Why Handcrafted Art Decor Matters

Firefly Kiln Farm

At Donjenna, we cross the globe to create partnerships with previously undiscovered artisans. Our pride comes from offering exquisitely made home decor with uniquely modern and contemporary sensibilities.

Perhaps you’re wondering why we take bespoke, hand crafted art decor so seriously. The reasons might surprise you.

fortunata-ceramics

The Case Against Mass Production

Furniture and other decor items made in a factory assembly line often contain defects, or are made with cheaper materials to cut costs. The effect is a product of poor quality that will not stand the test of time.

Some things don’t turn out exactly right when the process is automated. A dovetail joint, for example, is a very old design in woodworking known to be unparalleled in strength. It is most often cut by hand. Artisans use an intuitive sense in making an object, which can’t be replicated by a machine.

Here’s something most people may not know: Even in large scale factory operations, like making candy bars, some key parts of the process are still completed by hand. For some tasks, there’s simply no substitute for a skilled worker and the correct tools.

Get To The Source

All home furnishings were originally made by hand. Participating in the movement towards handcrafted art decor– whether as a craftsman, consumer, merchant, or designer– keeps that tradition alive. In doing so, we honor the ways artisans have made their living in the past and for the future. The traditions and techniques in ceramics, woodworking, sculpture, and other artistic endeavors would otherwise be lost if this process did not continue.

Eidos Glass Lorin Silverman

When we don’t fully know and appreciate the source of items in our home, we feel less connected to the objects we surround ourselves with. Concerning ourselves with how materials and labor are sourced is vitally important. Handcrafted furniture and art decor is produced with better labor standards: craftsmen are paid as skilled laborers, are recognized for their work, maintain a connection to their trade. Machine production, on the other hand, often exploits workers by forcing them to work in poor conditions and keep them in poverty.

The ReCycler and Gilbert
The ReCycler and Gilbert

The Importance of Choice

The beauty of handcrafted art decor is that no two pieces are alike. Furniture can be made to exact specifications. With custom made furniture, design can become a collaborative process instead of excessively controlled.

Decor offerings in big box stores, typically made on a factory floor, are based on decisions pre-made on behalf of the consumer. Furniture and decor items featured there are based on current trends, sales, and the whims of the market instead of on what the consumer might actually want or need. Artisan made decor allows you to participate more fully in designing your space and choosing which objects have a home with you.

At Donjenna, we believe you always have a choice over your surroundings. With us, you can discover the craft, story and soul in each item of bespoke, handmade home décor.  You can feel empowered in the design choices you make for your space.

Our homes, offices, and the objects they contain may serve a solely utilitarian purpose, but why not choose to make them beautiful?

Michelle Dziak Ceramics

15 Stunning Acrylic and Lucite Pieces

ottoman, ottomans, little jake ottoman, finn ottoman, the big jake ottoman, fur ottoman, wool ottoman, tibetan wool, fireplace warmth, cozy, cozy ottomans, horse hoofs, gifts, wedding presents, hearth and home, family, family gathering, fireplace, cold weather ottoman,

Acrylic furniture runs the gamut in style, from light and modern to luxurious and unexpected. The pieces showcased here demonstrate just how much acrylic can offer to a contemporary space. All-clear pieces add lightness, while upholstered ottomans and chairs become a vehicle for delightful textures. Always an opportunity to bring the drama to a new level, acrylic can lend it’s essence in a variety of ways.

Cubes

ottoman, ottomans, finn ottoman, fur ottoman, wool ottoman, tibetan wool, fireplace warmth, cozy, cozy ottomans, horse hoofs, gifts, wedding presents, hearth and home, family, family gathering, fireplace, cold weather ottoman,ottoman, ottomans, little jake ottoman, finn ottoman, the big jake ottoman, fur ottoman, wool ottoman, tibetan wool, fireplace warmth, cozy, cozy ottomans, horse hoofs, gifts, wedding presents, hearth and home, family, family gathering, fireplace, cold weather ottoman,

BellaCube_HornBellaCube_Rope

Acrylic and lucite cubes are endlessly versatile: use them as seating, a side table, or ottoman. Create a clean and contemporary look by bringing this highly functional furniture into a space without adding bulkiness. Unexpected accents keep the mood cheeky and light hearted.

 

Benches

436-616X-HIDEAcrylicX_Burlap

Bella Acrylic Tibetan Lamb BenchBella Acrylic Bench

These striking acrylic benches bring a dimensionality to a space, but their characteristic lightness keeps them from feeling obtrusive. A larger surface area means more impact, bolder statements, and bigger accents.

Chairs

A+ Player Lounge ChairAmbrosia ChairQueen of Hearts Chair

These chairs demonstrate how acrylic functions as an accent. The transparent components allow other materials to be center stage, while adding structure and stability. The effect works especially well with natural, solid, or intricate materials, like wood, hide, and leather.

Ottomans

ottoman, ottomans, finn ottoman, fur ottoman, wool ottoman, tibetan wool, fireplace warmth, cozy, cozy ottomans, horse hoofs, gifts, wedding presents, hearth and home, family, family gathering, fireplace, cold weather ottoman,The Little Jake Ottoman with Tibetan Wool

Riley Ottoman with Tibetan Lamb and AcrylicBig Jake Acrylic and Hide Ottoman

These ottomans show, again, that acrylic and lucite don’t have to be main elements to have an impact. Lacking a heavy base, the sensuous cushions seem to just float above the floor, lending a airy quality to a living room or bedroom.

 

 

Piper Collection

Piper Collection

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Piper Pillow Collection is comprised of Cindy and Whitney Caudle, a mother-daughter design team studied in interiors and textile design. After noticing pillows as an often overlooked opportunity for decor, daughter Whitney sought to transform interiors with her eye-catching pillow designs.

Piper Collection brings a youthful spirit to contemporary design with bold graphic patterns, classic shapes, and beautiful detailing in daring color combinations. Pillows feature bespoke fabrics and textures, such as leather, faux fur, and their signature metallic linen.