If you’re looking for a vessel that can complement every interior style while adding character and charm, I always recommend a rustic vase. Here are my top tips for how to style faux arrangements in rustic vases
Why choose a rustic vase?
While I love experimenting with different types of vessel, there’s something extra-special about rustic vases. With their unique finishes, texture, and natural charm, rustic designs instantly add warmth, depth, and character to any interior. In fact, most rustic pieces have organic shapes that mean they suit almost any style, from modern minimalism to vintage farmhouse. There are a wide range of rustic vases available, featuring both rough-hewn and smoother surfaces with matte and glazed finishes, but they all pair perfectly with faux flowers.
Introducing our rustic vases
At The Suffolk Nest, we’ve been building out our collection of rustic vases for a while. I’m admittedly biased, but I love the selection we now stock – there’s really something for everyone:
Norton Vase
This beautifully imperfect handmade vase has a versatile wide-based shape, cool off-white colour, and grooves at the base for added intrigue.
Dunwich Pot
With its distinctive dark brown glaze and top handles, this vintage-inspired pot is a true statement piece.
Flatford Vase
A handmade vase with sturdy handles at the neck, the Flatford has a unique finish with wide grooves and a terracotta graphite colour.
·
Dennington Pot
I love the texture of the Dennington, a wide set vessel with wide grooves and a stunning soft brown hue.
Bardwell Vase
This handmade vase is effortlessly elegant thanks to its tapered neck and off-white terracotta finish.
Constable Pot
The Constable is a charming addition to our collection, pairing its handmade look with intricate detailing around the neck.
Top tips for styling faux arrangements in rustic vases
Consider size and shape
Ideally, the size and shape of your chosen vessel should complement both your floral selection and the place where you plan to display it. A good rule of thumb is to choose taller pieces for narrow surfaces and wider designs for table centrepieces. I love styling tall stems and branches in vases with a tapered neck to lean into the drama while rounder shapes lend themselves to more unstructured arrangements with stems intentionally falling over the edges.
Mix materials
One of my favourite things about styling faux arrangements in rustic vases is the contrast in textures. Personally, I think high quality faux flowers are the best fit for more rustic vessels as they are typically more realistic and suit organic-shaped vases. To play into the contrast, I like to create displays with beautifully soft faux florals. The delicate stems and large leaves of our Faux Eucalyptus are often a component of my arrangements, alongside the beautiful white buds of our Faux White Willow and the elegant bloom of our Faux Magnolia.
Choose complementary colours
The neutral, earthy, tones of rustic vases are some of the most appealing aspects of this type of vessel. You could choose bright faux florals to intentionally clash with these calmer colours, but I find myself drawn to more similar shades.
No matter whether you choose a rustic vase that’s off-white, brown, or graphite, you can’t go wrong with faux arrangements in muted tones like cream, blush pink, or deep green. Think the rich warm-toned white of our Faux White Ranunculus Spray, the purple maroon of our Faux Dried Hydrangea Mulberry or Faux Maroon Echinops, or the green of our Faux Pittosporum Stem.
Create layered looks
Rustic vases always inspire me to create looks that replicate nature’s beauty. For me, this means building layered looks that reflect the diverse mix of flowers and foliage you’d find while out walking in the countryside. That’s why my rustic vase arrangements often start with a piece of faux foliage that adds density, colour, and height.
Our Faux Green Moss Branches, Faux Wild Grass, and Faux Fern Stems are all great choices for the base. Then I layer on lighter florals, placing the largest heads at the bottom of the display and smaller buds on the top. Our Faux White Sweet Pea, Faux Blush Magnolia Branch, and Faux Blossoms – Cherry or Plum – are just a few of my go-to options.