Thanks to the internet, interiors trend inspiration is never far away. First, we had pink walls, and then came the obsession with velvet. But right now, ceramics are getting all of the limelight.
The craft scene is flourishing, and pottery has emerged from car boot sales and second-hand shops and into the realm of luxury interiors. Gracing our curated side tables, bringing some joie de vivre to our tableware and adding a simple hand-thrown touch to our floral arrangements, ceramics are all the rage right now.
Read more: Key home design trends set to be big this year
So, if you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive way to update your home, here are a few tricks and tips for bringing some fun and quirky style statements into the mix.
1. Buy a statement vase
Fresh flowers in the home can really brighten up a space. A ceramic vase will not only serve a function, but it also acts as a beautiful sculpture.
2. Clear out your odd mugs
Many of us have a kitchen cupboard that’s filled with mismatched, chipped and faded mugs that we’ve collected over the years. Now is a great time to have a declutter and treat yourself to some new earthenware that actually sparks joy, especially seeing as the hot drink season is almost upon us.
Popping on the kettle and pulling out a beautiful ceramic piece will bring an extra bit of cheer to your day.
Read more: The underestimated link between home and happiness
3. Update your tiling
If you’ve got a bigger budget to play with, you could look at bringing some statement ceramics into your kitchen. Simply updating your splashback can really bring a touch of personality to your home, without needing to rip out all your units and start again.
Ceramic wall tiles are fast becoming an interiors favourite as a more wallet-friendly alternative to marble or granite styles that have been popular in recent years. An eclectic print is a playful way to add impact to a white kitchen, and you can make a focal point of an alcove by tiling in a statement splashback.
The key here is to choose bold tile designs in a contrasting colour to the rest of the kitchen, to add extra impact.
4. Light it up
Whether you live in a city loft apartment or a country cottage, lighting is often the key to making a house feel like a home. A ceramic table lamp can add some wow factor to any living room.
Contemporary hand painted lamps can be a little on the pricier side, but will be a practical investment that will last a lifetime.
If you’re picking up a statement lamp, make sure your lampshade is a single colour, and partner with simple accessories, like coffee table books or small trinkets, so the base can do the talking.
5. Go antiques hunting
Going antiquing is really fun – it’s kind of like a treasure hunt, as you never know what you might find. Car boot fairs and charity shops are teeming with hidden gems, and don’t dismiss hunting around on online marketplaces.
From ceramic jars and jugs, to figurines and bowls, you can find just about anything on the internet, whether you’re after some pottery made in Australia or fine china from further afield.
Read more: How to score an op shop gem
The great thing about buying pre-loved ceramics is that you’ll have a totally unique piece too, that none of your friends are likely to have in their homes.
6. Do it yourself
The great thing about the ceramics scene is that the more hand-crafted and imperfect your pieces look, the better. So, you might want to have a go at making your own pinch pots, bowls and plant pots at home instead.
Crockd is a pottery delivery kit that includes clay that dries naturally in a couple of days, so there’s no need for a potter’s wheel or kiln. Inside, there’s also a guide to learn basic techniques, plus tools, paints, paintbrushes and varnish.
Roll up your sleeves and get messy. Not only will you create your own one-of-a-kind object for your home but having a creative hobby can be a great mental health boost.
Where do you turn for interior inspiration? Do you have any statement ceramics in your home? Have you ever tried making your own?
– With PA
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