or take up an excessive amount of space. Twentytwentyone are a brilliant shop that sell some amazing contemporary pieces, and this shelving unit is just one of them. It’s the perfect place to store all your extra things and by placing a few ornaments on some of the shelves it will become a lovely feature piece in the room.

‘Royal System’ from Twentytwentyone

Another wonderful design from Twentytwentyone is this stylish valet piece. It will make a great bathroom or bedroom companion without taking up too much space and is deal for keeping everyday things on like towels.

‘Laurel Valet’ from Twentytwentyone

Storage units don’t always have to be a contemporary design, if your taste is more suited to vintage pieces there are absolutely tons of pieces on the market that will make you smile. The Old Cinema is a wonderful place that sells some stunning vintage and antique pieces, this old Zanzibar chest is a real showstopper as well a great place to store blankets, books or anything your heart desires.

‘Early 19^th Century Zanzibar Style Chest’ from The Old Cinema

I couldn’t resist putting in a mid-century piece from Alfie’s Antique Market, this ultra-sleek storage piece is Danish Teak perfection, and would look stunning located in a hallway or living room.

‘Danish Teak Shelving Unit’ from Alfie’s Antique Market

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On reflection

The thing that I appreciate most about summer is the beautiful light. I have been making the most of the last few weeks enjoying the fabulous scenery that is scattered with enchanting summer rays. It has got me thinking about different materials that play with light in a space, and I have gathered together some of my favourite examples of furnishings that have attractive reflective surfaces.

 

I could never grow bored looking at the enchanting glass pear drops that hang from this table light.

 Arctic Pear Table Lamp by Ochre

 

 The ‘seeds’ that fall from this gorgeous chandelier almost look like raindrops, each one acting as a magnifying lens.

 Seed Cloud, round 112 buds, by Ochre

 

These lovely large glass orbs reflect the light around them, and draw your attention in.

Bubbles Glass Orb Pendant from Anthropologie

 

Glass vessels that hold water are a beautiful table piece, and offer a playful refracted image of whatever they behold.

LSA Umberto Vase from John Lewis

 

Glass perfume bottles can be a charming ornament in the bedroom that twinkle in the last of the evening light.

Early 20th Century Perfume Bottle from Alfies Antique Market

 

This brilliant wallpaper is a 3D foil that can be used to create great effects with some clever lighting.

Beware The Moon – Quantum Foam Wallpaper from Rockett St George

These contemporary arched mirrors create the illusion of an entrance, and will really open up a space.

Panorami Mirrors for Secondome, designed by Zaven

 

John Soane is famous for having used convex circular mirrors in his London town house to create a tour de l’oeil, magnifying viewpoints and making spaces look larger.

Little Black Framed Convex Mirror from Rockett St George

 

I love the glamorous ambiance created by using this antique mirror as a headboard. You can find some fantastic antique mirrors at Lassco. 

 

These garden tea light holders are lovely. The glass vessels emit a pretty flicker of candle light.

Hanging Teardrop Votive by Garden Trading from Not on the high street. 

 

This gorgeous lantern creates a warm glow, perfect for a garden dinner party.

Antique Style French Lantern by The Flower Studio from Not on the High Street

Reflective materials and multi faceted surfaces can be a great way to play with light in a space; to create illusions of scale and splendour, or simply to make a room feel more dynamic.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

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