We’re living in an online era, where many choose to shop for the most convenient, quickest, and cheapest option. But the likelihood of these items falling apart quickly is higher than those made by a skilled, local artisan. At Studio Alyse, two of our founding principles are Sustainability and Quality. We look for artisans and makers that provide interior products crafted with integrity. We see the value in investing in their products, businesses, and communities.

Reasons to Supports local Artisans + Makers:

Filled with Love | When working with someone who provides products of quality, you can see the thoughtfulness reflected in the details. Handmade pieces warm the soul. The quality of materials and methods of manufacturing are superior to those mass-produced at lower price points. Someone, somewhere, is working on your furniture piece with their hands, not a machine. This makes a difference.

Unique | I’ve developed a working relationship with a an excellent photographer who happens to be a friend, and fellow Appalachian State Alumna. I’ve incorporated her photos into my clients’ homes. Each photograph has its own story, and no one else will have this story. How unique.

Imperfect Perfection | This is a term I’ve become very fond of. Beauty lies in the art of crafting. A small divot in a wooden coffee table, crafted by a woodworker in Brooklyn, allows the furniture piece to have a personality. It’s like a freckle. A lovely wooden freckle.

Local Economic Support | When you support local, you’re supporting your neighbor, your community, and our economy as a whole. We become independent and more sustainable when we’re able to support our own community. Now more than ever, it it’s so important to help these small business stay viable.

Eco-Friendly | Makers tend to use materials that are safe and chemical-free. In addition to safer materials, the footprint to ship items down the street (or even a couple states over) is far less than overseas. This alone lowers emissions and energy use. Some makers are also upcycling materials. Upcycling (also known as “creative reuse”) transforms by-products into new products and avoids traditional waste methods such as landfills.

Wellness | Many makers use local and natural materials to craft their products. By eliminating chemicals, you’re promoting wellness in your home. I look for materials like linen, wool, ceramic, and cotton. By minimizing the amount of plastic in your furniture and decor, you’re limiting the chemicals in your home. For instance, when looking for a new rug, I suggest one made from wool or jute. These materials will hold up to wear and tear for years, and they look beautiful too! Just as you would in food or skincare, if you don’t know what the material is and it sounds like a chemical, it probably is one. Stick with familiar and natural materials. While a locally-made product may cost slightly more in the short-term, it will save you money down the road.

Ethics | Many times we purchase items with the click of a button, not really knowing the origin of the product. With mass-production comes the opportunity for unethical work environments. Look for goods with a Fair Trade Certification. Fair trade: “a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, advocates, and organizations putting people and planet first”. They strive to create consensus consumerism that holds makers and companies to higher standards. You can look for their logo when buying products ranging from organic produce to home goods and decor.

Tradition | The makers that are creating products are essential to preserving the long tradition of craftsmanship. They are teaching our children that art is still alive, and viable, for the future. This is a key element in the growth and evolution of smaller, creative businesses in our country.

CASE STUDY

To the left you’ll find Before and After pictures of our beloved Nola Project. Located in the Bywater District of New Orleans, this historic corner store had lost all life after it was blighted from Hurricane Katrina. Left to deteriorate, the interior was completely demolished and the ground could be seen beneath the remaining floor joists. In keeping with the aesthetic of New Orleans, original details were maintained and restored: local refurbished doors were used from a salvage yard. We worked with vintage stores to find antique door knobs and hardware. An existing cast iron sink was brought to life by a millworker with legs formed from wood taken from the ceiling’s remaining paneling. Plywood used to board the main entrance of the space had existing graffiti of a local jazz musician which was celebrated in the design rather than thrown out - it can be seen hanging as an art feature in the backyard. This space is a celebration of the rich culture and history of New Orleans. The community of makers and craftsmen helped make it feel alive once more.

We strive to provide local alternatives with reasonable price points for all of our clients. We aim to incorporate at least 70% of local or vintage products into our designs. We are providing unique interiors to our clients, while giving back to the community of artisans we love so much.

If you’d like to learn more about us, or you have a design project you’d like to discuss, please reach out.

Happy Friday! Stay safe and healthy out there!

xx

-A

Journal

Why Local Matters