A minimal table setting design defined by durability

Monoware’s essentials for a minimalist table setting feature plates, bowls and mugs, as well as serving platters in earthy tones

(Image credit: monoware.com)

By Rosa Bertoli

published 25 November 2020

Creative consultant Daniel Baer has launched a new line of timeless tableware essentials, from plates to platters, inspired by the art of coming together. Called Monoware, the collection is intended to 'to endure and to grow with the people that lay them. We call it a table set for life,' he says.

For Baer, every mealtime is an event. ‘Whether it’s a picnic with friends, a solo supper in front of the TV, or a family breakfast, they all bring nourishment, nurture creativity or sustain relationships,’ he adds. How then to bring a proper sense of occasion to every repast?

Table setting with crockery, a glass of water and a bag with fruit

Merging his background in graphic design (a stint as Wallpaper’s senior designer was followed by the founding of his own creative consultancy, Studio Baer, with clients ranging from Dior (opens in new tab) and Comme des Garçons to Rizzoli) and an interest in studio pottery, his answer to looking for the perfect table setting, was to create his own.

The Monoware launch collection features dining (opens in new tab) staples such as plates, bowls and mugs, as well as serving platters and pitchers, with reduced silhouettes and a palette of earthy tones, from chalk to slate. The debut pieces were created in collaboration with ceramicist (opens in new tab) Ian McIntyre. ‘What appealed to me in Ian’s work is the way he mixes industrial design and traditional craft skills,’ explains Baer, who was particularly attracted by the ceramicist’s extensive experience with stoneware. The plates' design was carefully considered, and each piece was crafted in high-quality materials ('We've perfected the plates, so you can bring the party', reads Baer's mission statement.)

Longevity (both physical and aesthetic) was a priority for the collection, as was informality – ‘to respond to a new generation of creative cooks and hosts who don’t feel the need to follow established table formalities, but, at the same time, value quality, timeless design and durability.’ Our habits and the dishes we serve may change, observes Baer, but our tableware is for keeps.

INFORMATION

monoware.com (opens in new tab)

TOPICS

Product design

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.