You’re Missing Out if You’re Not Using This Kitchen Staple As a Sculpture

Summertime is prime fruit season, and during this time of year, my home overflows with stone fruit, tomatoes, and berries after the weekly visit to the farmers’ market. Lately though, the pile-up is getting to be a problem: It’s taking over my kitchen! I always wrote off fancy fruit bowls as an extra vessel I didn’t need to make space for, but I’m reconsidering that opinion after seeing how cookbook author and designer John Pawson treats his fruit like a still life display.

I find myself craving a designer-y one (sadly I can’t afford the Pawson-designed marble dish above) to set at the center of my table in lieu of flowers. With our fruit out on the dining table, I’ll be able to reclaim some of my counter space, and come winter, when fruit is less abundant, I can stick the bowl on a shelf as an objet d’art. These seven chic fruit bowls all will double as a sculpture, and let you copy what I’ve been doing with them in my home.

Designer Carlo Contin’s simple, striking design from 1999 still looks fresh today. The circle of lacquered wooden spokes are pinned together and twisted open to create its spiral form, which shines with or without fruit inside.

Buy: Satellite Bowl, $40.00 for the Large Size from MoMA Design Store 

I’ll admit I’m a sucker for all of the pieces in the Strøm line and would love to add this bowl to my personal collection. The matte finish and graphic shape feels fresh and modern, and the colors read as bright and playful — not overly fancy or sophisticated.

Buy: Raawii Strøm Bowl, $68.00 for the Small Size from Design Within Reach

I love the look of the speckled finish on Lala’s Fresh Pots. Made through the process of agateware by an independent ceramicist, each bowl is unique, and this one can double as a serving bowl for parties, which is a win-win in my book.

Buy: Lala Fresh Pots Large Serving Bowl, $60.00 from Etsy

Emile Henry’s twofer fruit bowl feels tailor-made for a small space: The lower ceramic bowl can hold potatoes or onions, and the cork lid is perfect for ripe fruit. Best of all, the cork is purported to absorb extra moisture and keep fruit flies away. Use the two levels together or separately.

Buy: French Ceramic Storage Bowl, $150.00 from Food 52

Another ceramic option, the large, low bowl from East Fork never fails to disappoint. I’m eyeing some of the brighter hues like Peachy Keen and Taro. You also can’t go wrong with Amaro, the terracotta-like finish featured above.

Buy: Weeknight Serving Bowl, $150.00 from East Fork Pottery

Speaking of terracotta, the raw exterior and simple Nordic silhouette make this bowl an organic standout. I love that manufacturer Skagerak’s belief in “sustainable and straightforward beauty” carries on through to their B-Corp certification.

Buy: Edge Bowl, $95.00 from Verishop

At over $200, this bowl is a major splurge, but it’s definitely made to last long enough to become a family heirloom — and the pedestal silhouette is timeless, too. Williams-Sonoma also sells an even larger two-tiered version for $299.

Buy: Marble Fruit Bowl, $229.00 from Williams-Sonoma