Drama on the dinner table
The latest international consumer goods fair reveals that tableware designers are experimenting with dark colours and large blooms.
DRAMATIC colour contrasts are all the rage in tableware, if the designs on show at the recent Ambiente trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, are anything to go by.
And the most dramatic contrast of all – black and white – is leading the way, with manufacturers going mono with their latest designs. Although white remains the classic colour for plates, cups and co, designers are also experimenting with black and other darker shades.
Tableware manufacturer Rosenthal’s Ardesia range, for example, features matte black borders with the edges broken up by delicate white lines. Rosenthal has also given its Mesh line a contemporary makeover with a brand new colour called “forest”. Depending on the light, the base tone changes between black and deep green.
Both new designs are intended to match the products already available in the company’s lines.
Homeware brand Blomus has also introduced a very dark green into its product ranges, complemented by delicate grey-blues and whites.
Meanwhile, the Chauteau collection by Goebel represents a highend incarnation of the black-andwhite design trend.
It’s even found its way into cutlery, according to trend analysts, and is perceived as eccentric and luxurious.
But it’s not all about black and white. Floral designs remain a big trend, as seen in manufacturer Sambonet’s new porcelain plate collection, called Kyma Florilegium.
Geometric patterns are also in. One example of this is the Ono collection for the Thomas brand, in the primary colours blue and yellow.
Porcelain manufacturer Kahla also focuses on graphic designs in its new Linen & Cotton range. The items are designed to evoke cotton and linen table items – tablecloths, runners and place mats – that are increasingly no longer present on the dinner table, according to designer Lisa Keller.
“Whether in restaurants, bistros or at home, I have noticed that it’s suddenly all about raw materials. Unvarnished wooden tables and stone surfaces are taking over from the classic table setting.”
In his latest designs for Arzberg, meanwhile, Michael Sieger has brought together two popular elements in kitchenware design: geometric shapes and flowers.
For his tableware series Tric, Sieger has taken his favourite flowers and combined them with honeycomb structures in blue.
However, floral decorations are currently undergoing some changes. A few years ago, manufacturers were bringing out ranges featuring delicate, dainty flower designs. Now, the blooms are larger, fuller and more abundant. – dpa