Why Handcrafted Art Decor Matters

Posted on October 15, 2016June 21, 2020 by donjenna

15 Oct

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.

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All home furnishings were originally made by hand.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.

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 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?

Rick Wittrig’s Fire Pits Warm The Soul

Posted on September 15, 2016June 21, 2020 by donjenna

15 Sep

There’s nothing quite like gathering outside around a roaring fire with great company. On a warm evening, a bonfire makes the party feel more intimate and inviting. On a cool evening, there’s absolutely nothing like it.

Imagine swapping stories, having a drink, and roasting marshmallows around one of these gorgeous, artisan-crafted fire pits.

Bella Vita Fire Pit

Artist Rick Wittrig builds these beautiful fire pits out of quarter-inch thick steel, in order to withstand the extremes of fire and the great outdoors. The Bella Vita boasts a matte bowl with a polished base, creating a stunning object that will age gracefully.

Scallop Fire Pit

Each fire pit is individually signed and numbered by the artist, resulting in a unique art piece custom created for its new home. The Scallop Fire Pit features a iron oxide finish that will naturally darken over time.

Navigator Fire Pit

Wittrig makes his fire pits no-maintenance by coating the interiors with high temperature resistant paint and incorporating a rainwater drain into all designs. The Navigator Fire Pit is just one of several models available, including custom work.

Barefoot Beach Fire Pit

Like all of Wittrig’s pieces, the Barefoot Beach Fire Pit is lovingly cut by hand. Each fire pit is as unique as the home it occupies.

Third Rock Fire Pit

The variety of fire pit styles available from Wittrig’s workshop means they can be incorporated into any outdoor space. The Third Rock Fire Pit stands at just over three feet tall and weigh less than 300 lbs, making it relatively substantial but easy to move around.

The above sampling of firepits, available exclusively at Donjenna, only scratch the surface of what is possible. Our online store features over a dozen different designs. As always, pieces can be customized just for you. Browse all of our breathtaking offerings here.

15 Stunning Acrylic and Lucite Pieces

Posted on September 6, 2016June 21, 2020 by donjenna

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06 Sep

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

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

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

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

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.