Glass vases for flowers and more!

If you're like me, you've received flowers and kept the container. Some of them are nice enough to use again so you store them. Now, they're in the garage, the kitchen and the closets...here's help! 

Flowers with a twist. If a favorite flower is in season, get some. Rather than fill the base with water, add full lemons, sliced lemons, plastic grapes (to re-use), polished stones and other items that complement the flower.  I use some of the ideas below and mine become a centerpiece. With a few in differing sizes and colors you can create a unique centerpiece whether they are filled or not.

Get creative with contents. I have several large glass cylinders filled with sea shells. I add ornaments at Christmas, but they stay that way nearly year round.  It's easy to drop in timed votive or tealight candles; they go on and off at the same time every day.  4 months and counting till battery replacement.... Fill yours with favorite small items for a unique display.

Embellish them. If you want to spice up your vases, don't hesitate to make a few additions. Use acrylic paints to add that final touch to an art glass or glue ceramic beads or shells to the outside of floor vases. Etching is one of the easiest ways to transform a plain glass vase into a custom piece. Wrap with twine, ribbons or even living vines.

Glass cylinders tied with raffia and 'lined'
with twigs and bamboo.

Etch a design onto a glass
vase using a stencil pattern.
See "Etch" How -to blog from Feb.

Fill glass cylinders with rocks and
leave as is, or top with candles.

My favorite in a seaside home
year-round. Seashells!

Cabbage leaves surround the base
of cut flowers for a clean look.

Cut limes thin, add a second
cylinder inside. Line between & fill
with water & flowers.

Wind ribbon around cylinders for
the right look. These were for a shower.

Strips of leftover fabrics can  make
a unique filler!

Handpaint a vine - freehand is OK.

Need a great plant as an interior element? Use orchids.

Orchids are one of the most architectural plants that look fabulous as an interior element.  With a cascade of flowers on each stem and deep green leaves, they are pure in form and light in appearance. Whether you have a traditional home and plant one in blue and white porcelain or a minimalist space and use a low slung matte black planter, orchids will add to your decor.  Even if you opt for only a flowering stem in a vase, the bloom can last for months.  

 
1) Use.  For elegance, I love to place orchids on a stack of books on a coffee table. I prefer that they 'float' in main rooms so they enhance the furnishings from every angle.  For dining rooms, I use them on sideboards and consoles where they are often reflected in mirrors and flanked by wall lighting; I frequently use them to enhance focal points. In a bathroom, they dress up the empty space in tub surrounds and love the humidity. Placed in front of a mirror, they 'double' in size and add drama to your counter. A potted orchid by the bedside is elegant and sensual. Placing an orchid on a kitchen island or peninsula provides a fabulous visual barrier, often between entertaining and dining spaces. On large bookshelves, small orchids nicely soften the linearity. Needless to say, they are wonderful as centerpieces, particularly large or grouped orchids. 

2) Care. Orchids require a special potting mix and not soil; the mix will differ with the type of orchid you select (dendrobium, phalaenopsis, cymbidium, etc...). Roots do not need to be covered fully by the mix and actually love extending out from the pot. An orchid will grow only a few leaves per year, but can bloom multiple times if cared for. Orchids don't like wet feet but love moderate humidity. Generally, they should be watered every 5-8 days, or when the mix is completely dry. Water from the top, allowing the water to flow through the pot. Do not leave soil saturated and never leave standing water at the bottom. When in doubt, it's best not to water. The best light is generally indirect and bright; even a low light orchid needs a period of bright West light and won't thrive in the center of a room. I re-pot my orchids once each year, and only increase the size of the pot - generally one with holes on the sides for best aeration - by one inch. Orchids allowed to acclimate to their pots will do better than those 'swimming' in mix in a too-large pot. With just a bit of attention, your orchid plant will bloom regularly for year-round enjoyment in many spaces in your home.

5 Fabulous Finds!

Check out these five fabulous retail finds that can be used in nearly every room in your home!

 

1) French kitchen island. With a real marble top and classically styled legs, this piece can be used to supplement storage and counter space in a traditional kitchen. With a Carerra marble top, you can likely bake and roll dough with ease. Creative placement can have it serve as a dining buffet or even an entry console.  Not as great for a table  - although that's the image shown by Crate and Barrel -since the legs do impede comfortable sitting.

2) Wall mirrors. These look like windows and are perfect for a large wall that reflects a great view.  With beveled mirrors and curved mullions, they provide a classic element with timeless appeal. From Ballard Designs.

3) White vases.  Add texture and elegance with these interesting vases. Fill with organic elements for a serene style.  These are from Ikea and they have multiple sizes. I love them alone or in a group of three!

4) Area rug. The hand washed appearance of this wool rug from Pottery Barn makes it a wonderful addition to a living room, bedroom or dining room

5) Silk drapes.  Silk adds an elegance to window coverings that works well in traditional interiors as well as modern styling. For the price, from West Elm, these are a great find in multiple colors and fully lined. You don't have to use the pocket...rings are easy to add.