In the world of interior design, a change of season is as good an excuse as any to revamp your living room, bedroom – or in this case, your dining room. The shift from winter to spring is easily one of the most anticipated in the décor calendar, too, as cool tones can be swapped out for vivid hues, and festive motifs are exchanged for floral accents.
Embracing interior design trends, however, needn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire space. Dinnerware is a simple, yet high-impact tool to elevate your dining experience and express your personality.
From striking patterns to casual dining, here's our top tips on how to harness the top dinnerware trends for spring 2024.
Blue floral motifs
Blue and white tableware is a timeless combination that has dominated tablescapes for centuries. Diners have favoured more contemporary designs, such as white plates with slapdash speckles or polka dots in bright blue hues. However, the more classic patterns, especially those that are inspired by Italian heritage and Chinese pottery, are timeless beauties.
Taking on a more delicate look, the blue and white floral motif is both elegant, yet versatile, and is a great way to inject colour into your tablescape, particularly if you tend to err on the neutral side when it comes to interiors. Spode’s Blue Italian collection embraces this trend perfectly with its 18th century Imari Oriental border designed to add charm and flare to your tablescape. Tie in the colours with your linens and décor, such as tall taper candles and, of course, flowers.
Statement stripes
Dinnerware trends come and go, but one key constant that we can always rely on is stripes. Simple and striking or subtle and complex, stripes can come in a variety of forms that can transform how a room feels. Thicker stripes are great for a bold aesthetic, while thin stripes work well for a more understated look. When paired together, the contrasting line thickness adds character and intrigue to every place setting.
For an eclectic look that is bursting with personality and interest, don’t be afraid to combine different patterns; mix classic designs, such as stripes and florals, with exotic styles, like chinoiserie or geometric. The juxtaposing patterns of Spode’s Blue Italian and new Steccato collections blend seamlessly together for a multi-dimensional design that is bound to wow your guests. Tie your scheme together by dressing up your napkins with a seasonal finishing touch, such as a single daffodil.
Casual dining
Gone are the days of formal dining and rigid mealtimes; now, it’s all about keeping it casual and comfy. With more homeowners describing their style as ‘casual comfort’, we can expect to see a growing interest in mixed materials and colours that nod to traditional style while keeping things fun and light.
Playful, whimsical dinnerware that features vibrant colours, will work well in this type of interior space. If you frequently have friends or family dropping by, serving platters provide a more laid-back dining experience, allowing guests to help themselves.
When it comes to laying the table, stick to the essentials: a tablecloth, placemats, napkins, cutlery, and your choice of tableware. Or, if you’re looking for that final flourish, faux flowers are a fantastic low-maintenance, statement addition. Not only will they allow you to keep your tablescape for as long as you like, but they also look so lifelike, no one will notice the difference.