On the corner of East 24th Street and Madison Avenue in New York City, you'll find a beautiful Art Deco building, home to the famous Eleven Madison Park restaurant and its founder-chef, Daniel Humm. Renowned for its artistic, plant-based dishes and stunning interiors, Humm's restaurant is an emblem of luxury – firmly centered on both sustainability and Michelin-star quality.
And now, to the great excitement of kitchen editors like myself, (and his 1 million Instagram followers), the chef has turned his hand to kitchen and homeware, launching a stunning new Daniel Humm x Crate & Barrel collection, which includes non-toxic cookware, recycled stoneware tableware, and even elegant glass storage solutions.
The Daniel Humm dining at home collection, is everything you need for cooking and entertaining with a conscience. Plus, it has a seriously luxe feel, which I'm coveting for my own kitchen.
In my exclusive interview, Chef Humm told me: 'I don’t think cooking should be complicated. It should feel intuitive, grounding, even meditative.' He explains, 'I wanted this collection to reflect the same mindset I bring into the kitchen every day: simplicity, intention, and precision... It was all about creating tools that help you cook more beautifully and thoughtfully.'
'I’m always mindful about the materials I use, both professionally and at home,' says Humm, explaining more about his conscious decision to create a collection of non-toxic cookware. 'For this line, we focused on materials that are not only safe and durable, but made to last a lifetime. There are no unnecessary finishes, just timeless, high-quality materials that perform well and age with integrity.'
In designing the line with Crate & Barrel, Humm was intentional about avoiding anything overly synthetic or disposable. 'I wanted each piece to feel grounded and substantial, something that could live in your kitchen for years to come,' he says. 'I’ve always gravitated toward natural materials with character, especially walnut, stoneware and marble. These show age without breaking down, but rather tell a story over time.'
Created from recycled stoneware and hand-blown glass, Daniel Humm puts the finishing touch on this collection with a range of chic plates, serving dishes, and glassware, which will go with almost anything. 'I cook most of my meals family style,' explains Humm. 'I like to prioritize comforting, plant-forward recipes that are simple to prepare and meant to be shared.' Sounds good to me.
Shop Daniel Humm x Crate & Barrel
Finally, I asked Daniel Humm how he wants people to feel when they use the cookware he's designed. 'I want these tools to inspire people to slow down, focus on the ingredients, and enjoy the ritual of preparing and sharing food,' Daniel muses. 'At its core, food is about connection, and the right tools can elevate that experience.' I couldn't agree more.
Here are my favorite pieces from the Daniel Humm x Crate & Barrel range, divided into cookware and tableware for your ease.
Chef-created cookware
Chef Humm joined forces with Schmidt Brothers to combine hardened, stainless steel blades with chic wooden handles, allowing natural materials to shine. Choose from a 3 or 6-piece set including a chef's knife, sankotu knife, bread knife, and paring knives.
Hand-cut from green marble by artisans in India, I think this is the most beautiful pestle and mortar I have ever seen. The modern cube shape encases a circular bowl, with space for mindfully grinding herbs, spices, nuts, and more.
When I asked professional chefs to reveal the non-toxic kitchen tools they swear by, they all mentioned durable glass containers with transparent lids. This high-quality set in 'Thyme' brings Daniel Humm's professional-level organization to your home with a touch of style.
I wrote about how to replace your black plastic utensils with safer, wooden alternatives – and I wish this collection had been around to include. The sustainable beechwood and beeswax coating is truly covetable.
I'm a chef and I've never heard of a Donabe before, but chef Humm says he swears by them for easy, one-pot dinners, from stews to rice bowls. Skilled artisans have glazed the clay pot by hand, leaving the ceramic edges exposed in contrast to the matte black.
Humm has even re-imagined the classic measuring cup; use one side to measure a half-cup, and flip over to measure a full cup. The glass is hand-blown by talented artisans, doubling as chic serveware for toppings and garnishes.
Timeless tableware
Every cook needs a casserole dish, and this is one of the warmest, most elegant designs I've seen. The creamy natural stoneware is non-toxic and hand-finished, while the curved edges create a modern presentation.
Just one of the rich, green marble pieces in Humm's collection, this salt mill is a standout. With white marble accents and natural swirls, it's a joy to behold. The stainless steel grinding mechanism performs professionally, too.
Even a simple weeknight pasta recipe will look Michelin-star level in this dish. It is hand-made in Portugal, using recycled stoneware, which is a big tick if sustainable production is important to you.
For that signature drizzle of olive oil on top of your dish, this cruet set, made from recycled stainless steel has a professional, yet sustainable shine.
Another recycled stoneware piece designed for everyday use, this dinner plate has an extra-wide rim, so you can highlight the creative colors of your food, restaurant-style.
I can imagine sharing mezze dips on this elegant serving board, crafted from tactile materials, such as white oak. Humm named the piece after the French art of ingredient prep – 'Mise En Place.'
If you're looking for more chef-recommended non-toxic cookware, we can recommend Gordon Ramsey's favorite HexClad cookware and Ina Garten's preferred Tramontina try-ply stainless steel cookware.
