Refined, understated and made to last: the principles behind kitchenware brand Monoware are music to our ears. We catch up with the founder, Daniel Baer, to discuss Monoware's design ethos, where he gets his inspiration and what's coming next for this small but mighty company.
What gave you the idea to start Monoware?
Despite how big and competitive the market is, I was finding it really challenging to find beautiful, modern tableware that was made to last and didn’t compromise on either quality or design. I have always believed that every meal should be a celebration, from your daily breakfast to a dinner party with friends, and I wanted to challenge the idea that you should only use your best dinnerware on special occasions. The solution was Monoware: a collection of essentials that are both thoughtfully designed and durable, to elevate those everyday moments at the table.
What's everyone reading?
What’s the ethos behind the brand?
Monoware is about designing pieces that will grow with the people that use them and with every home, every meal and every conversation. Our core collection of ceramics is designed in London then crafted, fired and hand-finished in a family-run stoneware factory just outside of Porto in Portugal, with a few of the small batch ceramics made in the UK by skilled local craftspeople. All products have been designed and glazed in a carefully considered natural palette of earthy tones that fit effortlessly into any home and any aesthetic. When we decide to add to our collections, it’s a carefully considered addition and there’s a mindful process behind it – it’s never a seasonal or trend-led launch.
How do you find ideas for your designs?
Every piece has been carefully designed to function seamlessly, whether that’s the curve on a coffee cup that moulds comfortably to the hand, or the perfect pour of a water jug. From a grain bowl that doubles up as the perfect vessel for both pasta and soup, to a mug that has the optimal capacity for a cappuccino or a cup of tea, we always create with more than one function in mind, taking into consideration people’s diverse lifestyles and ever-changing eating habits.
What do you have coming up next?
We've just launched our ceramic mug in a new 'Terra' glaze, which is ideal for winter. And this season, we're launching our ceramic candlestick holders, available in two sizes, which are perfect for adding that simple, elegant touch to your table, allowing you to play with height and create a centrepiece without compromising on space. We’ve also just released our cutlery collection, which I am particularly excited about. I think high-quality flatware should be at the core of any tablesetting and I have been looking forward to adding this range to Monoware for a while, so I'm so happy to finally share it with everyone. As for 2023 and beyond, I have some ideas, but you’ll have to wait and see… For now, we just want to continue to inspire everyone to enjoy those daily moments, whether alone or with company, while encouraging a more thoughtful way of purchasing and living with timeless design. monoware.com
