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All home furnishings were originally made by hand.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?
