Why I Chose Farmhouse Pottery for the Mercantile

April 9, 2026

A little Kempain History: This photo was taken during our engagement photoshoot at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. I proposed to my wife on the balcony of Room 344, overlooking the mountains. It’s the place where our family started and where my love for Vermont craftsmanship began.

Crafting a Legacy: Why I Chose Farmhouse Pottery for the Mercantile

Every year, my wife and I head up to Vermont to reset. We usually stay at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe—there’s just something about that mountain air and the local atmosphere that feels right. Shopping in Vermont is a different experience; everything feels intentional, locally crafted, and built to last. It’s that exact feeling—that connection to the maker—that I wanted to bring to The Mercantile.

As an artist and illustrator, I’m naturally drawn to the aesthetic of Farmhouse Pottery. I love the clean, simple lines and that signature "Two-Tone" look where the creamy white glaze meets the raw, tactile clay. You can see the hand marks and the "throw lines" on every piece. It’s the mark that a person, not a machine, made the object sitting on your table.

But as much as I love the design, I’m also a pragmatist. I have no interest in "precious" art that has to be hidden away. I want things that work. That is precisely what authentic American stoneware offers.

The "Real Deal" Stoneware

There is a massive difference between the generic pottery you find at a discount home goods store and authentic American stoneware. Farmhouse Pottery is hand-thrown from a proprietary clay body that is fired at incredibly high temperatures. This process, called vitrification, makes the clay non-porous and exceptionally hard.

This is not "display only" pottery. It is the real deal. In fact, if you look at long-term reviews from Farmhouse collectors, the consensus is clear: these pieces are tanks. They have a satisfying heft that feels grounded in your hand, and they are built to handle the chaos of a real home.

Dishwasher Safe: You can sanitize these right alongside your daily use dishes.
Oven & Microwave Safe: They are designed for actual cooking and reheating.
Thermal Shock Resistant: They handle temperature changes far better than cheaper, thinner ceramics.

About the Maker: A Shared New England Spirit

The Founder James Zilian is originally from Rhode Island and started the business with his wife in their basement when they were new parents.

That "family-first" hustle and commitment to New England craftsmanship is the exact same spirit behind Kempain Family Outfitters. Supporting Farmhouse Pottery isn’t just about stocking a shelf; it’s about choosing quality over "throwaway" culture and supporting a maker who values their craft.

Beyond the Countertop: The Full Collection

While I’m a huge fan of the Simple Sponge Holder for how it turns a messy sink area into a quiet moment of design, I’ve curated a Farmhouse Pottery collection that covers the whole spectrum of a well-lived home:

The Silo Collection: From espresso cups to those iconic mugs with the Vermont-inspired straight walls.
Hand-Carved Hardwoods: Like the Pantry Board and Ash Wood Bowls, crafted from durable New England timber.
Kitchen Essentials: The Agrarian Spoon Rest and Hand-Forged Cheese Knives that feel as good as they look.

A Philosophy of Quality

My goal for the Mercantile is to help you cut through the noise of "throwaway" culture. I believe in a buy less, buy better philosophy. I’d rather you own one hand-thrown piece that carries a story and a century of durability than a cabinet full of cheap imitations.

I brought Farmhouse Pottery into the Mercantile because it represents the best of New England craftsmanship—honest materials, simple design, and a level of quality you can actually trust.