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San Francisco-based designer Regan Baker has a knack for those special, client-specific details that knock a project out of the park. For one homeowner, it was a bright yellow spiral staircase. For another family, a pantry for stashing Costco hauls and piles of mail. But there are a few things that put a smile on everyone’s faces, and one of those is fresh flowers.
When it comes to displaying bouquets and branches on a budget, Baker returns to one source over and over again: Canadian brand EQ3. The retailer’s curated selection of minimalist vessels ranges from $12 sculptural bud vases (psst: right now they’re actually on sale for a mere $6) to $248 sets of outdoor planters. The ones Baker loves using in her projects ring in around $35—check them out, below.
The Vases on Baker’s Shopping List
“More neutral vases with a smaller mouth are perfect for more dainty flowers, while larger vases work best for broader, palm-like plants that can stay and last because they dry well,” says Baker. For the latter, Baker prefers the Boniface vessels (you can pick from four sizes and five colors). If you want something that looks more handmade, she’ll steer you to the Terracotta tall vase. “It offers an interesting shape that could work really well for an arrangement that feels more sculptural,” she says. The Bulb planter is another favorite: it has a low, pedestal profile that mimics its vase counterparts.
The Flowers She Reaches For
For a wispy, casual look, Baker prefers ranunculus and jasmine. When she’s looking to make a big statement, she’ll buy leafy olive or fig branches. Baker also likes plants that trail, specifically on bookshelves. What about classic varieties with long, exposed stems? She’s a fan of those anywhere, as long as you stick with one type of bloom grouped together.
Her Styling Advice
EQ3’s vases work in just about any setting, but the designer has a couple favorite spots. “Bookcases are always great, especially when you group a set of similar shapes for repetition and maybe in multiple colors,” she says. Another option: Petite surfaces where the visual impact will go far, like an open shelf or a powder room sink.