Styling Porcelain with Restraint

The top of a cabinet is an easy place to use porcelain, but I tend to approach it with restraint.

I prefer using fewer pieces so your eye can land on each one. When there’s too much grouped together, it starts to read as one mass instead of individual forms.

Porcelain already carries a lot with it—pattern, form, and a sense of history. It doesn’t need a lot around it to feel complete.

Even though blue and white can stand on its own, I like to mix it a bit. Different patterns, different shades. It keeps it from feeling flat. An Imari piece, a touch of green—just enough to add depth without taking over.

I don’t try to match everything. I mix pieces that feel cohesive—varying heights, different forms, and a balance that makes sense.

I also pay attention to numbers. When the heights vary, I tend to work in odd groupings. It feels more natural. If I’m using pairs, then I’ll lean into symmetry.

On a cabinet, I usually keep the larger pieces toward the back and bring smaller ones forward so everything stays visible.

In the end, I’m filling the space, but not overtaking it—so each piece can still be appreciated for what drew me to it in the first place.

-Colleen, Pheasant and Fig