Buying multi-purpose decor is a great way to save storage space and cash. You’ll be able to move the item around your home to get fresh looks for FREE after the original purpose.
I still make some purchases with specific rooms in mind, but the decision to buy is much easier when I can visualize the item in more than one area.
For example, I love navy throw pillows and white planters because both they work throughout our home.
When I saw this blush vase, I knew it would share that same versatility.
I was with my friend Katie from It’s In the Details when we spotted the vase. Before we knew it, we were in the checkout line! Since I’m always curious how other people use the same products, we decided to share our ideas together today.
So, I’ve got 4 quick ideas in honor of Fast Friday. Then you can pop over and get her quick tutorial for creating a gorgeous, but affordable flower arrangement.
1) Pencils/Pens – Don’t feel limited by the office supply store when decorating your office. My colored pencils suddenly looked chic on my desk when I added them to this vase.
2) Faux Plants – The shape isn’t ideal as a real plant planter, but sometimes faux is the way to go. I picked up a succulent stem and dropped it into the vase for an instant impact. The oversized stem elevates the vase from a small accent to a big statement! 
3) Stylish Makeup Brush Organizer – I love the vanity organizers I shared back in this post, but if I didn’t have the separate vanity in the closet, I’d totally be using the vase for my brushes in the bathroom.
4. In the Kitchen – We use the same cocktail straws for both coffee and actual cocktails. They fit perfectly into this magical multi-purpose vase!
This was the ONLY item that was more involved than just plopping things into the vase, but in this case “more involved” equals about 30 seconds.
I grabbed a paper towel to create a clean liner between the straws and vase.
PS: I painted my nails before I took these photos so I’d look like I had my stuff together in life. Then I was cleaning up supplies from the hallway wallpaper installation and dropped a box knife on the counter, which then bounced and ricocheted back up into my other thumb, blade up. Hence the band-aid. I decided that I’m way too clumsy for us to own a box knife without a retractable blade. And that sometimes you can’t hide that you’re really a hot mess.
For the 5th and most gorgeous way to style this vase, head over to see Katie! after popping to West Elm to order this versatile piece! She’s a master of easy to recreate floral arrangements and I LOVE what she put together.
Make sure to sign up for her newsletter or follow her on social media while you are there. She’s a newer blogger with TONS of great, but not overwhelming, ideas for entertaining – like starting a cookbook dinner club!
Katie says
Love the ways you styled this! You are so creative! Such a pretty way to organize! So glad we both have great taste. Ha! Xo!
Melissa George says
We DO have great taste. 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me to be brave enough to try mixing more than one kind of flower + filler. It’s my default safe option and your flowers look SO much better! I need to go to Trader Joe’s this weekend!
Paula D says
Love the fact that you stay real!! (The box cutter ordeal). Heal fast!
Melissa George says
Oh you can count on me being a mess despite striving to be more polished. 🙂 It even happens in my dreams. Last night I had dream I was in New York City and trying to go to some event but my hair was full of hundreds of little water bead things AND….wait for it…whole macaroons. I was combing out not crumbs, but entire macaroons out of my hair. And then I was at some arcade and trying to redeem my money into coins but put it all into some game on accident. Let’s hope real life today goes better than that. LOL
Audrey Johnson says
All wonderful uses. What a time saver. Also, when you get tired of it in one area, you can use it in another. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa George says
Thank you Audrey!
Beth says
Love the case. Where can we purchase it? You probably said but I missed it. Lost my glasses! Also. In your office I saw the pink fur pillow. Please tell where I can find one. Love love love pink! Thanks for all the ways your share REAL with your readers! We identify with you on so many levels!
Melissa George says
Thank you so much Beth, I work REALLY hard to make sure I’m sharing the real and not just the pretty. I appreciate you mentioning that because it makes me feel like I’m doing my job well! The vase is from West Elm – it’s the 5.25″ version here: https://rstyle.me/n/c3eg2qb5wxf . I originally got the pink pillows from At Home, but I haven’t seen them there in awhile. The least expensive comparable one I know of right now is at Kirklands, you can see it here: http://bit.ly/pinkfurpillow I see them all the time for $60-$80, which is way above my pillow budget. 🙂
Kathy says
Great ideas! I love a good versatile piece and this one is so pretty!
Melissa George says
Thanks, Kathy!
KW says
Hi! Could you tell me what your gray chairs are and where you purchased them? Trying to decorate my space and those are exactly what I envisioned!!
Melissa George says
Hi KW, They were a random great find at Tuesday Morning one day and sadly they don’t have any brand info on them. Here’s some other ideas though:
These have great reviews and a great price: https://rstyle.me/+hPtMf9DlkfuWpVBSWCL9BA This one is a slightly different style with larger arms, but I have it in my living room and it is the BEST chair to curl up in a read a magazine: https://rstyle.me/+hPtMf9DlkfuWpVBSWCL9BA And then this one has a bit more modern look if you prefer that: https://rstyle.me/+6k4BXIe2U6OOuUTi2qcIOg Good luck with the chair hunt!