Design:

Vessels + Vases 101

I recently shared a floral tutorial on Instagram as I engaged in a seasonal change-over for the branches I keep on my kitchen island. Throughout the winter I used long needle pine and a variety of verdant green branches but as spring approaches I was craving something a touch more delicate and dainty with a floral element, quince branches did the trick.  An overwhelming amount of you asked me about the vintage fluted vessel I use to hold the branches.  This particular vase is vintage, purchased through a local Brooklyn vintage shop called Hollar & Squall. It is about 24″ tall which works for me since I am lucky to have 12′ ceilings.  

I would say that the majority of vessels in my home are vintage and sourced through either Chairish or Etsy.  I often spend hours getting lost in the hunt for unique vessels and below I outline a few tips, tricks, and keywords I use throughout my search. I have also included a shop below with a few non-vintage vases I found as well as a few vintage goodies.  Enjoy the hunt, trust your eye, and find something unique.

Do not get so fixated on finding exactly what I have or something you saw in a magazine or on Instagram. Rather; find your own version. Be open, malleable, enjoy the hunt, and the discovery.

Swoon Tips

Get the look

Explore Chairish

I’d say 60% of my ceramics and decorative objects within the home came from Chairish, It is amazing what you can find if you know a few key words for searching. I usually begin with something like, White Ceramic vase.  Or Ceramic Pottery. White pottery vessel.  Ancient vessel.  Textured vase, vessel, urn. Turkish vessel or urn or jug. Ceramic vase.  Concrete vase.  

Anyway, you get it.  Try numerous key words and when you find something you like scroll down to the “more like this” recommended vases.  This will lead you to new discoveries.

Etsy

Esty is a gamechanger. I have a few favorites vendors on Etsy and will link them here. And here, and here. Key words are Ukranian vessel. Turkish vessel. Clay vessel.
Vintage clay vessel, Large Antique clay vase, Rustic ceramic, Ukrainian Pitcher, Primitive. Vintage Tall Clay Vessel, Earthenware Urn, Clay Vase, Water Jug, Rustic Olive Jug, Turkish Olive Jar, Terracotta Jug, Old Clay PotteryVintage Turkish Jar, Natural Terracotta, Primitive Pottery, Rustic Vase. And remember to save favorite sellers for future use.

Enjoy the Hunt

Do not get so fixated on finding exactly what I have or something you saw in a magazine or on Instagram. Rather; find your own version. Be open, malleable, enjoy the hunt, and the discovery.

Search junk shops, local yard sales or estate sales. Florists or Ebay. Antique shops and Flea markets especially when you travel. You never know where you will find the diamond in the ruff.

Branch Out

Shop at your local flower market for seasonal branches to fill your new vessel. I like to go to the NYC flower market on sixth avenue and west 28th street. I most often go to US Evergreen as they specialize in the branches you can often find in on kitchen counter. 

Trim the bottoms of your branches and fill your vase with lots of water before you begin to arrange them. They will drink up a lot — keep them hydrated so that they stay fresh for as long as possible. To see how I arranged mine – check out my IGTV and story highlights on Instagram. 

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