As we mentioned in our previous post about the design trends of 2022, the earthy tones continues to be very hot and trendy.
It already filled our homes in the form of such statement furniture pieces as comfy bright sofas or accent coffee tables inspired by the nature warmth, but now it transitioned into smaller ceramic or pottery objects that add a sense of home and comfort to any living space.
(1) Surfboard Coffee Table (2) Cane Sideboard Be My Guest
In a world ruled by big mass-produced corporations, most kitchens have simple white cups and dishes, but why not try adding a warm touch to your dining space by incorporating terracotta clay tableware for example?
Opting for warm-coloured ceramic objects is a unique and durable way of adding a homy character to your interiors.
Photo credits: 101 Copenhagen . Discover 101 Copenhagen
This colour brings warmth and bursts of energy to your home interiors and carries an extraordinary combination of light and dark levels making it adaptable yet vibrant and desirable in any spac
More and more people gravitate towards one of a kind, unique pieces that have meaning and a personal touch, so handmade ceramics make for a perfect and thoughtful gift.
Photo credits: 101 Copenhagen . Discover 101 Copenhagen
The beauty of choosing ceramic pieces is that they have endless colour and pattern variations, giving you a great opportunity to experiment with decorating. You can add bright accents to surrounding interiors with darker-coloured items or support the calming tones of the room with more neutral ceramic pieces.
You can kill two birds with one stone by combining beauty and functionality. Simply display all of your ceramic tableware as pieces of art and decor on your living room shelves or sideboard cabinets and take them out when guests are over for festive occasions or when you simply feel like adding an extra homy touch to your dinners.
Photo credits: www.azulejosbenadresa.com
Pottery items also don't limit you to at home use only as many items have glazings that protect them from damages, making them water, time and weather resistant. Just imagine how much charm a ceramic vase or an abstract sculpture can add to a summery garden!
Trust us, modern home decoration doesn't only occur inside, so outdoor ceramic items are a versatile solution that can be moved outside or inside depending on your mood or season.
We are excited to introduce our new, monthly collaboration, The Collectables at Pepper Sq, featuring limited edition runs by artisan designers and independent workshops creating objects d’art infused with unique beauty.
Kicking off our series with a Cornwall based potter @paul_welling. His wabi sabi aesthetic expresses the ragged Cornish landscape in his ceramic bowls, vases and dramatic stoneware centerpieces.
Paul's work is motivated by the inspiration he finds in nature. Originally hailing from East Anglia, Paul Welling spent most of his working life working in the media industry in various locations around the world and settled on the north coast of Cornwall, where he now creates contemporary ceramics reflecting the rugged surrounding Cornish landscape and seascapes.
In 2019, Paul established his studio, Paul Welling Ceramics, producing centrepiece vessels and objet d'art for both home and garden which echo the rich, earthy colours present everywhere in the area of Cornwall.
From old mining building to natural rock formations, along with the wild and dramatic North Atlantic Ocean with its beautiful ranges of greys and blues. Paul's ceramics are crafted from heavily textured clays, often using black clay, along with hardwearing stoneware with oxide pigments to colour.
We met up with Paul to find out more about him ...
Why Ceramics?
I have always been interested in ceramics since an early age. My father still collects Chinese ceramic tea bowls and I think that must have had an influence on some of my early work. Having grown up in East Anglia I was exposed to regional ceramic work from an early age but having recently moved full time to Cornwall, I am fortunate to be able to grow my craft in a a wonderfully inspiring location.
Any artists’ work or movement you admire ?
I love some of the brutalist mid century pieces created by Bernard Rooke, and remember these in my childhood home. I also greatly appreciate the output of the famous Leach Pottery in St Ives. Ceramics are abundant in Cornwall so there is no shortage of work to admire.
Paul Welling Ceramics. Discover full collection at peppersq.com
What are your favourite materials to work with and why?
I like to work with heavily textured clays and often use black clay. I work in stoneware, which is hard wearing when fired to a very high temperature. I also prefer to use oxide pigments to colour my pieces rather than brightly coloured glazes
Do you envision a final product, or do you let the process guide you?
I’d like to say that I always have a final product in mind and a plan to achieve it, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes I think it’s important to let the process guide you - it can be where the most interesting ideas stem from.
Describe your ideal working environment (studio, time of day, any music, with a cup of tea or wine) to create your ceramics.
I’m a morning person - so my ideal time of day to start work is just after breakfast (or sometimes before). I listen to music rather than the radio and am very lucky to have a superb view of fields and horses from my potters wheel.
Ceramics is an increasingly popular craft and very on trend. Paul thinks that more minimal style is very trendy right now. "The Nordic meets Asian aesthetic seems to be very prevalent at the moment too - perhaps as it works so well with mid century and modern rooms", - Paul Welling
It's absolutely true! the Japandi style that Paul refers to is an ongoing big trend in interiors that combines the best of two different philosophies and cultures, what results in a perfect union of minimalistic style and functionality that can be elegantly complimented by small accessories, such as precious handcrafted ceramic objects .
Just imagine a beautiful ceramic bowl sitting on this elegant wabi sabi style furniture!
Paul believes that " the most important criteria is to love it. Ceramics are enduring and will last for thousands of years so finding a piece that will fit well in your house in several locations is a good start. I personally like more simple forms and natural colours that you can perhaps pair with colourful glassware or houseplants "
Trends come and go, however favourite ceramic object stays close to your heart forever. A single item can shape people perception of you as a person, showcasing your style and character. So finding a piece that you absolutely love is crucial.
Another helpful tip when choosing ceramics is gearing towards versatility. Try choosing an item that will fit well in different locations. Go for simple forms and natural colours that are easier to pair with any surroundings.
PAUL'S PICKS FROM PEPPER SQ FURNITURE COLLECTION
Passionate about the world of art and decor, Paul shared his favourite items from PEPPERSQ.COM furniture collection and explained what attracted him to make this selection:
"I love the holistic approach that Pepper Sq has. Your interior design, your furniture, and what you use in your space are all connected. Their emphasis on thoughtfully selected and curated pieces is what attracted me to working with them." - Paul Welling
Level Leather Daybed : I like a lot of white space with key pieces of furniture given the room to shine. This daybed is the perfect piece for a wide hallway.
Cono Adjustable Floor Lamp: "I could definitely see this in my home, it's a perfect statement living room piece"
Totem Dining Table : " I have a very minimalistic home with lots of white space, and this table is perfectly simple and elegant".
Hagen Folding Desk: "What an ingenious design for a small space, very versatile and functional".
Fill your home with love and style, inspired by these one of a kind ceramic pieces from our limited edition. Discover #thecollectables...