Eclectic Country Kitchen Decor

Antique and vintage ceramics lend warmth and charm to the utilitarian modern day kitchen, especially when they prove functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.


This enormous Italian art pottery bowl features a wonderful hand painted blackbird motif on the interior, a theme similar to that on the salt glazed pitcher with its unusual curling handle and unique shape. On the other side of the ironstone platter sits an elaborate yet useful Italian majolica canister alongside a simple French Country creamer with pale blue tulip motifs. Other examples of classic French provincial china include the green faience oyster plates with their finely detailed shells, as well as the asparagus plate, also from Sarreguemines, and featuring a sauce well and molded asparagus stalks encircled by a basket weave border.


Baskets are another decorative yet functional accessory perfect for the kitchen. Here one brimming with fresh eggs sits among a number of other useful accessories including majolica oil and vinegar cruets, an English copper lusterware cream and sugar set, a vintage Italian ceramic wall pocket designed as a cluster of onions, and a blue and white floral serving bowl in the elegant Chatsworth pattern. Along the back rests a colorful majolica platter alongside two elaborate Victorian style majolica plates.


The top self holds a massive Limoges porcelain serving platter surrounded by a quartet of Italian white art pottery pitchers and two large white ceramic canisters. Adding a dose of color is a blue and white delft china jam jar along with a whimsical pyramid of majolica fruits and vegetables, the perfect antique accessory for the eclectic country kitchen.

All photos and styling by KS&D.

Eclectic European Art Pottery

European art pottery, lushly hand painted majolica in particular, holds a special charm so different from it's finer porcelain counterparts. This long cabinet-top display ending with a huge Italian ceramic serving bowl includes a varied selection of art pottery and majolica items culled from our online shop along with select pieces from our own private collection.
The large wildly detailed platter is a contemporary piece from Portugal that makes a rich backdrop for three vintage Italian floral plates interspersed with a charming set of antique white Italian ceramic pitchers in a modeled grapevine motif. The rose garland apothecary jar to the right is a unique vintage German piece that perfectly compliments the delicate floral motifs of the platter.
An unusual owl tureen sits surrounded by Portuguese and Italian majolica pitchers; while an equally unique white platter peeks out from behind. The matching pair of old Italian bowls flanking the group have especially rich detailing and lavish hand painting.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.

Opposites Attract

One of the best aspects of the eclectic aesthetic is the limitless freedom to mix and match pieces culled from various backgrounds, cultures, and styles. A great way to draw attention to special pieces is by pairing them with unlikely mates as illustrated here by a collection of fine porcelain displayed on the bare wood shelf of this rustic cabinet.

The intricate detailing of these elaborate porcelain Rococo candelabra is somehow more evident when contrasted against the natural graining of the surrounding beadboard. Not only does the raw wood throw the lavish candelabra into high relief but the porcelain also serves to ennoble the rustic nature of the simple cabinet.

Filling out the elegant china collection are several pieces of fine French Limoges including a beautiful hand painted pink and gold antique bowl, a floral Haviland biscuit jar, a fancy footed compote dish, and a charming pair of antique scallop shell saltcellars. At the center is a wonderfully realistic Italian majolica fruit pyramid adding a touch of whimsy. The blue and white china plates round out the display nicely while contributing a subtle hint of pattern to the mix.

The porcelain and china has been limited to the center shelf allowing for stacks of art books and a handful of unique accessories including a classical bust, an antique horse sculpture, and a fanciful birdcage of wire scrollwork holding a potted vine.

Photos and styling by Knickerbocker.