Every other week we’re inviting one of the Design Milk team to share five personal favorites – an opportunity for each of us to reveal the sort of designs we use and appreciate in our own lives from a more personal perspective. Senior editor Kelly Beall returns this week for our Take 5 series.

I love the small pleasure of having fresh flowers in my home, in as many rooms as possible if I’m being honest. Half of the joy comes from arranging the stems, making a beautiful vase a necessity. My collection of vessels is always growing, and the moment I saw Areaware’s glazed stoneware Kirby Vase I knew I needed it. It’s available in three bulbous, curvaceous shapes – curly, enny, and jay. Each one is the perfect size for a small bouquet or single stem that demands to hold the spotlight on its own.

My eyes have been peeled for a new living room chair for, oh, eight years. (My dogs dug a hole in the seat of the prior one about six months after I got it!) Burrow’s Vesper is a fresh take on the classic molded plywood lounge chair, and just the height I needed to sit under a large window. Slightly reclined, it’s incredibly comfortable with a generous seat, and the optional pillow and ottoman take relaxation to the next level. The Papyrus color looks great in my space that relies on neutrals and blacks, and it was simple enough to put together. Use code MDS22 to take advantage of Burrow’s Memorial Day sale through May 31, 2022.

Over the past few years, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for a good robe. My collection is around five: a long hooded zip-up made of sweatshirt material, a knee-length fleece version, an old one of my Mom’s with a bright floral design, one that is basically a wearable duvet, and now this lightweight cotton. The floor-length, 100% organic cotton garment feels like you’ve owned it for ages with its soft fabric and relaxed fit. It’s going to be just the thing for warm weather – and it has pockets!

This trio of superfood teas are as delicious as they are interesting! Their coffee-cherry tea blends feature the dried outer cherry from the coffee plant paired with organic flowers and spices. But don’t worry, they don’t taste anything like coffee – rather like herbal tea with light, fruity notes. Lady Falcon Coffee Club’s (yes, they also sell coffee) teas are woman-grown, -sourced, and -crafted. They’re also upcycled from farms across Nicaragua, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Choose from bags or loose leaf. This trio includes tins of Hibiscus, Rose Petal, and Chai.

A few years after my dogs ruined that chair, I learned a new trick. Instead of using indoor carpets that can be damaged by their claws during the daily zoomies, I started buying indoor/outdoor rugs for their durability. This one from Ruggable is washable, uses sustainable materials, and is made-to-order to reduce on wasted product. It doesn’t shed like a lot of jute rugs, isn’t scratchy, and resists mold, stains, and fading. It almost feels like owning two rugs, because once I’m ready to change things up indoors I can move it out onto the deck for a second life.

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

You can follow Kelly Beall on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Read all of Kelly Beall's posts.

Senior editor Kelly Beall shares her new favorite vase in time for Peony Season, the most comfortable molded plywood lounge chair + more in this edition of Take 5.

Tech Editor Gregory Han shares a flatpack PC case, a self-watering planter pot, and his fave strength tools that you don't have to hide away.

Lifestyle editor Vy Yang shares the gardening class, eyeware tray, and Instagram account you *need to know*.

Editorial Director Caroline Williamson is back sharing 5 things, including Happy Dance CBD, the perfect pink paint, a vibrant blue pot, a pricey NFT + more.

You’ll always hear it from Design Milk first. Our passion is discovering and highlighting emerging talent, and we’re energized by and for our community of like-minded design lovers — like you!

Photo copyright retained by photo owners, everything else © 2022 Design Milk®.