While minimalist lifestyles have been on the rise in recent years, not all of us are satisfied with just the basics. Sure, you can stick to the essentials, but where’s the fun or joy in that? Of course, living in a clutter-free and well-organized environment can feel serene and soothing – the fewer items you have to worry about, the easier it gets to clean and maintain your modern home.
But the reality for most of us is that living with possessions that are few and far between isn’t an ideal scenario – we’d all like to indulge in the occasional splurge, treat ourselves to some of the latest trends, and get some of the newest tech items. Just because you own more stuff, doesn’t mean you’re not organized or taking care of your surroundings. One such underrated and often overlooked commodity is a well-curated homeware collection.
How Homewares Have Shaped Modern Culture
When people buy homewares that are practical and convenient, they often go unnoticed because they’re such an indispensable part of our lives and aren’t not given enough credit for the role they play daily.
Sure, when you move into a new house, you can’t exactly get things up and running unless you get homewares. Similarly, suppose you have an older set already in your home. In that case, you’d need to get a new one – not because you appreciate the complexities of homeware shopping, but out of pure necessity.
So when you actually do get the set and start using it every day, you’re more focused on the functional role they play rather than their aesthetics. And that’s completely understandable, especially in an era where comfort, convenience and practicality are the pillars of modern society.
But it’s high time we start to appreciate the little things in life and how vital they are to our daily routines. Homewares, in particular, not only make our lives easier but they’ve shaped our cultural heritage and societal norms as we know them today.
What Is Included in Homewares?
While most of us have a general idea of what’s included in this category, the specific items may vary based on preferences, budget and even cultural differences. But in all that diversity, lies a common thread – a handful of items that are often considered as UK homeware essentials.
Tableware
This is an umbrella term that encompasses fine china, cutlery, condiment sets, mugs and coffee pots, and coasters, and placemats.
Fine china generally includes a classic dinner set of plates – such as bowls, dinner plates and dessert plates – in addition to cups, saucers, and teapots. While classic white options are the epitome of luxury and high-class living, having patterned designs is nothing short of an artistic approach to dining.
Naturally, you could go with the former if you’d like a minimalist take on your tableware sets, but the latter offers some truly visually appealing designs that can bring some aesthetic dimension to everyday dining.
For instance, you could go for vibrant and saturated floral prints for a hobo-chic take on dinnertime or an iconic Renaissance-inspired patterned model with red accents to indulge in some regal-like pampering.
As far as cutlery goes, it’s a pretty straightforward choice – most dining sets feature different-sized utensils for different meals. You should place the forks on the left and the knives on the right, starting from the outside and moving inwards with each coming course.
You can place soup spoons on the right, next to the knives, whereas dessert spoons or forks go at the very top of the placement layout.
In terms of the design, you can buy homewares with the classic, metallic-like shade of cutlery or go for signature designs on the handles to really make your dinnerware set pop. You can even match them to your fine china to embrace your signature personality and reflect your taste.
Condiment sets can only add to this trademark display and it’s up to you to decide which ones you’d prioritise. Sugar bowls, sauce pourers, dip bowls and divided round dishes are just some of the most common items you can place on your table, depending on what you’re serving and how much space you’ve got to work with.
Glassware
It wouldn’t be a complete tableware setting without glass sets to complete the equation. If you or your guests are wine enthusiasts, you naturally need crystal wine glasses to appropriately serve this beverage. Their signature shape allows them to slowly release the rich flavour and addicting aroma of this grape-based drink.
If you’re into stronger drinks, you can go for whiskey glasses, with their signature ribbed sides and wide-brim design. Or, if you’re into good ol’ beer, you can go for classic tall glasses or steins.
You don’t have to take the basic route for non-alcoholic drinks either – many water glasses deviate from the standard cylindrical shape and work with rounder bodies and wider tops. Think about what drinks you normally serve and how you’d like to treat yourself and your guests on special occasions as well.
Kitchenware
Kitchenware is a broad category that encompasses all the tools and utensils needed for cooking, baking, and food preparation in general. It includes everything from pots and pans to knives and cutting boards. Having high-quality kitchenware not only makes your cooking experience easier and more efficient but also ensures that your food turns out delicious.
When it comes to pots and pans, there are endless options to choose from. Non-stick cookware is popular for its ease of use and cleaning, while stainless steel and cast iron provide durability and versatility. The size of your household, cooking style, and personal preferences should all be considered when selecting the right set of pots and pans for your kitchen.
Having a good set of knives can also greatly impact your cooking experience. A chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife are just some of the names you’d need in your collection. While they’re all designed for different purposes, they’re equally important for accomplishing various tasks in the kitchen.
And let’s not forget other nifty items like rolling pins, knife stands, spice grinders and mills that ultimately improve the convenience and efficiency of your kitchen tasks. While they may seem like small and insignificant details, they can greatly influence your mood and motivation every time you’d like to get your hands dirty.