Plates with a Point of View
An interview with the Cool Girl of Ceramics: Caitlin Rounds Antiques
Out of every artist I know, Caitlin Rounds speaks to me the most. Her work has this rare mix of cheeky charm and thoughtful artistry that makes the everyday feel special. She has built a world where ceramics are not just functional, they are personal—playful, expressive, and full of soul.
Caitlin Rounds Antiques is a one-of-a-kind tabletop brand specializing in hand-painted ceramics.
Each piece is crafted by collection and season, reflecting a blend of art, culture, and craftsmanship.
Caitlin has created some of my favorite pieces in my home, including custom china for my wedding that I will treasure forever. Beyond the paintbrush, she is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. An artist through and through, but also someone who understands the joy in a well set table and a well placed joke.
She is the perfect first guest for Jess & Tell, and someone I admire deeply. Not just for her taste, but for the heart and humor she brings into everything she creates.
Let’s kick-off the interview!
OPENING RITUALS
What’s your zodiac sign and do you relate to it?
I’m a Leo and such a Leo that it’s kind of obnoxious. But my rising is Aquarius, which is complete opposite of a Leo on the chart, so I think that combo is where my unique personality and artist brain came from.
How do you start your morning — ritual, chaos, or a mix of both?
Chaos, if I’m being honest. I always tell myself I won’t look at my emails right away, and then that’s the first thing I do. So I end up skipping my workout and diving straight into work. I really do need to figure out a better balance, but for now, it’s organized chaos.
If your current collection had a theme song, what would it be?
OK, this might be cheesy, but it’s going to have to be “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. An old classic, if you will. If the piece isn’t fun, then we aren’t doing it. The current collection has a lot of pink, which I can never get enough of — so yes, it’s for the girls.
Where do you live and how would you describe the aesthetic of your home?
I live in Austin, Texas. I’d describe my home as nostalgic. I love antiques, old things with character. I’ll throw in something new occasionally, but I’m not interested in basic or mass produced. My space is very uniquely me, and that’s incredibly important. My home, like my work, tells a story.
PART I: MADE BY HAND, DESIGNED WITH INTENTION
What first pulled you toward ceramics and tabletop?
I’ve always been obsessed with tabletop, and that started with collecting antique tabletop, but the ironic thing is I don’t even cook. For me, it’s all about the tablescape and the vibe when entertaining. Bad tableware is just a missed opportunity.
What’s your background — what led you to this space, and when did it click that this could become your brand?
It started completely by accident. I was going to a ton of weddings and gifting pasta bowls with ceramic wine buckets. I’d write in the card: “Pasta and wine, the recipe for a happy marriage.” But I couldn’t find anything hand painted on the market. Everything was screen printed or generic. So I started making my own. Once I got into hand painting, I couldn’t go back. But let’s be clear — I really was a born artist. I won art shows all through school and was best friends with every single art teacher I had.
What were the early days like — was there a moment you realized, okay, this is becoming something?
Everything grew really organically through social media. I never shopped the brand around. Partnerships and press just started reaching out. That’s when I knew it was something. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but at the same time, the doors just kept opening. It always felt right.
How did you shape the aesthetic that people now associate with Caitlin Rounds Antiques? Was it intentional, or did it evolve over time?
A little of both. I always had a clear sense of what felt cool, personal, and timeless. The aesthetic reflects me, so it naturally evolved — but I’ve never followed trends. I make what feels authentic, and that became the brand identity.
PART II: TABLEWARE WITH A TAKE
Your work blends nostalgia, art, and personality — what’s your philosophy when it comes to designing each collection?
It always starts with the season, and we only design for fall and spring. That’s how the color palettes take shape. From there, it’s about creating pieces that feel both fresh and nostalgic, like something you didn’t know you needed but instantly recognize. Every design must serve a purpose, spark a feeling, and tell a story. If it’s not personal, it doesn’t make the cut.
How do you come up with the motifs and references you use? They’re never expected, always cool.
Honestly, it’s usually inspired by what’s happening in my own life, but nothing is random. I’m super intentional about what goes on a piece. I think about it for a long time. I never wanted to be a “cheesy word on a plate” brand. If it doesn’t feel authentic to me, it doesn’t make the cut. I always want to bend the rules. I like things that are a little naughty but always chic.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created — and why?
The “Just a Tiny Piece” plates. When I launched them, nothing like it existed in the market. They were clever, intentional, and totally original. Now every artist has some version of them — but we were the OGs, and that’s something I’m proud of. Also, those plates are so personal for me because if someone offers me a piece of cake, my response has always been “just a tiny piece.”
Is there a piece you’ll never part with? What’s the story behind it?
Definitely The Tiny Cake Plates and the Spicy Margs. Those are our forever crowd favorites still, and they were some of the first pieces ever created. They’re playful, functional, and have become staples people come back for. Every home needs them.
There are a lot of tabletop brands out there now, and some feel inspired by yours. How do you handle that kind of competition while staying true to your vision?
I say the same motto to myself every time: “They can steal the recipe, but the sauce will never taste the same.” When other brands knock off our pieces, I try to take it as flattery and stay in that mindset. Our products are not just pieces, they are a lifestyle. And our clients are ride or die for our brand.
What do you think is missing in the world of entertaining — and how is your work helping bring that back?
I’m bridging the gap between traditional ceramics and cool girl ceramics. Gen Z is starting their own collections now, and before, there wasn’t much on the market that spoke to them. My pieces are a little nostalgic, a little cheeky, and totally personal.
PART III: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND
What does the day to day of running your business actually look like — are you solo or do you have a team?
Personally, I must look like I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off. It’s chaotic, but it’s mine. I have a team, and I could never do it without them. They keep me on track. I wear about fifteen hats a day. No two days are the same, which is the magic and the madness.
How do you stay creatively refreshed when you're also deep in logistics and operations?
I’m a big believer in taking breaks. Give yourself an hour. Give yourself multiple one hour breaks if you need them. I guarantee you’ll come back and work ten times harder. I’ve learned that romanticizing rest is just as important as romanticizing the hustle. Sometimes you need to go quiet to get loud again.
What do you do to avoid burnout?
That is a tricky one and I will probably never master it, but my number one answer would be take vacations and really try to escape from work for a minute. I also go antique shopping when I need inspiration.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about how your pieces are made — or how the business runs?
Our pieces are entirely hand painted. That word gets thrown around a lot, but for us, it’s literal. Most brands will swipe on one little detail and call it hand painted. Ours are brushed from start to finish — every color, every layer, every glaze. Even the food safe coating is applied by hand. You can see every brushstroke, every imperfection, every moment of human touch. That’s the soul of it. It’s slow, it’s intentional, and it’s why no two pieces are ever the same.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting into Forbes organically was a huge pinch me moment. Also, my first collab ever was with Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. I’ve always admired her because she’s funny, honest, and authentically herself and that collab felt like such a full circle moment.
FINAL FLOURISHES
What’s your advice for someone who wants to build something creatively driven, but doesn’t know where to start?
Just start. That’s the hardest part — putting yourself out there. But really, what’s the worst that could happen? Someone doesn’t like your work? Who cares. Your people will find you. Also, bring your business side. Always be both parts creative and business savvy.
Where do you see yourself taking the brand in the next few years? What’s the dream?
To the UK. The UK really chose us. Europeans just get it. They value craftsmanship, they entertain beautifully, and they understand that slow made isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle. A factory in the UK is on our list.
If you could design a dream collaboration — brand, designer, or space — who or what would it be?
I’m choosing two. Liberty London would be a dream. They’re iconic and nostalgic in the most elevated way. And Kelly Wearstler is mother of the design world. Her work is bold, intelligent, and fearless. I would die to collaborate with her.
You can shop Cailtin Rounds Antiques directly from her WEBSITE & be sure to follow her on INSTAGRAM
I hope you enjoyed this first Jess & Tell interview and be sure to leave in the comments your favorite part of this interview & subscribe below to never miss a post!
xx JESS