The interiors edit: Make a statement with a sculptural vase

People may underestimate the power of the humble vase, once used as a cooking vessel in a time when art was a function of life’s needs. It is an accessory that has managed to remain steadfast in people’s homes, a design object in its own right displayed as an objet or filled with pretty flowers. It brings life to any table, counter, mantel or windowsill and can quickly change the mood of a room.

Sculptural vases have been everywhere for the last few years — a trend that sees no sign of petering out thanks to its flexibility, allowing you to chop and change them or move them between rooms without the backache or the hefty price tag. A flick through magazines or Instagram and it’s not long before the attention-grabbing shape of a sculptural vase hoves into view.

Perhaps it’s to do with the current obsession for biophilia in our homes or our desire to have more characterful, handmade and less-than perfect items in favour of homogeneous, high-street homewares. Take Swiss brand Archyvio, for example, whose decorative, handcrafted vases are elegant, bordering idiosyncratic, or Kelly Jessiman’s pottery vessels, inspired by Matisse, that are works of art on your table.

My approach to styling a space is to try to strike a balance between equal parts function and hedonic. I look for pieces that add visual interest that will enhance the character of a space but can be used every day. And that’s made pretty easy currently with the arsenal of affordable vessels on offer, from round, fluted, tapered, patterned, wonky, tall, short… you name it, it’s out there.

“I think vases are the perfect home accessory; they are both functional and decorative,” says John Adams, owner of homeware shop Article in Dublin. “The best ones look equally attractive empty, and different looks can be simply achieved by adding different flowers. We are currently seeing a move towards much more colourful vases and ones with a more sculptural look rather than simple, tube-style vases.” 

There’s a love of clean graphic lines and simplicity to everything Louise Roe Copenhagen designs, and her vases are no exception: classic with a touch of architectural detail. Dutch interior brand HK Living encourages originality with its designs that riff on the whimsical, retro and ‘bold and basic’ with plenty to catch your eye, such as its striped brown, yellow and red retro vases, minimalist ceramic circle vessels and funky-looking white porcelain jugs.

For something arty and ‘down to earth’, Bloomingville has a huge range of vases that skirt just about every taste, always with an eye on detail and design. You’ll find splashes of coloured glass at Oliver Bonas, Article Dublin, Hay and Next and striking art deco variations at Reflections Copenhagen.

Whether your styling challenge is an empty bookshelf in need of some interest or a console that requires some height, a vase can be the most impactful decorative accessory. And, if you don’t want to crowd a room with ‘stuff’, a few sculptural vases is all you need to make a statement.