# Mind-Bending Dinnerware The A.P. Works Trick Mat Creates Distorted Illusions at the Kitchen Table By Jordy E | Published 2014-12-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trick-mat References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/placemat-mimics-space-time-fabric-through-optical-illusion?context=featured) & [apworks-product.jp](http://apworks-product.jp/) The A.P. Works Trick Mat creates [mind-bending illusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooptical) at the dinner table. The Japanese design studio has used [shapes and patterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moving-furniture) as a way to create a distorted picture, making one feel as if [dinner plates and cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iitala) are slowly being sucked into the centre of the placemat. A simplistic grid motif is all that is needed to make one feel as if the earth is imploding. The theme challenges our understanding of time and space in a funky way, mixing up atypical silkscreen pieces. For those in search of a different approach to kitchen decor, these Trick Mats will certainly shake up the lot. They also come in different blue and white colors, allowing them to match with assorted backdrops. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Kitchen](https://www.trendhunter.com/kitchen) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Illusionary Tableware:** Opportunity for innovation in creating tableware designs that play with shapes and patterns to create mind-bending illusions. - **Disruptive Placemats:** Innovation opportunity in creating placemats with atypical silkscreen designs that challenge our understanding of time and space. - **Non-traditional Dinner Decor:** Innovation opportunity in creating kitchen decor that offers a different and unique approach to traditional dinnerware. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Home Decor:** Opportunities for companies in the home decor industry to create innovative and non-traditional dinnerware designs. - **Printing and Packaging:** Opportunities for printing and packaging companies to create atypical silkscreen designs for placemats that offer unique illusions. - **Hospitality:** Opportunities for restaurants and hotels to elevate their dining experience by offering unique and mind-bending tableware creations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zero Gravity-Dining Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-microgravity.md) - [Warped Acrylic Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/awt-bar.md) - [Sculptural Ceramic Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-of-tangible-spaces.md) - [Interactive Mealtime Plates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platoo-interactive-sensory-meal-plate.md) - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md) - [Surrealist-Inspired Tea Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-for-two-collection.md) - [Interlocking Puzzle-Like Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connect-table.md) - [Chic Stackable Tableware Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tableware-ecosystem.md) - [Puzzling Removable Tray Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conceptual-puzzle-table.md)