Decorating your home can be a joy, but there are also lots of things to consider. As trends come and go, decorating your home to your own tastes will not only put a smile on your face every time you walk through the door, it will also save you a lot of time and money. It is important to be discerning when choosing decor for you home for many reasons, and this goes far beyond simply aesthetic choices. We believe it is so important to check if the pieces you are bringing into your home were ethically and responsibly made. Some home decor is made in poor conditions, by people who are not paid fairly for their work, and from toxic or planet-damaging materials.
We're here to help you understand the importance of choosing ethical and sustainable decor for your home, as well as guide you on how to find it. From functional piece to decorative ornaments, we believe that every purchase can be made consciously, whilst still allowing you to live a stylish lifestyle. Here’s what to look for when shopping for sustainable, ethical, and handmade home decor...
Natural Materials: Choosing products made from natural materials not only affects the products lifespan but also your health. By opting for home decor made from natural materials, you avoid toxic dyes and chemicals. Decor made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, wool and glass are safer and better for the environment than plastics or synthetic materials. Natural materials are also easier to repair and refinish, and don't tend to show signs of wear as quickly as synthetics. They are also more likely to be recycled or recyclable, which is obviously much better for the environment. Pieces made with natural materials and natural dyes are less likely to be made using harsh chemicals, making them safer for your home and family.
Supply Chain Transparency: When browsing for new homewares, it is important to look into the brands you are buying from. Are they open about where they source their materials? Do they talk about how their craftspeople are treated? The more you know about a brands supply chain, the more confident you can be that their products are ethically and sustainably made. Some brands may have certifications such as Fair Trade, B Corp, Cruelty Free and many others. However, certifications are not the be-all and end-all, as they can be very expensive and so aren't always obtainable for smaller brands and artisans. Look for brands who frequently visit their artisans, share the process of how their products are made and are transparent about where they are sourcing their goods. We also think it is nice to know where your home decor was made as it allows you to feel more personally connected to it, and also gives you a story to tell your guests.
Lifespan and Longevity: No one's tastes stay the same forever, however it is possible to make purchases of home decor that will remain classic across the decades. Choosing items that compliment your style but can also be adapted to grow with you is vital to a sustainable lifestyle. Look for quality pieces that are durable, well-made and versatile. Not only does this prolong their lifespan whilst in your home, it also means you are able to resell or donate items that no longer work with your personal style as they will stand the test of time. It's also important to think about your own lifestyle here; if you have pets of children, a cream throw probably isn't going to last very long. Consider colours and materials that will last in your home.
Functionality: This brings us on to our final point. Items in your home need to be more than just beautiful, they also need to serve a functional purpose in your life. Buying decor that serves a purpose in your home is a great way to make the most of your space and also keeps costs down. What is functional for your home may not be functional for another, so it is important to bare in mind the ways in which you use your space and be realistic when making new purchases.
Whether you’re looking for cosy throws or statement wall hangings, we’ve got you covered.
Woven Kenyan Wall Hanging/Rug 'Mamba Crocodile'
Our handwoven wall hangings are a wonderful way to bring cultural art into your home. Hours and hours have gone into the creation of each piece, ensuring the fantastic, hard-wearing quality. Our artisans weaving techniques have been passed down through generations. Julious is the talented artisan who makes all of our beautiful Kenyan wall hangings. All of the designs we sell in store and online have been designed by our co-founder, Amy, before being expertly handcrafted by Julious in Kenya. Each piece is made from 100% wool and natural dyes. We work directly with Julious, ensuring that he is paid fairly for his highly skilled work.
Tanzanian Hand Woven Throw 'Grass Green'
Our luxurious Tanzanian throws are woven on traditional wooden looms by talented artisans in Morogoro. Made from 100% cotton and natural dyes, the fabric is durable and washable - it even gets softer with every wash! Made by a group of artisans is based in a small rural down in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. Founded in 1983 to help impoverished, female school leavers in rural areas of Tanzania (where higher education for girls is typically not a top priority). This weaving association comprises of a school to train the women and provide a reliable source of income to improve their livelihoods.
Ghanaian Handwoven Open Weave Lightshade 'Kambuchari'
Invoke the warmth of Ghana with this our 'Kambuchari' woven lightshade. Our woven baskets, shades, and fans from Ghana, are made by a talented group of artisans based in the Upper East Region, under the Burkina Fasso border, known as the weaving capital of Ghana. The shades are made with indigenous Elephant Grass which grows abundantly in this hot, dry area. This natural raw material produces strong and structured shades which are sure to last a lifetime. The co-operative we have partnered with is led by Agana who works closely with the weavers, and ensures fair pay for all. Our co-founder, Bee, met Agana when she visited Ghana for the first time in 2018. She spent 5 days travelling around the rural, baobab filled plains with Agana and his brother Atillus, to establish a personal connection with all of the weaving groups we now work with.
Indian Kantha Quilt 'Kingfisher'
Meticulously constructed, each Kantha quilt is individually hand stitched with an outstanding amount of effort and time. Aiding to keep the cultural crafting technique alive, we collaborate with our team of talented artisans to create exclusive, contemporary designs. Handcrafted in Southern India by Srini and his team in his workshop that champions sustainable design. Founded in 1978, Srini and his team are dedicated to truly ethical production, and have been awarded numerous accreditations including SA8000, GOTS & OekoTex 100 Class as well as being certified by the Ethical Fashion Forum. Employees have access to a range of support schemes including housing facilities, education and healthcare, as well as personal development seminars and training.
