Ceramic Vases Offer Elegance in Earthen Vessels

Live Beautiful Home is more than a shop for owner Alicia Sword — it’s a childhood dream come true. As a little girl, she was passionate about interiors, decluttering and rearranging furniture “in every home I got my hands on,” she says. Today, she runs her Kailua boutique with an intuitive sense of space and grace.

“Our focus at Live Beautiful Home over the past two years has been on nurturing the connection with our community and customers,” says Sword. “As we approach our third anniversary in April, we are excited to announce that we are expanding our product offerings to include furniture, rugs and lighting.”

The store’s soothing ambience makes it the perfect spot for spring shopping. Sword’s inventory reflects minimalism with maximum sophistication — think high-quality natural fabrics, erudite home design books, and artisanal candles.

Our favorite items at Live Beautiful Home are ceramic vases in classic forms and intriguing modern shapes. Sword shares tips on styling some of her favorite ceramic pieces.

Less is More
“At Live Beautiful Home, we prioritize timeless, handmade homewares that serve as essential additions to your Island home, regardless of your aesthetic,” shares Sword, shown here at the boutique. “We carefully selected each ceramic vase with these values in mind.” The Verdure vase shown here, for example, is a perennial must-have that’s made using a traditional slip-casting method. “We recommend styling it on a stack of books on a coffee table or within a bookshelf, with minimal flora to highlight its beautiful shape,” notes Sword.

Best Buds
“Our wheel-thrown bud vases sourced from Italy are a personal favorite,” says Sword. This vase features natural iron pyrite particles that “beautifully meld with the glaze, resulting in these unique speckles.” Sword recommends using a bud vase for a pop of color next to a kitchen or bathroom sink. With a stalk of anthurium, a sprig of greenery and a decorative accent, a bud vase can also look great on a bedside table. This simple arrangement, when paired with a candle and tray, adds a tranquil and relaxing touch.

Make it About U
This u-shaped vase crafted by Kailua ceramicist Sealily showcases expert hand-building techniques. It’s a conversation-starter on its own — curves and organic shapes are currently trending in home accessories and interior design. When combined with flowers, the vase becomes a chic vessel that elevates biophilic elements. “We would style this as the showstopper on your dining or entryway table,” says Sword. “It lends itself well to creating sculptural arrangements with hardier blooms, like the torch gingers featured here.”

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.