How Aberta Opens Up onomao’s Design Language

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Aberta and the Expanding Language of onomao

LE MILE

Among onomao’s four tableware collections, Aberta is perhaps the clearest exercise in proportion. Developed as a stoneware collection for everyday use, its plates, bowls, cups and jug share a conical geometry that opens gently upwards, giving the collection its name, Portuguese for “open”. The proportions change considerably from one object to the next, while a fine hand-painted line in blue or orange finishes each piece at the rim and gives the family another point of recognition.

onomao
Traditional collection - natural white
candle holder 4 BLOCKS (GMK x onomao) - white

onomao
Aberta collection

onomao
Traditional collection - sand

The underlying form proves surprisingly adaptable. A plate spreads the geometry low and wide, a bowl gives it depth, a cup pulls it further upright. The relationship remains visible, while each piece keeps its own proportion. Stoneware gives the shapes physical substance, while the painted edge sharpens their contour and adds a subtle point of emphasis. Small differences in shape, colour and texture remain part of the handmade production.

There is nowhere for a weak proportion to hide in a collection this spare. A relatively small shift in height or width can alter the character of a vessel, and Aberta depends on those adjustments being convincing from object to object. Its coherence comes from repeating a formal principle while allowing the purpose of each piece to modify it.

In clay, that clarity becomes harder to control. Ceramic production introduces its own variables through drying, firing and glazing, while the hand-painted border introduces another degree of variation. onomao has developed its ceramics through samples and direct exchanges with Portuguese manufacturers since its early years, with forms and glazes adjusted as prototypes move between design idea and workshop. Arthur Wystrychowski has described visits during which changes could be discussed with the makers and tested directly.

onomao
Aberta collection

onomao
Aberta collection
candle holder 4 BLOCKS (GMK x onomao) - green

Introduced as onomao’s third ceramic collection, Aberta was also the first the company produced in Alcobaça in central Portugal. The family manufactory was founded in 1988 and has particular experience in hand painting. That makes the narrow coloured border part of an established production skill within the workshop itself.

The relationship between designing and learning how things are made has followed onomao from the beginning. Brothers Arthur and Felix Wystrychowski founded the company in Cologne in 2018 after both had developed close personal connections to Portugal. Arthur studied landscape architecture in Berlin, while Felix lived in Portugal for several years, trained as a chef and later became a graphic designer. Their training came from adjacent fields, and their early collections developed through an exchange of ideas, samples and revisions with the manufacturers who would eventually produce them.

onomao
Traditional collection - sand
vase II (Enguerrand Poncelin x onomao) - fig
tablecloth draped & cloth napkins (erlich textil x onomao)

That curiosity eventually became hands-on when onomao installed its own pottery studio inside the Cologne office, allowing the team to work directly with clay and test new designs at the wheel. The office occupies a former bakery, and the space once used for its oven now contains a ceramic kiln. Understanding a production method changes the questions a designer can ask of it, and Arthur has spoken explicitly about knowing the possibilities and limitations of ceramic production when developing new objects.

Today the tableware catalogue moves through distinctly different silhouettes. Traditionell works with more robust forms and numerous glazes; Klassik introduces softer, organic profiles set on a small base; Pura shifts into thin-walled porcelain. Aberta occupies its own position among them, defined by its opening contours and the graphic precision of its painted rim.

Collaborations have widened that vocabulary further. With fellow Cologne label erlich textil, onomao extended the table into cotton-linen tablecloths and napkins, taking an existing relationship between the brands into another material category. Casa Lawa changes the temperature again. The Sicilian guesthouse and creative project founded by Lukas Lewandowski brings a background spanning hospitality, food and design into a more expressive ceramic collaboration, still produced through Portuguese workshops.

onomao
Pura collection - white
candle holder 4 BLOCKS (GMK x onomao) - white

onomao
Aberta collection

The common ground lies in a design process shaped by material knowledge, close work with makers and attention to use. Outlines, colours and surfaces are free to change. Atelier onomao extends that approach through projects with outside artists and designers.

Aberta holds a particularly clear position within this broader field. Its conical premise moves easily between different functions, while colour has been assigned a precise place within the design. The collection has character, yet no single gesture has been asked to carry all of it.

onomao
Pura collection - white

Tableware is handled, washed, stacked and returned to the cupboard until its presence becomes part of routine. By then, novelty has disappeared. What matters is how naturally a cup sits in the hand, how convincingly a bowl holds its proportions, and how readily different pieces find their place together. Aberta is particularly persuasive at that stage, when design has stopped introducing itself and simply has to keep working.

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images (c) onomao

DISCOVER MORE: www.onomao.com
Explore onomao’s world of contemporary tableware, handmade ceramics and considered objects for everyday living.

Maintaining Clean Floors in Modern Homes: A Comprehensive Guide to Floor Care Strategies

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Maintaining Clean Floors in Modern Homes:
A Comprehensive Guide to Floor Care Strategies

Clean floors serve as the foundation of any healthy, welcoming home, yet countless homeowners find themselves caught in an endless cycle of ineffective cleaning routines. The real challenge isn't just the physical act of cleaning—it's understanding how different methods work in harmony to deliver lasting results. Success hinges on finding the right balance of techniques, equipment, and timing that matches your unique flooring and lifestyle demands.

Different Floors, Different Care: Tailoring Your Cleaning Approach

Whether you're wielding a traditional broom, operating a cordless vacuum, or experimenting with other cleaning tools, grasping the complete picture of floor care empowers you to make smarter decisions about your cleaning approach.

Your flooring material dictates everything about how you should clean it. Hardwood floors demand a delicate touch—gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and minimal moisture are essential to prevent warping and preserve those protective finishes you've invested in. Tile and stone surfaces can withstand more aggressive cleaning, but those grout lines become magnets for dirt and bacteria that require special attention.

Laminate and vinyl flooring might seem bulletproof, but moisture control becomes critical since water can seep through seams and cause irreversible damage. Carpet and area rugs present their own puzzle—wool fibers need gentler care than synthetic materials, while plush, high-pile carpets trap debris in ways that low-pile options simply don't.

Each flooring type has its Achilles' heel, and recognizing these vulnerabilities shapes your entire maintenance strategy. Think of material identification as your roadmap—without it, you're cleaning blind.

Prevention First: Reducing Dirt and Damage Before Cleaning Becomes Necessary

The smartest floor care strategy starts at your front door, not your cleaning closet. Strategic doormat placement inside and outside every entrance can slash tracked-in debris by up to 80%—a simple investment that pays dividends daily. Taking it a step further with a shoes-off policy in high-traffic zones keeps outdoor contaminants from ever reaching your floors.

Furniture pads and protective barriers act as insurance policies for hardwood and laminate surfaces, preventing those heartbreaking scratches and dents that seem to appear overnight. Meanwhile, immediate spill response isn't just good housekeeping—it's damage control that prevents stains from becoming permanent fixtures.

Families with pets or children can benefit enormously from designated eating and play zones equipped with washable rugs. These contained spaces turn inevitable messes into manageable cleanup tasks rather than floor-wide disasters. Don't underestimate the power of regular walk-throughs either. Catching potential problems early—when they're still small and inexpensive to fix—beats dealing with major damage later.

(c) Dyson Press

Cleaning Techniques: From Traditional Methods to Modern Equipment

The most effective floor cleaning isn't about choosing between old-school and high-tech methods—it's about knowing when to use each approach. Manual cleaning techniques like sweeping and mopping remain irreplaceable, especially for delicate surfaces that need a gentle human touch. Master the art of systematic sweeping by working from room edges toward the center, and match your broom type to your surface for optimal results.

Mechanical cleaning equipment brings efficiency and consistency to the table. Upright vacuums excel at extracting deep-seated dirt from carpets, while robotic cleaners handle daily maintenance for time-strapped households. Handheld devices shine where their larger cousins can't reach—stairs, tight corners, and around furniture legs.

The secret lies in strategic deployment rather than blind loyalty to one method. High-traffic areas might need daily mechanical attention, while your grandmother's antique hardwood might prefer gentle weekly hand-cleaning.

Selecting Appropriate Cleaning Solutions: Safety, Effectiveness, and Sustainability

pH levels aren't just chemistry class trivia—they're the difference between clean floors and damaged ones. Alkaline cleaners slice through grease like nobody's business, but they'll wreak havoc on natural stone. Acidic solutions dissolve mineral deposits beautifully, yet they can permanently etch marble surfaces.

Natural cleaning solutions crafted from pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda offer powerful, safe alternatives for many cleaning challenges. But don't assume "natural" means "foolproof"—even these gentle giants need proper dilution and application to avoid unintended consequences.

Safety becomes non-negotiable in homes with children and pets. Always test new products in hidden spots first, and never skimp on ventilation when using any cleaning chemicals, natural or otherwise.

Creating a Maintenance Routine: Balancing Frequency and Effectiveness

Sustainable floor care thrives on consistent daily habits paired with strategic deep-cleaning sessions. Your daily routine might include sweeping high-traffic zones and tackling spills the moment they happen. Weekly deep cleans address every floor surface, while monthly intensive sessions target those areas that need specialized care.

Seasonal flexibility keeps your routine realistic—muddy spring months and holiday entertaining seasons naturally demand more frequent attention. Pet owners and parents typically need tighter cleaning schedules, while empty nesters might stretch intervals between major cleaning sessions without consequence.

Bringing It Together: Your Path to Consistently Clean Floors

Mastering floor maintenance means recognizing how prevention, proper techniques, suitable products, and smart scheduling work together as a unified system. The most successful homeowners don't rely on any single miracle solution—they blend multiple strategies that fit their specific circumstances.

Start small by implementing one or two preventative measures and watch how they transform your cleaning routine. Clean floors dramatically enhance your home's health and comfort, making every effort you invest in proper care practices worthwhile. Remember, there's no universal "best" approach—evaluate your unique situation and adapt these strategies to create a system that actually works for your lifestyle.

onomao - Handcrafted Ceramics

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onomao
*within Portuguese Craft Culture

written SARAH ARENDTS

onomao began in 2018 with a clear intention to bring traditional Portuguese craftsmanship into a contemporary context. The brand collaborates with small manufactories that work with regional clay and long-established production methods.

Every piece is shaped, glazed, and finished by hand, which creates subtle variations in surface and form. These variations are part of the identity of the objects and underline the direct connection to the people who make them. Packaging materials are reused, and shipments remain free of plastic.

onomao
small bowl pura rosa

onomao
aberta hand-painted orange

The founders Arthur and Felix Wystrychowski grew up in Munich and developed an early interest in Portugal. Their regular travels for surfing brought them into contact with local workshops and with the atmosphere of regions where craft is part of everyday life. Arthur studied landscape architecture in Berlin and strengthened his interest in materiality, spatial order, and quiet design solutions. Felix trained as a cook in Portugal, later moved toward graphic design, and gained experience in visual communication. Their combined perspectives shaped the direction of the brand and guided their search for small manufactories that value continuity, responsibility, and fairness.

The collections show a broad range of forms and colors. onomao does not work with a single design language. Instead, the assortment includes tableware with sculptural silhouettes, soft curves, and straight lines, depending on the collection. The best-known line is called Traditional. It features pieces with a clear structure, balanced proportions, and glazes that reflect the character of Portuguese ceramic traditions. Other collections explore different approaches. Some use matte surfaces in warm earthy tones. Others bring in more saturated colors or glossy textures that highlight the material. The diversity in the assortment allows each piece to stand on its own while still fitting into a cohesive visual family.

onomao
large bowl deep plate natural white

onomao
www.onomao.com

based in Cologne, Germany and working with small Portuguese manufactories to produce handcrafted ceramics and homeware

onomao Traditional Collection average price range: 12 € – 45 €

onomao understands tableware as part of the everyday situations in which people pause, cook, and sit together. Meals often form the central moments of a household, and the founders see ceramics as one of the elements that quietly supports these routines. The collections differ in shape, color, and finish, yet they share a steady and unobtrusive presence that works in simple weekday settings as well as in larger gatherings. Forms range from strict lines to softer curves, and the glazes include muted tones, natural textures, and more saturated colors. This variety reflects the different ways kitchens function and how people choose to organize their daily rhythm.

It also reflects the founders’ interest in creating objects that remain practical while offering a sense of calm and order on the table.
Their collaboration with small Portuguese workshops follows the same principles. The manufactories work with regional clay and long-established methods, and the production decisions are shaped by continuity, material awareness, and respect for craft. These relationships have grown over time and form the foundation of onomao’s approach to design. New pieces are introduced carefully, without compromising the pace and structure of the workshops. This approach allows the assortment to evolve in a steady and deliberate way, keeping a clear connection to the people and regions involved in the production.

onomao
small and large plate natural white

onomao
salad bowl sapphire blue classic

onomao
aberta hand-painted blue