I bought my first home and wanted a timeless dinnerware set with a neutral base that featured a few warm colors so I could add coordinating accent pieces throughout my kitchen. For example, I already had some deep blue and yellow pieces, and I wanted to add some reds and greens (think Tuscany). I searched and searched for a high-quality set with a simple design and the right color scheme (there are many gaudy prints out there), and I finally "settled" on these. And I'm so glad I did! They are even more gorgeous in person and the accent colors in my kitchen look terrific with these dishes. The bowl is a nice size and shape for pasta, casseroles, etc. Mugs are a good size with comfortable handles. These are heavy duty, but don't weigh a ton. Haven't had them long, so I can't speak to durability over time, but so far, I'm very happy with my purchase.