Across prominent residences, a singular design element is emerging with increasing frequency: the monumental clay vessel. In a marble-clad kitchen, a pitted limestone pot introduces verticality and textural richness. Similarly, a Provençal confit pot anchors the aesthetic of a Maine kitchen. In her Canadian home, Cobie Smulders employs a colossal terracotta piece to punctuate an oak dining table, reputedly seating twenty-seven guests. This Hudson Valley farmhouse, meanwhile, utilizes a Chinese ceramic artifact for grounding decor.
However, no residence embodies the allure of truly substantial pottery quite like the Portuguese farmhouse of Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus, featured on the cover of our June issue. Spanning over 3,000 miles from their Fifth Avenue abode, this acclaimed duo drew inspiration directly from the Alentejo region for their ceramic selections. Aged terracotta pots flank the entryway, a striking ribbed olive ceramic piece commands the hallway, an immense pot discovered on the property itself resides in the entry hall, a glazed vessel adorns a rosso antico marble table, and a monumental terracotta amphora stands sentinel behind the dining table. The kitchen’s dining area is a veritable treasure trove of pottery, highlighted by a chalky, weathered vase that dominates the space, thoughtfully filled with branches harvested from their own orchard.
The prevalence of these substantial ceramic forms reflects a contemporary approach to aspirational interior design—one that values intentional imperfection and a sense of organic evolution over curated perfection. This aesthetic is masterfully embodied by retailers like Nickey Kehoe, who have refined the statement piece. Amy Kehoe, co-founder of the brand, explains, “A found vessel has already lived a life. When we’re sourcing, we’re always asking, ‘Does this piece add a layer of meaning, or just fill a shelf?’” She emphasizes the importance of a piece’s irregularities—its off-kilter proportions, patchy glaze, and the visible human touch—as elements that imbue a room with a sense of history and natural development rather than mere assembly. Nickey observes that clients are increasingly seeking this authenticity, recognizing that in an era of hyper-polished digital imagery, interiors benefit from genuine character. “Imperfection has become a form of proof,” he states.
Baylor Pillow, the Mississippi-based designer behind Beep Design Co., echoes this sentiment. “On the whole, I think we are all too used to seeing clean and pristine,” he notes. Pillow finds inspiration in the historical narrative that draws a client to a particular piece, shifting the focus from merely acquiring “old things” to understanding the specific provenance and significance behind them.
For those seeking such unique pieces, Pillow suggests exploring online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay as a starting point, where one can discover affordable items with existing character. The founders of Nickey Kehoe advocate for the serendipity of flea market exploration. “Wander without an agenda,” they advise. “The best pieces tend to find you when you’re not looking for something specific.”
Even without access to international markets, the essence of this style is attainable. Kehoe reassures that “It’s about energy, not age.” A well-chosen limestone piece, even from a contemporary retailer, can achieve the desired effect if it “feels like it belongs and also like it couldn’t be anywhere else.” The key lies in contrast: placing an artifact with an aged patina against a sleek, modern surface, or juxtaposing the rugged texture of clay with the softness of upholstery. As Kehoe emphasizes, “Context is everything.”
Patience is also a virtue in this design philosophy. As stylist Colin King advocates, achieving a truly curated space may require “a decade” rather than a rush. Brent and Berkus themselves waited months to find the perfect piece for a specific rotunda in a Los Angeles project—an early-20th-century sand-blasted glass vessel, standing a commanding 25 inches tall.
Curated Ceramic Selections
French White Confit Pot
Nickey Kehoe
European Style Olive Pot
1stDibs
Museion Earthenware Vase by Jeremiah Brent
Crate & Barrel
Unique Large Chulucanas Vase
1stDibs
Vintage Black Rope Takotsubo Pot
Nickey Kehoe
Antique Balkan Clay Bottle
1stDibs
Pottery Barn Sienna Fiber Stone Outdoor Planter
Pottery Barn
Vintage Rustic Terra-cotta Pot
Etsy
Peony Vase by Heidi Caillier
Lulu and Georgia
McGee & Co. Tilbury Hand-Painted Terra-cotta Vase
McGee & Co.
Business Style Takeaway: The incorporation of monumental, imperfect ceramic pieces offers a sophisticated counterpoint to modern aesthetics, infusing living spaces with a sense of lived history and personal narrative. This approach elevates interior design from mere decoration to a curated expression of character and a distinguished personal brand environment.
According to the portal: www.architecturaldigest.com