When considering adding pieces of pottery to your home, you are bringing a world of art, earth and intention into your space. Pottery is typically made of either stoneware, porcelain or earthenware, all excellent and durable materials that require being fired to high temperatures in order for the clay body to mature.

Hanna, a ceramic artist from The Potter’s Homestead, is joining me to share more about her craft from the unique pieces she creates and their versatility to ideas on completing your home all with the beautiful functional pottery she creates. She designs thoughtfully handmade pottery that is both practical and decorative. Through her work she celebrates intentional living, sustainability and finding serenity in everyday moments.

HANDMADE OR MASS PRODUCED?

In the world of agriculture, there are a handful of frequently used phrases that all would recognize: “know your farmer”. “Know where your food comes from”. And yet, we often overlook the vessels we use to carry that same food we refer to. The pieces that display our favourite flowers, the mugs that hold our morning coffee, or the dish in which we store our most cherished jewellery. Do we know where it comes from? Who made it?

Over the past century or so, the production of ceramic wares has become increasingly automated and mass-produced overseas. The development of these procedures have generated products of uniformity down to an exact science. Visible traces of human contact and imperfections are rare, unless they are marketed and intentionally designed to appear as though they were handmade. Despite fast paced manufacturing processes, mass-produced ceramics are typically tied to short lived trends. These items are also sold at an attractive price point that understandably appeal to many.

Most potters, unlike major corporations, take great pride in the quality and sustainability of their work, as well as the enthusiasm their clients express when supporting them. This fact is one of the many pillars differentiating the value of handmade vs. mass-produced ceramics. Investing in pottery in this way is a wonderful approach to embody high quality, environmentally sound and distinct home design.

POTTERY IS VERSATILE

Shapes, textures, and decorative options are endless when it comes to pottery. When discovering various artist’s work, it is fascinating to observe the ways they work with the clay body alone through tools and decorative techniques. You may also notice fingerprints and traces of an artist hard at work to conclude their creative process in order for it to make its way to your home.

While an investment such as this can feel daunting, the versatility of a ceramic piece is infinite. With a little bit of vision, a simple bowl can surely be used as dinnerware, but could also be a dish to hold your keys at your entryway, act as a “cache pot” for your new house plant, or even be used for a smaller serving of olives or dip at your next family gathering. Jugs, for instance, can be used as a pitcher for your favourite lemonade, but also display your new bouquet of flowers or replace your watering can. Handmade pottery is the ultimate crossroad between beauty and function!

Decorating with pottery

Key areas of your home can easily be decorated with pottery. Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate functional items into the design of your home:

Creative Catch All: ceramic bowl

Staying organized at home can be achieved in a beautiful way. Display any bowl you like in your entry as a “catch-all”.

Elevate the look by layering a slice of wood or a basket underneath the bowl. You could also drape a piece of linen over the console then set the pasta bowl on top. The mix of textures and materials creates a completed and pleasing look.

Cheerful blooms or simple clippings from outside your home can be placed in a decorative vase and added to your console display.

Showcase Your Collection: Kitchen Displays

Multiple pieces can be displayed as a group either on open shelving in your kitchen, in a glass cabinet or simply on your counter.

Stack bowls and plates and create a dynamic display by displaying taller pieces in the back and shorter in the front.

If you have a large collection you can consider splitting your pieces by color or by category (mug, bowl, jug, vase, etc) and displaying these separated groups in different areas of your home.

Earthy Dining Displays: Buffet & Table

The Table

One or two large jugs or vases filled with branches in the center or your rectangular or round dining table create an interesting display. Ceramic pieces contrast against a wood table and the height of the centerpiece elevates your eye up and fills the openness.

The Buffet

Often simplicity is best. A buffet decorated with a larger ceramic bowl of fruit paired with a few taller items, and completed with a large artwork layered on the wall above the buffet ties the entire display together.

Pottery Styles For Your Home

Choosing the right pieces for your home’s style and your personal style. How do you want to use and display pottery in your home?

When it comes to complementing your home with pottery, the choices are nearly endless. Hand-thrown pieces keep your space from feeling sterile or impersonal. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers a single piece or a maximalist who loves the look of multiples, there’s a piece of pottery for your personal style.

The type of glaze or finish alone can determine if it works with your style and feel of the room and the size of pottery may determine its purpose in the room. And the shape may determine which room you use it in.

Curved pottery pieces, pottery with rough texture and natural or a natural mixing of colors works well in a farmhouse setting. For an earthy look select pieces that are neutral and solid in color. Swirl detailing in pottery can add more texture to your space and the look is best achieved when pieces are grouped together, creating a stronger statement.

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