If you’ve been following my journey here at The Workers Cottage, you know that I am a firm believer that a home should feel collected rather than 'decorated'. Recently, I had the absolute thrill of seeing this philosophy shared on a much larger stage - our very own plate wall was featured in Domino Magazine.
The article, “The Future of Plate Walls is Organic, Unfussy, and Beginner-Friendly,” perfectly captures why I love this design trend so much. It isn't about rigid grids or expensive fine china; it’s about character, movement, and the joy of the hunt.
The Beauty of 'Slow' Decorating
One of the reasons the editors at Domino highlighted our wall was the way it has evolved. Many people think they need to wait until they have 20 matching pieces to start a gallery wall. I’ve always taken the opposite approach.
As seen in our Before & After photos in the feature, our wall started with just a few choice pieces. Over time, as I found vintage gems at local markets or added new favourites to my shop, the arrangement grew. It 'climbed' the wall organically, filling in the gaps and creating a storied, lived-in look.
My Top Tips for an Organic Plate Wall
If you’re looking to start your own plate wall this weekend, here is how I recommend approaching it:
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Don't Rush the Process: Start with 3 to 5 plates in varying sizes. Let the wall breathe. It’s okay to have empty space - it just leaves room for your next favourite find.
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Find a Common Thread: You don’t need a perfect match, but a theme can help. Whether it’s a specific colour palette (like the soft blues and earthy tones I love), a botanical theme, or a handmade texture, a common element keeps the look intentional rather than cluttered.
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Ditch the Ruler: This is the best part! Organic walls thrive on slight imperfections. Lay your plates on the floor first to get a general sense of the shape, but don't be afraid to tweak as you go.
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Mix the Eras: I love mixing antique finds with modern ceramics. It gives the wall a sense of history and depth.
A Huge Thank You
Being featured alongside such talented designers and stylists is a dream come true. A huge thank you to the team at Domino for celebrating the perfectly unperfect style we love so much here in New Zealand.
If you want to read the full article and see the other incredible homes featured, you can check it out here.
Are you feeling inspired to start a plate wall? Tag me in your photos - I’d love to see how your collections are growing!
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