Curated classics
Confit pots
Confit pots
Past lives
Pots de confit—meaning “to preserve” were once everyday kitchen essentials in rural France, especially in the southwest. Used to store meats like duck in their own fat, these sturdy earthenware pots kept food fresh long
before refrigeration.
They are a true favourite of mine, and I love finding them in all different styles, sizes, and textures. Elm Collective has become quite the hunter for confit pots in each drop!
Yellow part glazed examples are harder to come across, with the rare greens and the beautiful yellows splashed with green even harder. The smallest size again being more difficult to source and higher in price! Traditionally, the unglazed earthenware bottoms were buried in the ground, with the glaze indicating how far they could go. Most examples date from the 19th century, when they were at the height of their use and popularity.
Confit pots
Present looks
I love using a confit pot to add character to any space. The glazed off white ones are perfect for the kitchen, holding utensils or keeping little bits and bobs neatly tucked away. They also look lovely on shelves, either on their own or grouped with others, add a few dried flowers or simply let their natural charm shine. Each pot is versatile, unique, and full of personality, which is exactly why I adore them.
Faiselle's
Faiselle'S
Past lives
Faiselle, from the Latin meaning “small basket,” were essential tools in French farmhouse dairies, used to allow fresh cheese curds to drain naturally. I love finding these, they often feature beautiful patterns and come in all shapes and sizes, some even footed. I have a real soft spot for them and enjoy collecting them for my personal collection. My customers have been enjoying them too so I’m always on the lookout for as many as I can get my hands on!
Faiselle's
Present looks
Faiselle's are such charming character pieces. In the kitchen, they’re perfect for holding garlic, lemons (some are big enough!), an indoor plant, or even for washing berries. They also work beautifully in the bathroom, holding soap or a tea light. Compact and versatile, they bring subtle charm and personality to any space.
Aged marble
Aged marble
Past lives
Sourced from India, these
hand shaped marble bowls were once used in food preparation. Each one is
completely unique, with its own marble grains, colours, and character. They are
not easy to find, so I always snap them up as soon as I spot them!
Today, they make beautiful
decorative pieces in a range of sizes, perfect for adding a touch of elegance
and personality to any space. Some are smooth, while others bear subtle indentations from water droplets, each detail adding to their charm.
Aged marble
Present looks
No bowl does it better for me than these marble pieces. The natural veining and colours shift beautifully in different light, making each one a little work of art. They look stunning as a centre piece or on a side table, especially with dried lavender or olive branches. They’re also perfect in the bathroom, holding your favourite soaps or small treasures.
Washboards
Washboards
Past lives
Typically now made from reclaimed vintage elm wood, these washboards are little pieces of art. They were once used to help with washing clothes, and while some original boards still exist, they are rare! I love hunting for the most unique, aged pieces I can find, each one full of character.
Wash boards
Present looks
My favourite spot for these is in the kitchen they look lovely laid across the sink, holding a cheese strainer with soap inside, or propped against the wall to add a touch of character. They also work beautifully across the bathtub (just check measurements first!) to hold your bath time essentials.
French jugs
French jugs
Past lives
Oh I love a French jug in every style! And their are many to source. The more open necked Pichet en grès were commonly used in farmhouses to store milk, water, or cider and were often made from stoneware. Narrow neck jugs, on the other hand, were traditionally used to transport liquids such as beer, wine, or oil - if you’re lucky, the original cork may
still be in place! They make beautiful decorative pieces thanks to their unique
glazes, often in warm, earthy tones. Some are fully glazed, while others have a matte, unglazed body with just the neck glazed, creating a subtle contrast and adding character to each jug. Many date to the 18th century, making them not only charming but also a wonderful piece of history.
French jugs
Present looks
These pieces really speak for themselves. Perfect as a lone statement on a shelf or grouped with a variety of sizes, they always make an impact. Each one is unique and often shows signs of wear, adding to it's character and charm. Place them on a windowsill to catch the light, they’ll truly shine in full glory.
Rustic stools
Rustic stools
Past lives
Another favourite of mine! These stools are the perfect styling piece and work
beautifully in every room. The true riginal worker stools can be hard to find
and many you see today are reclaimed from vintage elm wood. I’m always on the hunt for the originals, but careful when choosing only the most aged reclaimed pieces. It’s all about that beautiful, lived in character that I love.
Rustic stools
Present looks
These stools can find a home in any corner of your house. The mini ones are lovely for adding a bit of height on shelving, perfect for a pot or vase. Taller stools work beautifully in the bathroom, holding a candle and flannels, or next to your sofa as a charming side table. The benches are
ideal at the end of the bed, bringing a cozy, farmhouse feel to the room.
