In the heart of every home lies a story. It’s written in the scratches on the kitchen table, the arrangement of photos on the mantel, and the tales whispered by our beloved belongings. For me, one chapter of this narrative is artistically penned by the handmade pottery that graces my space. These earthy masterpieces aren’t just vessels for my plants and pasta—they’re extensions of my home story.

A New Concern for Vinyl and Formica

When we moved into our mid-century fixer-upper five years ago, its blandness cried out for warmth. The tepid vinyl floors and cold Formica countertops felt like an insult to the home’s 1960s charm. I needed pieces that would speak to the history of my house while adding a personal touch.

That’s where my journey into handmade pottery began—at More To Store, a treasure trove of locally made art and home decor. I discovered a world beyond the mass-produced, where each piece was a testament to craftsmanship, not just manufacturing.

Unboxing Your Home’s Potential

Every room in my house has its potter-sized piece of the puzzle:

• Kitchen: A splattered, glazed bowl that serves as a catch-all for my considerably large key collection.
• Living Room: A climber-friendly planter that houses my ever-sprawling Snake Plant—Fred.
• Bedroom: A cachepot that fluidly transitions from salt lamp to emergency candy stash.

The Power of (Imperfect) Touch

There’s a tactile charm to handmade pottery that’s lost on its store-bought counterparts. Its irregularities— the slightly thick rim, the unbalanced glaze—are part of its character. They’re lovingly reminders of human hands at work, not assembly lines.

Investing in Storytelling Pieces

I’ve come to realize that handmade pottery is more than just a decor choice; it’s an investment. It tells the story of my home—of the family that bought it, the family that built it, and now, the family that loves it. A story that will grow with each slosh of cereal in my beloved bowl, each repotting of Fred, each forgotten pack of gum.

Form Over Function: A False Dilemma

Now, you might be thinking, “Handmade pottery is beautiful, sure, but won’t my family’s Frisbee-sporting Lab mix wreak havoc on such fragile pieces?” Well, let me introduce you to the wonder of Raku and stoneware—pottery techniques that toughen up these home furnishings without sacrificing style.

Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort

When you choose handmade pottery for your home, you’re not just adding functionality—you’re adding charm. And the best part? It happens effortlessly. Unlike those ’70s-built room dividers you’ll spend months sanding and refinishing (not that I’ve tried), pottery requires little more than a lint-free cloth and some elbow grease to keep it looking its best.

The Beauty of ‘Used’

It’s been years since my first More To Store discovery, and the story of my home has only grown richer. I’ve traded cold surfaces for warm, artful ones. And yes, there are chips and scratches to show for it. But each one is a testament to my family’s life here. It’s a beautifully lived-in reminder of the unique, handcrafted story unfolding within our walls.