In the context of Marie Kondo, the unbridled purchasing of cheap, mass-produced homewares seems a little out of step at present and just as people started to think harder about ‘fast’ fashion, many people are turning to more ethical options for their homes. From woven baskets to rugs and cushions, here are our picks of the most stylish yet ethical homewares.
Oon: Working with a team of Nepalese artisans, Sydney based homewares label Oon is committed to fair working conditions for its makers while contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of their communities. From rugs to cushions, baskets and throws, the brand’s products are made from natural, eco-friendly, renewable materials.
TK Maxx: A new look for the brand, TK Maxx has just launched a new Uganda homewares collection comprised of colourful handmade baskets and bowls made by remote communities in Western Uganda. The exclusive range is part of TK Maxx’s initiative to help disadvantaged families increase their incomes.
Klaylife: We’ve sung the praises of Klaylife before and it’s definitely one of our favourite ethical homewares brands. Initially, the clay beaded chandeliers were crafted exclusively by a community of South African artisans whose lives had been impacted by HIV but over time, as the brand’s popularity has grown, more and more women with differing circumstances have joined the team.
Amigos de Hoy: Gorgeous designs aside, the Amigos de Hoy rug and cushion line-up is also accredited by Good Weave International which gives customers peace of mind that no child labour was used in the making of the range. And by purchasing the brand’s homewares you are supporting programs that educate children while ensuring decent work for adults too.
One Another: With backgrounds in graphic design, photography and fashion, Rick and Annette Carter combined their love of design with artisanal techniques to create their homewares label One Another three years ago. Since launching, the duo have expanded to working with collectives located in India, Nepal, South Africa, Uganda and Central America, helping provide safe, stable employment with fair pay to over 60 artisans.
Oh Happy Home! “Ethical trading has always been at the forefront of my mind. I’m conscious of fast fashion and fast homewares and I always want to do whatever I can to support the maker and the weaver,” says Amy Eaton of the decision to launch her ethical rug label Oh Happy Home in 2017. On-trend designs aside, we love Amy’s commitment to fair trade – something that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The company is partnered with Good Weave International too.
Beautiful homewares and so good to see that the artisans get a fair, living wage for their creations. The chandeliers are my favourite – stunning! Wish I had a bedroom ceiling high enough for one of those.