The Art of Decadent Dining with Omer Gilony

Tel Aviv-born and Lisbon-based, Omer Gilony is a multi-faceted artist, set designer, and florist whose work never fails to shock with beauty. A true  coup de foudre, her creations take the form of dimly lit, moody tablescapes featuring textured tablecloths, ornate silverware, and crystal glassware. Rich, earthy tones — taupe, muted gold, and deep reds — evoke the essence of a still-life painting, further elevated by arrangements of dried fruits, artisanal bread, and indulgent cheeses. 

Reflecting on her influences, Omer shares, “During my childhood, I became obsessed with still life paintings by Dutch masters. That’s how I learned to make arrangements — mimicking and experimenting with them. Later, I drew inspiration from painters like Caravaggio as well as the distinct eras of Baroque, Rococo, and Renaissance art. “I also studied art history, which further shaped my work.” Set against textured walls with aged patinas and intricate plasterwork, her styling feels maximalist yet artistic — an ode to opulence and heritage. Blending classical refinement with rustic charm, Omer herself aptly calls her aesthetic Curated Nostalgia.

“Set against textured walls with aged patinas and intricate plasterwork, her styling feels maximalist yet artistic — an ode to opulence and heritage. Blending classical refinement with rustic charm, Omer herself aptly calls her aesthetic Curated Nostalgia.”

In imagining her tablescapes, she also finds deep inspiration in the palaces of Portugal and other historic buildings steeped in history and life. Entering these spaces, she envisions the grandeur of their past – how dinners, balls, and everyday moments unfolded – drawing on this sense of history to infuse her work with the feeling of stepping into another era. She channels this intrigue into her creations, blending historical artistry – “It’s so intriguing and exciting to find artisans who can still wield these ancient crafts” – such as embroidery, mouth-blown glass, and metal craftsmanship, with a refreshingly modern sensibility.

One of her favorite tablescapes so far? Apart from working with The Lane in Tuscany and Kyoto – “It was so aligned, it felt like I could do it while sleeping. It’s so special to work with a team that truly matches your vision” – there was his stunning creation for a welcome dinner for Dolce Vita at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, NYC. Designed as part of a larger creative collaboration, this tablescape evokes romance, Baroque influences, and a deep celebration of femininity and abundance. The hotel itself, with its era-inspired interiors and intricate wallpaper, served as a key source of inspiration. Lush arrangements of figs, grapes, and pomegranates cascade across a velvety tablecloth. As Omer explains, “I wanted the table to feel like it was part of the room, as though you were stepping into a painting.” This attention to detail – blending venue, symbolism, and storytelling – ensures the table is not only visually striking but also deeply resonant, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who experiences it.

Not to mention, this dreamy project gave Omer the opportunity to design her very first collection of tableware. This custom-designed glassware was created in collaboration with Lucie Claudia. Omer muses, “With the glassware, it was about merging my dramatic, opulent aesthetic with Lucy’s whimsical, playful approach.” Each piece carries a story, with elements like Fibonacci-inspired snail motifs and delicate leaves holding the glass vessels. “I love incorporating little feet or bases, like the antique vessels I find at flea markets,” Omer shares. These thoughtful details created glassware that feels both delicate and theatrical – perfect for the immersive, historical narrative of this, or any other, elaborate reception or wedding occasion.

Creating a tablescape at home doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you’re not a professional. For Omer, the key lies in creativity, resourcefulness, and layering. The foundation of every quintessentially Omer Gilony tablescape begins with the fabric. “For me, a table without a tablecloth looks very naked and kind of not cozy or festive. So, I always start with an interesting fabric,” she explains. it’s upholstery material or a piece of fabric Whether from a local shop, Omer emphasizes that it doesn’t need to be labeled as a tablecloth to set the tone for a beautiful tablescape. “Any fabric you love can transform the table into something special,” she says.

Once the base is set, Omer suggests adding silverware or ceramics for instant elegance and incorporating candlesticks for ambiance. “Candlesticks always make a vibe,” she notes, “but if you don’t have holders, get creative – stick a candle into a fruit or use wax on a small plate to secure it.” This playful, practical approach turns everyday items into artistic elements.

“For me, a table without a tablecloth feels kind of naked. My starting point is always an interesting fabric, as it has the power to transform any table into something special.”

For florals, Omer loves working with seasonal or textural blooms like poppies, roses, or tulips, often flipping or opening petals to give them an unexpected, sculptural look. But she’s just as inspired by humble materials. “Even carnations, if arranged sculpturally, can feel luxurious,” she explains. For those who prefer non-floral decor, fruits and vegetables work wonderfully. “I’ll go to the market and pick the cutest little fruits – they’re organic, colorful, and perfect ornaments,” Omer adds.

Her overarching advice? Don’t overthink it. “It’s about using what’s around you and making it special. That’s real craft.” With a bit of creativity and intention, anyone can create a marvelous, The Lane-style tablescape at home.

Who would be her dream guest for a dinner at her own home? None other than Martha Stewart. “I really appreciate how she made an amazing living from something she loved – things as simple as decorating, cooking, or taking care of the home,” Omer explains. It resonates deeply with her own journey, turning tablescapes, creative direction, and styling into a flourishing business. For Omer, it’s not just about crafting something beautiful but about creating an experience that feels nothing short of extraordinary.

See more of Omer Gilony’s work through her website.