There are always objects in a home that quietly set the tone – even when you don’t notice them at first. This is how Gunia Project ceramic plates work: they add atmosphere to a table setting, a wall, or a shelf, gently gathering the surrounding decor around them. Handcrafted work, artistic painting, and Ukrainian motifs make each plate recognizable and full of life.

Ceramic Plates as an Element of a Contemporary Interior

At Gunia Project, we see ceramics as part of everyday rituals and, at the same time, as a cultural gesture. That is why the plate collection carries many layers of meaning: naïve embroidered towels, antique tiles, painted household ceramics, and ornaments from different regions of Ukraine. We do not reproduce these sources literally. Instead, we translate them into a contemporary interior through form, composition, color, and subtle touches of gilding.

Painted plates respond intuitively to space. On the table, they become the focal point of serving and instantly add a festive feeling even to a simple meal. On the wall, a decorative plate works as an accent – without excessive “theatricality,” yet with a clear character. On open shelves or in a buffet, such pieces support a cohesive, stylish mood and combine beautifully with textiles, wood, and glass.

Many models feature symbolic imagery. Birds, riders, trees, fantastical animals, stars – these are not simply decorative illustrations. In Ukrainian tradition, they stand for protection, joy, vital energy, memory, and faith in goodness. This is why these aesthetic plates are often chosen as gifts meant to be kept and cherished, rather than hidden away in a cabinet.

How to Choose a Plate for Your Decor

The choice usually starts with deciding where you want to place the piece: on the table, on the wall, in a display cabinet, or as part of a festive table setting. From there, it becomes easier to select a plate that fits your habits and decor without overwhelming the interior.

Here are a few things that truly help:

• Size and shape. Round and oval options gently “gather” a table composition, while square forms create a more graphic, contemporary effect.
• Mood of the painting. If your home features calm, neutral tones, a more expressive ornament can serve as the right accent. If the space is already rich in detail, a more restrained composition may work better.
• Usage scenario. Universal shapes are more practical for everyday serving, while symbolic or narrative designs are well suited for wall display or gifting.

It is also worth paying attention to how a plate “lives” in the space throughout the day. In natural daylight, the painting and glaze read differently than in the evening under lamplight. This shift in mood is often what makes ceramics especially engaging in daily use.

And one more tip. A plate in the Ukrainian style looks particularly cohesive when paired with another object that speaks a similar ornamental language. For example, it can be easily complemented with a GUNIA cup from the same aesthetic. This creates not random decor, but a sense of thoughtful composition.

Buy Decorative Plates by Gunia Project

If you are planning to buy ceramic plates for your home or as a gift, Gunia Project makes it easy to find the right piece – from more restrained designs to narrative, festive models. Each plate is created by hand: ceramic forms go through firing, after which the artisan works with painting, glaze, and fine details. This process is what gives each object its distinct character.

Respect for material and tradition lies at the heart of our approach. We value ceramic pieces for their tactility, warmth, and the natural quality of clay. We also value how beautifully they age over time. That is why designer plates are not tied to a single season or trend – they integrate effortlessly into different interiors and remain relevant even as your surrounding style changes.

Here, you can buy plates by a Ukrainian manufacturer with a clear authorial vision, without unnecessary pathos. They function both as serving ware and as decorative objects. And when you want to make a simple gesture of care, such a piece speaks for itself, through its artistic language, handcrafted nature, and that unmistakable Ukrainian intonation that is easy to recognize.