Designer Brands: Guaxs

Binkie Moorhead of BM Design reveals, I love the organic shapes and that each collection is designed in multiple sizes and colours, which work perfectly in any interiors scheme. Not only that, they can be used in all areas of the home from living rooms to bedrooms and from bathrooms to kitchens and from coffee tables to bookshelves and bedside tables to stairs. The range is so diverse, I love to place them both on coffee tables and side tables as the hero piece, but also within a set of shelves to create a playful display complimenting other objet such as a vintage car model or decorative picture frames, says Charu Gandhi of Elicyon and Laura Hammett adds, “Their shapes are really interesting. You can do quite a lot of different arrangements, like a wide coffee table arrangement or something small on a bedside. There’s a lot of variety.”

The true beauty of Guaxs pieces comes from their carefully faceted, ridged and buffed surfaces which evoke natural patterns such as pebbled beaches and striped rock faces. Light play is a major factor in displaying Guaxs wares (which is why they work so well in lit shelving units or with candles) so that each and every one of the handcrafted marks is expressed perfectly. Showcasing the brand’s carefully hand-formed markings, a dainty posy bowl filled with a trio of roses offers this Laura Hammett dressing table fresh interest. The same technique is used by Rachel Winham and Helen Green Design in two dining room settings. The sheer glass is delicate whilst the pop of colour adds excitement.

Whilst some vase designs are very much suited to a particular floral arrangement (crystal vases for roses or metallic cubes for succulents), Guaxs vases enhance all floral arrangements, styles and colours. Because of their organic influences, the designs are subtle enough for the most elaborate arrangements and chic enough to elevate the simplest. Filled with pretty blooms, the brand’s designs decorate the projects of many interior designers, whether modern and edgy or elegant and timeless. Here, Rachel Winham pairs a grooved Guaxs vase and a geometric objet – their shapes mirroring each other in their own unique way – with a modern flurry of hydrangeas and eucalyptus. Laura Hammett, the master of transitional interiors, pairs Guaxs vases with roses and lilies, surrounded by traditional silhouettes and upholstery, rendering them new classics.

Because of their sculptural shapes and interesting colours, Guaxs vases and bowls make a statement whether filled or empty. Charu explains, “Depending on the piece, they are both wonderful to fill with our amazing floral displays that we create, or leave them empty to celebrate a particular form, colour or texture.” Filled, the vases act as beautiful vessels for the spaces’ floral arrangements; left bare, the designs take on a sculptural effect.

Each and every single Guaxs piece is carefully handcrafted making each a unique sculpture in its own right. Karen Howes of Taylor Howes explains, “With a subtle asymmetry to every piece and multi-faceted signature style, the vases provide a unique handmade yet high-end aesthetic to any scheme.” Similarly, Laura recognises their individual character and views them as sculptural pieces in their own right. “We do a lot of lighting integrated into our joinery”, the designer reveals, “and I love doing backlighting when I’m styling. Something I really love about them is you get amazing light quality coming through the glass as it gets thinner. On their own, as sculptural pieces, when you’re styling with backlighting, they’re really effective.” Modern-day artisanship at its best.

With their interesting textures, finishes and vast colour palette ranging from intense jewel tones to subtle naturals, Guaxs vases, bowls and lighting stand apart from other glassware. As Laura explains, “I’ve got a real pet hate for clear glass. I just find it looks very plain and a little bit boring, especially for us because we use a lot of silk flowers. It’s nice to have something that’s a bit more of a solid colour to disguise the fact that there’s no water.”

“They’ve got a lovely depth to them which is difficult to find at that price point”, Laura claims, “Glassware can be very expensive if you want something that’s thick and has different tones to it – not just one solid glass colour. They do that really well for a really reasonable price.” From delicate tumblers starting from £40 to exquisite table lamps from £800+, there really is a Guaxs vase, bowl or light for every space and budget.