Our Love Affair with Ceramics
Trends can come and go and materials may fall in and out of favor, but ceramic pottery is definitely having a big, and possibly permanent, moment! As we focus on a minimalist aesthetic and slower, more conscious living, handmade ceramics bring in artisanal detailing in a considered way.
What are ceramics?
Ceramics are created from clay that’s mixed with water, molded into a shape, and fired at a high temperature. Once dry, it’s durable, doesn’t melt and can have a variety of finishes that run from porcelain and to terracotta. This ancient material has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years with its first use dating back to at least 24,000 BC when the earliest human-made ceramics figurines were uncovered! By 9000 BC, the application of ceramics expanded to include tiles, vessels, vases, and jars to store grains and spices. From there, different techniques and colored glazes were invented all over the world. More recently, the Arts & Crafts movement spurred handcrafted pottery in the 1800s, and in the 1960s, a surge of ceramic studios opened in the US, fueling the drive for small format handmade pieces that are becoming increasingly popular in our homes today!
What are the different types of ceramics?
Terracotta has a raw, natural texture that’s great for pots and planters. Its porous nature allows water and air to travel through the pot and it can be used indoors and outdoors. Stoneware is made from a particular type clay which is fired at a higher temperature resulting in a more durable and waterproof material with a stone-like quality. Porcelain is fired at the highest temperature which forms an extremely hard, shiny material that’s often white and slightly translucent in appearance. Glazed ceramics are given a glossy or matte coating to add color and decoration. The glaze also seals the item with a waterproof layer, making this form of ceramics perfect for vases and glasses/mugs.
What’s trending now?
Currently, we’re seeing a departure from glossy ceramics as matte glazes and natural funishes are showing up everywhere from small studios to large retailers. Colored in muted neutrals and whites, these pieces display a sense of minimalism and show off architectural forms.
How to use ceramics at home
Ceramic decor is a great way to bring texture and and color into your home! You can display it as art, use it as fun storage containers to store anything from kitchen ingredients to stationary, drink with it - ceramics go hand in hand with tea culture! - eat with it, and use it as vessels for flowers and foliage. For tableware, you can mix and match colourful bowls and plates together to bring a sense of color and vibrancy to your table. Or, you could stick to raw earth tones for a warm and rustic look!
The look you can create with ceramics is versatile, timeless, and the perfect antidote to homogeneous decor! When it comes to decorating your home with ceramics, the choices are all yours: From earthy organically-shaped plates to contemporary hand-thrown vases, pottery pieces add a personal and handworked touch. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers a single statement vase, or a maximalist who likes to put an assortment of vessels together, there’s a ceramic style out there for everyone!
