Design Darling

Sometimes it’s not the loudest that leaves an impression—but the most authentic. Whether it’s an iconic table or sculptural porcelain, these are products with character and attitude—and inspiration for spaces that can do more than just look beautiful.

Finely woven, locally produced, and stylishly presented: table linen from Austria is experiencing a revival. Why regional textiles are taking on new significance for the restaurant and hotel industries and connoisseurs, and how tradition, sustainability, and design are merging to make a strong statement.

At a time when authenticity, regionality, and sustainability have become the currency of upscale hospitality, an often underestimated element is coming back into focus: table linen. What used to be purely functional is now becoming a stylistic extension of the host’s DNA. And it is local companies that are inspiring the industry anew with their spirit of innovation and tradition.

An artfully set table tells more than the menu. For Björn Kroner, the table is not just a place to eat, but the center of life. With his new book Blumen, Glanz und Tafelfreuden (Flowers, Splendor, and Table Delights), he calls for a rethinking of table settings—as a stage for stories, design, and emotions. What the hotel and restaurant industry can learn from this.