With quiet luxury on the rise, luxury consumers are falling in love with artisan homewares to embrace a more authentic and storytelling-enriching lifestyle, as opposed to overly mass produced goods. By filling their homes with one of a kind handcrafted items, affluent luxury consumers are pushing back against items that are logo-driven, further turning them to acquire a more highly personalized living space that reflects conscious consumption. The new generation of AI factors into this rise, with many widespread images on social media reflecting a “perfect” lifestyle that is ultimately unattainable for one large reason. It isn't real. Luxury consumers want pieces in their homes that are just as unique as their lifestyles and the only way to achieve that look is by purchasing these exclusive items. 

Anatolia Turkish Handcrafted Homewares

Obakki is an ethical Canadian brand that directly partners with global artisans to create unique handmade goods, ranging from Japanese incense sets to mohair throws from South Africa. Their main goal is to produce a “purpose-led lifestyle brand that connects people through modern design.” (via Obakki’s Mission Statement). All of their creations are handcrafted and produced in partnership with their network of world-class artisans. They pride themselves on the fact that they have “real people making products that bring meaning and connection to your home” (via Obakki’s Mission Statement). The Stone Temple XXII is a clay vase made by a small family-owned Ukrainian ceramics studio that focuses on exploring how nature can inspire the creative process. They use a special technique, involving molding clay into the desired shape and texture, then firing it to harden it. This piece retailed for $2,895 CAD and is one of two of its make. They have too many standout pieces to cover but their TLALOC Oak Cabinet is one in a million. Handcrafted and carved by Andrés Gutiérrez, this intricate solid oakwood cabinet was handcrafted in Mexico and sold for $21,995.00 CAD. Inspired by the Mesoamerican god of rain and water Tlaloc, this bar cabinet is an image of the mask of the god with his peculiar goggles and the fanged mouth spitting water. There is space inside for 25-wine bottles and the option of changing the interior bottle system for three complete shelves. They also provide extra support for their various artisans through their Obakki Foundation. Whether it be education, health, development, or livelihood, Obakki believes that being a supportive business goes beyond transaction and it is a direct correlation to the dedicated craftsperson and a commitment to the communities in which they live. 

Obakki’s Stone Temple XXII  and Tlaloc Cabinet      

Artemest is a luxury online marketplace that focuses on entirely handmade Italian homewear, lighting fixtures, and furniture. Featuring over 35,000 products that are handmade by more than 1000 independent Italian artisans, Artemest is an amalgamation of luxury homegoods that are all deeply unique and individual. The company offers many ways to view all of the works that are for sale, through the Artemest Galleria clients are able to view and interact with their curated Italian pieces in their permanent physical exhibition in the art district of New York. They also have their own design advisory in which personalized consulting services are available to help clients and designers form their interior visions using custom unique pieces. 

Artemest Luxury Trade Collection

Although they have tens of thousands of products, Artemest does their best in ensuring that each piece is different from the next. The global platform has various “edits” that all showcase the work of a new artisan. Many of their pieces are made-to-order, with certain products taking multiple weeks to be crafted by hand. The Airframe Brushed Brass Bookcase from De Castelli By PIO&TITOTOSO honours the art of hammered metal, while emphasizing the savoir faire while highlighting the savoir-faire and artisan expertise that defines De Castelli. The aerodynamic organic form outlines a fine metal structure made of asymmetrical elliptical loops that support four sporadic horizontal shelves. The entire piece is made of brass, and the outer shell is composed of a partial covering that has been precisely molded to the structure. 

Artemest Airframe Brushed Brass Bookcase

 In a world where nothing seems genuine, it is imperative that we have companies that honour the tradition of handcrafted goods. It brings attention to the artisans who have dedicated their entire lives to their craft and are now in a position to share these creations with the world.