If we were all a little more intentional about our purchases, our planet would breathe a big sigh of relief. That’s why BOMSHBEE embraces minimalist design principles where less is always more.

Minimalist living is nothing new. The concept – an intentional choice to live with less and appreciate simpler designs – has long been part of history. For starters, Buddhism has advocated fewer material possessions for thousands of years, as has Japanese Zen philosophy, where ‘less is more’ in both aesthetics and in life. 

The term “minimalism” became more mainstream in the 1960s, when a group of New York artists began creating pieces devoid of any decorative or functional purposes. As with all movements, minimalism has evolved over the years, shifting and expanding to encompass different aspects of society and, recently, resurging as a new, aspirational way of living.

Decluttering guru Marie Kondo is partly to thank for that, but a growing interest in sustainability and the environment should get much of the credit, too. From the US to Europe, Hong Kong to Japan, a growing tribe of conscious consumers have embraced minimalism, consuming less to live a more ethical, eco-friendly lifestyle.

“Minimalism offers the precious gifts of free time, mental clarity and financial stability, providing hope to overworked, overstressed, and overspent consumers,” Stephanie Seferian, host of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast, explains. “It’s also a means by which I can have a smaller impact on the planet. When we are no longer grasping for the next big thing, minimalism provides us with the freedom to focus less on acquiring stuff and more on living.”

Sustainability and minimalism go hand in hand, according to Seferian. That’s because minimalists live simply, waste less and strive to live more purposefully through their experiences rather than their possessions.

Georgina Caro, who celebrates the simple things in life on her sustainable lifestyle website Gypsysoul.co.uk, agrees. “The main aims of a sustainable life are to use less, reuse what you already have and stop buying things you don’t need. Minimalism fits in perfectly with all of those goals. Less is always more sustainable.”

But that doesn’t necessarily mean shunning worldly objects altogether. Instead, a minimalist only buys items that have lasting power. “It’s not about only owning 100 items, it’s about finding ‘just the right amount’ so you can live the life you want,” Caro says. Through this lens, the furniture, dinnerware or decorative items we own should not speak to us personally but also last more than a few seasons.

BOMSHBEE’s products provide real-life examples of the ‘less is more’ philosophy. The brand’s Chime 5-Piece Flatware Set, for instance, is made with durable stainless steel that can last a lifetime. What’s more, the simple yet elegant design embodies a timeless aesthetic, making it a minimalist investment that will fit perfectly into every phase of life.

Similarly, BOMSHBEE’s timeless Ring glasses stand the test time with clean, graceful silhouette, bold rims and a weighty material to ensure sturdiness and long-term functionality. 

For those who love to host dinner parties, BOMSHBEE’s handmade Tinge Clay Dinnerware series exudes a warm, homey vibe thanks to the pieces’ exposed clay rims, chunky style and striking colour contrasts. Each unique plate, bowl, pitcher and mug in this collection is also extremely durable, created to last through hundreds of dinner parties.

While thoroughly contemporary, BOMSHBEE’s minimalist design philosophy goes beyond ephemeral trends with an emphasis on lasting designs and high-quality materials. To that end, such products tick all the boxes for those who want to “buy better quality, longer-lasting items” and fully embrace a minimalist lifestyle, according to Caro.

“Sustainable minimalists are conscious consumers,” Sefarian concurs. “And conscious consumers deliberately slow down the purchasing process and make intentional purchasing decisions instead of mindlessly buying.”

They opt for objects that will last longer, better suit their needs and add value – or “spark joy,” to quote Kondo’s now-famous catchphrase. As a result, this reduces demand for quickly produced, run-of-the-mill consumer products, thus slowing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

Given the average American tosses 4.5 pounds of trash every single day – which amounts to roughly 730,000 tons of daily garbage daily across the entire population – a minimalist lifestyle can bring a real, positive change to the environment.

“Minimalism is all about reduction as a means of more fully experiencing living,” Sefarian reiterates. “Acquiring less is a means by which we can both tread lighter on this planet and do our respective parts to ensure our children’s future is a green one”.

Don’t underestimate the power of texture. This crucial design element creates connections, makes colours pop and inspires joy and wonder.

Close your eyes and think of your favourite mug. Rather, think of how it feels in your hand. Smooth? Ridged? Dotted, or lined, perhaps? That amazing tactile feeling – that’s texture. And, although it’s often underestimated, texture is crucial to great design. 

In design parlance, texture is all about your sense of touch. And while texture may play only a supporting role to a product’s functionality, it has the power to change the way your mug, cocktail glass or tableware looks and feels. 

That’s because texture is key to uplifting visual elements like patterns and colours, elevating the overall aesthetic of an item, and creating a connection – both physical and emotional – between us and the objects we use. Foregoing texture is not unlike cooking a beautiful recipe and forgetting the seasoning: essentially, without texture, you’re missing an essential element of great design.  

“It’s what brings a perfectly fine design up to the next level,” says BOMSHBEE designer Emily Fan. “Hues are usually the first thing that draws us towards objects, but texture is what hooks us.”

It’s actually pretty easy to see why, she continues: “As humans, we need, even crave, tangible, physical interactions with things around us.” Texture provides that connection, enabling a deeper sensory experience while simultaneously “breathing new life into a product – be it a dinnerware set, chopsticks, or a tea cup.”

Texture also has this magic ability to let objects ‘speak’ to us. Our sense of touch is deeply rooted in memory, eliciting nostalgic sensations from childhood and other precious moments, thus triggering the emotions we felt in the past. “Specific kinds of textures can literally inspire joy, or wonder, or delight,” Fan says. “That’s how important texture is.”

Textured surfaces can also add visual weight to an item. For example, tough textures are more likely to make an object feel grounded and more substantial, while smooth textures communicate a sleeker, lighter vibe. 

It provides balance, too. “If a plate or a bowl has a particular colour palette where the shades are very similar, our eyes tend to just glaze over it,” Fan says. “Using a contrasting texture can make it more harmonious, more interesting.” Similarly, texture variation can be used to emphasise certain elements and deep textures can become elements in themselves. 

When it comes to designing BOMSHBEE products, Fan takes texture very seriously – it is one of the core elements of her creative process. “I get inspired by things and places in my everyday life, and observe the tactile feelings they trigger. Oftentimes, I try to recreate those feelings in the items I make.”

As an example, she points to BOMSHBEE’s Silo Porcelain Salt & Pepper Shakers, which feature wavy, curved lines that were influenced by Japanese Zen gardens. “I wanted to make a product that would echo that same sense of calm I had experienced when visiting those gardens,” Fan explains. “So I came up with those textured lines, which I think are quite soothing.”

When it comes to balancing colors, functionality and texture? The Tinge Porcelain dinnerware series, with their contrasting glazed and raw finish, is the perfect example. “Those plates have a soft, smooth feel on one side and a matte finish on the other. They are ‘solid’ tableware items, yet feel and look elegant and light, and texture is what helps achieve that,” Fan says. “It’s the texture that really completes the product.” 

Check out more of BOMSHBEE’s thoughtful textures and minimalist designs: 

The Marlin Cup & Saucer

Chandelier

Sharing with you our latest achievement! Presenting BOMSHBEE’s first ever award: The Hong Kong Smart Design Award (Silver Corporate). The product that took home the award this year is our “Silo Salt and Pepper Shakers“. One of our most loved and best-selling products had finally received the recognition it deserves!  We couldn’t have done it without our team at BOMSHBEE.

A special shout out to Emily Fan, our designer. Graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in product design. Last week, we sat down with Emily to learn a little more.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job the opportunity to connect with people. Everyone here is friendly, energetic and humble! There is no better than working with a group of people who shares the same passion while working towards the same goal.

Why did you decide to make design your career?

Because it’s cool! It is a process which involves a lot of problem solving and experimentation. Not to mention, embracing failure is also a part of it. It is all about understanding and learning about humans in their behavior and coming up with a solution that could ease their day-to-day. Adding a little fun and joy of course!

How do you define a good design?

A good design should be timeless, also achieving more with less. This is all reflected in the work I put into BOMSHBEE; through forms, color, and shades I use in my designs.

What experience do you want to create for BOMSHBEE customers?

Home is our sanctuary. A place that gives us a sense of belonging and where we can feel safe. In the fast-changing world we live in today, our minds are bombarded with all kinds of information and stimulus. Through BOMSHBEE’s products, I hope to help customers create an environment where they feel relaxed, cozy and a home that truly reflects their personality. Most importantly, to be unique.

What does BOMSHBEE mean to you?

Like our motto, BOMSHBEE helps people to be reminded to enjoy life’s simple moments. Here, I found mine. Don’t forget to enjoy the little things!

Lastly, what is your favorite BOMSHBEE product?

Of course, the Silo Salt & Pepper Shakers!

NOC x BOMSHBEE

We are excited to announce our collaboration with NOC COFFEE CO. Bringing to you an unparalleled experience of simplicity. Customers at NOC can now enjoy brunch in BOMSHBEE Dinnerware at their newest and largest location in Hong Kong: NOC WHAMPOA

NOC Coffee Co., spanning six locations throughout Hong Kong, is more of a philosophy than a coffee shop. Centered upon curation and simplicity, NOC thoughtfully embodies their mission in their coffee craft. 

“Like BOMSHBEE, NOC is intentional in design,” said William Lau, BOMSHBEE co-founder. “For us, this is a perfect match and we are pleased NOC customers will be able to enjoy their brunch and treats on BOMSHBEE products. We believe our products will only add to the experience.”

Known for their diligence in preparation of food and coffee, the NOC experience comes with an overall calm aesthetic. Both NOC AND BOMSHBEE embody quality in simplicity with compliments of approachable artistry.

“Our favorites from the Bomshbee collection include the Tinge bowl and plates in ash grey,” said Benny Leung, NOC founder. “We appreciate how the exposed rims on the plates and bowls are executed beautifully to highlight the use of glazed and raw porcelain surfaces. The sleek curves on the edges of the dinnerware help create an elegant tablescape.”

“It was love at first sight for us when we saw the Silo Salt and Pepper Shakers. The subtle, wavy texture of the letters ‘S’ and ‘P’, and the different shades of grey color on the shakers are designed to help users distinguish between salt and pepper,” said Leung. “We love that the shakers encompass the minimalist ideals of functionality and thoughtful design.”

“NOC is an acronym of Not Only Coffee. From my experience in the industry, I learned that it takes a lot more than just tasty food and beverage for an eatery to succeed,” said Benny. “The formula to success is made up of exceptional customer service, a service mindset, space design within the restaurant, hygiene and a lot more. I have integrated my observations into NOC’s core values; I think a coffee brand needs to offer more than just good coffee to succeed, so we strive to offer the best of Not Only Coffee, but also food, space, and service.”

For more information about NOC Coffee Co., please visit noccoffeeco.com.

Minimalist design is all about quality over quantity — and thus focuses on functionality. Because the focus is on having only what is necessary, minimalist designs must be timeless and built to last.

BOMSHBEE seeks to celebrate the everyday, simple moments. We believe that tableware is part of the home, meant to be enjoyed for many years on a daily basis. All products serve an important function, and shapes are meant to aide ease of use, while designs are classic and elegant.

BOMSHBEE’s angle bell glasses embody the minimalist ideals of functionality and timeless design. The glasses come in two sizes, highball and DOF, and two colors, classic clear and smoke. The shape of each handmade glass renders it easy to hold and looks in place on any table setting. Those who appreciate minimalism will enjoy having these useful additions to their tableware collections. 

Minimalism and Instagram photography go hand-in-hand with tableware that has the ability to enhance an image without diverting attention from the topic of interest — the food. BOMSHBEE products’ simple shapes, clean lines and one-dimensional colors fit the bill. 

The tinge clay dinnerware from BOMSHBEE is ideal for presenting meals through images online. These sets come in simple light and dark tones. Solid ash grey and charcoal sets are available, and two-toned sets come in white and grey. The two-toned sets are perfect for anyone who prefers simple style with an accent for some visual zest. 

Time to snap up BOMSHBEE’s Silo Salt & Pepper Shakers, and Marlin Cup & Saucer from SF MOMA!

See full article from Gifts & Decorative Accessories.

“We are honored to be included in the SFMOMA Museum Store’s collection,” said William Lau, BOMSHBEE co-founder. “We recognize that the store’s buyers are on the forefront of design and appreciate the detail and quality we work to achieve in each and every BOMBSHBEE product. We believe museum visitors will enjoy our beautifully designed products.”

Howard Thornton, design objects buyer at the SFMOMA Museum Store, said he appreciated BOMSHBEE’s design aesthetic when he saw them at NY NOW. Thornton described BOMSHBEE’s designs as “contemporary and timeless”and said he knew he wanted to find a way to share their products with others by getting them in SFMOMA’s Museum Store.

“I love the thoughtful design of Bomshbee,” Thornton said. “The Marlin cup and saucers go perfectly with the black and white coffee making products we sell.”

Overall, the carefully curated Museum Store brings SFMOMA’s modern and contemporary art collection and exhibitions into the lives of diverse visitors through a hand-picked selection of innovative merchandise. The store is based on the idea that “art has the power to open minds.”

“We look to our collection and exhibitions for inspiration when choosing a product to bring to our visitors, and we search for objects that are deeply connected to the art and design on our walls, keeping in mind good design, aesthetics, creativity, and imagination,” the store’s website says.

To get the inside scoop on BOMSHBEE, be sure to check out our latest interview with Tableware International July/ August Issue. Page 60-61.

We were thrilled and honored to have collaborated with The Daley Plate; serving one of her many delicious healthy recipes along with our Tinge crafted dinner plates.  A recipe by Dale Gray: 

Juicy Roasted Chicken with Lemon & Saucy White Beans

Ingredients: 

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs 
• 2 tsp season salt 
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cracked pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 sliced shallot
• 2 minced garlic cloves 
• 2-3 large lemons 
• 1-2 cans rinsed white beans
• 2 tbsp herbs of choice (recommend rosemary, thyme, oregano) 
• Olive Oil

Method:

Step 1: Pre-heat oven at 375F. Season 4 bone-in chicken thighs with seasoning salt, garlic powder & cracked pepper. Cover and allow to to sit at room temp for 20 minutes. 

Step 2: Heat Skillet to medium-high, sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden.

Step 3: Deglaze pan with the juices then transfer chicken to an oven safe dish with more lemon wedges and roast for 15-20 minutes at 375F. 

Step 4: Add shallot, minced garlic to the same skillet you used to sear the chicken. Saute’ for 5 minutes in the remaining drippings, add  rinsed white beans, chicken stock, 1/4 cup lemon juice, the zest of a lemon, salt & pepper, and add herbs of your choice (Dale suggests rosemary, thyme, oregano). simmer beans for 5 minutes in medium heat. 

Step 5: Drizzle with good olive oil before serving. Enjoy!

Wedding season is upon us, and engaged couples are searching for those special items that they will cherish for years to come. Wedding gift registries offer the opportunity to collect items that will create memories and symbolize a couple’s lives together. Rather than become overwhelmed by yet another task throughout the wedding planning process, we at BOMSHBEE want to help brides and grooms simplify and enjoy the task of choosing goods that will complete your home as you embark on this meaningful journey. 

One of our favorites gift ideas for wedding gifts are BOMSHBEE’s RING glasses — a perfect addition for any household and especially appropriate for wedding registry and gifts!

When it comes to tableware and home goods, we recommend adding items that have functional use, as well as enhance the elegant design of the home. We are providing some points to consider when choosing items to add to a wedding registry.

Think long-term:

Marriage is a commitment, and so is choosing essential products for a new family home. Whether considering a dinnerware set for family holidays or a fragrance diffuser that will set the mood from the moment anyone enters the home, you will want to have confidence that each gift will be part of your life for many years.

Choose elegant design:

In addition to function, home goods serve to reflect your style. The beauty and quality of the items is as important as their purpose, so choose items with aesthetic that both parties appreciate. You can’t go wrong with classic and sophisticated design. Sharing a home means that each item should reflect the desired image of the two creating it.

Focus on daily essentials:

After opening wedding gifts, you should feel confident that the two of you have everything you need in terms of kitchenware and home decor. Be sure to include items for everyday use. When registering, consider how much use you will get out of the products and whether you will be excited for each use. Regularly using items that remind you of your special day will create extraordinary experiences from simple moments. Imagine the memories you can share every single day!

Include special occasion items:

In addition to items you will put to use frequently, be sure to have a few items that will make appearances on holidays and anniversaries. Reserving treasured goods for certain celebrations will produce excitement behind the idea of using them. Over the years, family and friends will talk about the memories they have made surrounded by these special pieces.

With spring upon us and summer just around the corner, who isn’t ready for a refreshing glass of ice-cold lemonade? Here at BOMSHBEE, we believe that the pitchers and glassware for serving drinks are just as important to the experience as what is in them. Our optic carafe pitcher and optic highball glasses are perfect for serving up this thirst-quenching lemonade. 

Ingredients:

10 large lemons

2 cups sugar

7 cups water

1 cup strawberries, quarter-sliced

Ice (if desired)

Directions:

Juice lemons. This can be done with a juicer if you have one. If you juice by hand, we recommend rolling the lemon back and forth against a hard surface then slicing it in half. Juice all 8 lemons by squeezing them over a mixing bowl, and then strain the pulp from the liquid. Add sugar to lemon juice and stir together until the sugar is mixed well into the liquid. Pour water over mixture and stir until sugar dissolves. Blend the strawberries. The purée option for blending creates the ideal consistency for this mixture. Pour strawberry purée into optic carafe pitcher or other BOMSHBEE pitcher. Pour lemonadesolution into the pitcher, and store in refrigerator until serving.

To serve: Stir generously before serving. Fill optic highball glass with ice and pour strawberry lemonade over ice. Garnish with strawberry slice and or lemon slice.

The BOMSHBEE philosophy is “the little matters.” This delicious and beautiful drink is simple to make and will enrich your enjoyment of the little moments that make up your summer. Whether you sip poolside surrounded by friends or while relaxing on your patio at sunset, this refreshing beverage is sure to make for a summertime of sweet moments.