Kalon is named for an ancient, philosophical concept of ideal beauty that considers moral worth and usefulness as inextricable from aesthetics. When an object is kalon, it is beautiful because there is an inherent goodness that radiates from each detail.

At Kalon Studios, we design objects to elevate and inform the way people live their lives. We also seek to redefine what constitutes good design by activating the ecosystem of impact that reverberates beyond the acts of ideation and creation. We design with intention and consider the political, social, and cultural aspects of our respective practices.

At this moment in time, it’s critically important to rethink how products are made. We’ve found that the truest innovation is in approach, specifically a regenerative use of existing, available resources that are often overlooked. Our production practices support regional communities, uphold craft traditions that are disappearing, and reimagine how we engage with material goods.

Kalon Tableware nods to work done by Mim Sihvonen at Black Mountain College, and integrates contemporary tableware design with the organic quality of traditional woodcraft. The elegantly utilitarian collection is made from sustainably harvested Natural or Roasted hardwood and includes plates, bowls, cups and versatile serving vessels. Perfect for special occasions and daily use alike, these pieces draw attention to the forgotten beauty of serving and eating from wood, a material deemed too basic for a modern lifestyle. But we have a long history of eating and drinking from wooden vessels, and the collection aims to rekindle this collective, historical memory.

The collection is made by a small team of master craftsmen in Bosnia, where wooden tableware production is designated an intangible UNESCO World Heritage craft. Pieces are made from a solid block of hardwood using a technique that fuses traditional craft and highly-innovative modern processes. The wood is treated to high heat that fuses and seals the wood grain to create a fully-biodegradable and naturally durable wood that is permanently resistant to water, warping, fungus, and decay. The production process and selected materials accentuate the singular beauty and unique character of each piece.

By balancing traditional craft modalities with high-tech precision manufacturing and modern forms, Kalon invites a new chapter of contemporary, sustainable design. The Kalon Tableware collection includes an 8.5″ plate, 11″ plate, 6″ bowl, 8″ bowl, 14″ bowl, cup and platter.