Author: Unison

Aaron Probyn’s ceramic creations combine beautiful forms with inviting textures. The timeless, functional silhouettes defy seasonal trends, while the tactile surfaces highlight the handcrafted nature of each piece. This British designer is also committed to eco-friendly practices, especially by making the most of the ethically produced materials used to create each piece. Learn more about Probyn’s award-winning design studio and discover his pieces in our collection at Unison.

The Birth of a Studio
Aaron Probyn’s interest in design brought him to Kingston University in London, where he studied product and furniture design. He went on to Habitat UK after graduating, working there for over five years as Design Manager. His role there focused on table top products, which provided him with invaluable experience he’d later apply when creating his own collections.

In 2012, Probyn established his design studio. He began consulting for a number of high-profile clients, including Normann Copenhagen, West Elm, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Tom Dixon and Conran Studio. His award-winning work as a designer prepared him to launch his own products in 2020. Today, his studio produces an assortment of beautiful pieces under the Aaron Probyn brand, including cutlery, dinnerware, glassware, tabletop accessories and more.

Durable and Sustainable
Probyn’s impactful designs are created with a vision for the future. He believes strongly in the value of well-made objects designed to last for years. His pieces exhibit exceptional quality and timelessness that can be passed down to future generations. This focus on long-lasting durability informs not only his understated designs that stand the test of time, but also the environmentally friendly practices employed in his work.

With a commitment to design that lasts a lifetime, Probyn promotes sustainability in more ways than one. His pieces are not intended to be replaced as seasonal trends come and go, and the materials that go into making them are handled thoughtfully to minimize waste. In addition, Probyn employs a conscious manufacturing process in which products are made in limited quantities and packaging is selected to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

Utilitarian Warmth
At Unison, we’re proud to feature Aaron Probyn’s timeless ceramics. The simple shapes and clean lines create a casual, approachable feel that contributes to a relaxed and inviting home environment. The porcelain material features earthy, warm tones and a texture that’s pleasant to the touch. Sturdy, durable and practical, these pieces are just as functional and accessible as they are beautiful.

Probyn’s popular Colombo Dinnerware Collection has a simple, low-profile silhouette with a softly rounded edge. The unglazed exteriors of the plates and bowls create a delightful contrast with the smooth, glazed interiors. Meals look even more enticing against the dinnerware’s deep, reddish-brown hue, which gives each piece an elegantly earthy effect.

With its sculptural appearance, the Botany Planter is another standout selection from Probyn’s design studio. The rounded form has soft edges, a tactile, unglazed finish and a minimalist design that enhances any greenery’s natural beauty. Functional features make for easy drainage to help plants flourish inside. Available in three sizes, this planter is expertly hand slip cast of Black, Concrete Gray or Terracotta colored porcelain.

Shop The Aaron Probyn Collection

 

 

The Bit Stool is a perfect example of how a utilitarian piece of furniture can be as beautifully designed as any other item in the home. This humble object may seem simple at first glance, but its pixelated surface highlights an eco-friendly production process and one-of-a-kind charm. Designed by Simon Legald for Normann Copenhagen, the Bit Stool demonstrates how design, practicality and sustainability can come together to create exceptional home furnishings.

Danish Roots — with a Greek Twist
The Bit Stool was designed by Simon Legald, a young Danish designer who graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 2012. Created for Normann Copenhagen, this stool represents just one of the many collaborations in Legald’s career thus far. Other notable creations by this young talent include the Porta and Phantom lamps and the Allez chairs. At Unison, we offer the Bit Stool as well as Legald’s trolley-like Block Cart and retro-inspired Analog Magazine Rack in Black and White colorways.

Despite its designer’s Danish origins, the aesthetically pleasing, cylindrical silhouette of the Bit Stool is actually inspired by the pillars and columns in Greek architecture. Those sturdy, stately designs influenced the simple and elegant aesthetic of the Bit Stool. The finished product has an updated, modern feel while still possessing the timeless quality of a sculptural column.

Making Every Bit Count
The Bit Stool’s distinctive, speckled appearance is created by colorful bits of recycled plastic, most of which is sourced from post-industrial waste. The plastic pieces are chopped into smaller fragments before being sorted by color. Once the correct colors are combined to create a Bit Stool in one of its defined colorways, the fragments are poured into one of the stool molds and then cast using a rotational molding technique.

The temperature applied as the stool is molded is a critical part of the production process. In addition to creating an accurate, smooth shape, it allows the recycled plastic to be repurposed for future use. If the mold were to become too hot, the plastic may be damaged to the point where it can’t be recycled again without altering the properties of the material. By maintaining a precise melting point of 120°C, the plastic bits can form a solid shape while still being suitable for repeated reheating, which makes it possible to recycle Bit Stools at the end of their lifecycle.

Besides minimizing the environmental impact of production, the use of recycled plastic fragments makes each Bit Stool utterly unique. No two stools are alike, each with its own pattern formed by the spontaneous alignment of plastic bits during the molding process.

Unlimited Applications
One of the most irresistible things about the Bit Stool is its impressive versatility. Though it’s strong enough to be used as an impromptu seat, the stool’s wide, flat surface also makes it an excellent choice for a nightstand, side table or bath stool. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the Bit Stool makes a useful plant stand or patio end table as well.

With three colorways available at Unison, it’s easy to find a Bit Stool that coordinates with your space. Choose the Bit Black Stool flecked with white speckles for a bold look, or enjoy a softer and warmer effect with the Bit White Stool’s clear and sienna speckles. To inject vibrant color into your home, go with the Bit White Multi Stool featuring an eye-catching array of white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange and black recycled bits.

 

 

LSA International applies skilled craftsmanship to make glass drinkware, serveware, vases, and other pieces featuring simple, beautiful designs for the modern home. In 2019, they formed a meaningful partnership with the Eden Project to promote sustainable solutions to environmental concerns. For those who value eco-friendly practices and beautiful design, LSA International’s collaboration with the Eden Project offers an inspiring take on home goods.

LSA International’s Commitment to Handmade Quality
Skilled craft is sometimes overlooked in the modern era of speed and convenience. But LSA International has consistently held themselves to a high standard of craftsmanship since Janusz Lubkowski and Tony Saunders co-founded the brand in the 1960s. LSA’s glassblowers have perfected their techniques through years of training, and they work in teams to take each piece through the handmade production process from start to finish.

The handblown glass begins as simple, raw ingredients: sand, ash and lime. These are heated to extreme temperatures in the kiln until they become molten. From there, glassblowers create the basic form, whether it’s a highball glass, tumbler, carafe, wine glass or champagne flute. While the glass is still hot, the piece is finished by hand. This includes scissor cutting — one of the most skilled finishing techniques —which produces a thick, rounded rim.

The Canopy Tumblers Collection
The Canopy Tumblers collection is a wonderful representation of LSA International’s key values, which is a focus on the purpose and the environment in which the products are used. The Canopy Tumblers successfully bring beautiful design to an everyday living staple: the drinking glass.

This simple, classic barware collection has a timeless element while still appearing fresh and modern. The straight-sided shape features a rounded bottom edge, a slightly domed base, and the brand’s signature thick, smooth rim. Available as low 9-ounce tumblers, classic 12-ounce tumblers and tall, narrow 12-ounce highball glasses, these versatile vessels are perfect for sipping juice, water, cocktails and much more.

For this collection, each piece has been hand blown using recycled glass from jars and bottles sourced locally in Poland. The tiny air bubbles and a light green tint which result from this process add unique character to each tumbler.

Making Change with the Eden Project
The Canopy Tumbler collection is a stellar example of LSA International’s quality craftsmanship and beautiful, functional designs. But it’s also part of a bigger mission to build relationships between people and the natural world. This collection was produced through a collaboration with the Eden Project, an organization devoted to protecting the environment, helping people feel more closely connected to nature, and inspiring positive action for the planet.

A great deal of thought was put into this LSA collection to uplift the goals of the Eden Project in a creative and meaningful way. The use of recycled glass helps to address environmental concerns around single-use plastics, water conservation and plant preservation. The domed base of each tumbler mirrors the organization’s innovative biospheres in Cornwall, England which function as the world’s largest greenhouses. As the name suggests, this glassware collection reminds us that we all live under one canopy.

Each sip from LSA International’s Canopy Tumblers is a reminder that nature’s resources are to be cherished and protected. The collection has attracted attention for its handcrafted design and the eco-friendly production process as the winner of the prestigious iF Design Award in 2019 and the Green GOOD DESIGN Award in 2021.

At Unison, we’re proud to promote the mission of the Eden Project with this special collection. LSA International has long been one of our favorite sources of glassware, and this collaboration showcases the ability of good design to highlight worthy causes and bring about change.

Shop The LSA International Collection

 

 

What would a creative, collaborative and sustainable approach to home textiles look like? Dove and Donkey has delivered an answer to this question with their selection of table linens. Headed up by founders Sheila Galligan and Jadine Greenaway, Dove and Donkey focuses on high-quality basics made to delight and inspire. Each of their products is designed in Boston, with a focus on playful textures and colors.

But that’s only the first chapter of the story. In addition, the Dove and Donkey team has developed close collaborations with artisan partners and prioritized sustainability in the production process. These efforts all come together to deliver handcrafted home essentials that are not only beautiful and functional, but also have a lower impact on the environment.

Creative Collaborations
Dove and Donkey’s Boston studio is the hub where every product begins its journey. Galligan is the primary creative force behind each design, always seeking out unique ways to approach common household goods, including blankets, bedding and tabletop accessories.

From there, the Dove and Donkey team turns to their trusted partners. Through collaborations with artisan cooperatives and small factories, each of Galligan’s designs is brought to life. It’s important to note that these collaborations are only formed after rigorous assessments. In addition to performing top-notch work with exceptional attention to detail, each partner must also demonstrate a positive, respectful working environment along with equitable pay practices.

Consciously Crafted
At Dove and Donkey, no aspect of the production process goes overlooked. Sustainability is an important part of their mission, and as a result, this small business goes to great lengths to incorporate eco-friendly practices into the production of their home goods.

This starts with the most basic elements of each design: the materials. The Dove and Donkey team is thoughtful about how the building blocks of their fabrics are sourced, which helps to minimize environmental impact. For example, their cottons are made at a small factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the entire process being done by hand in small batches.

The impact of each material is also considered, like their renewable and eco-friendly wool sourced from alpacas. Natural materials, such as plants, berries and roots, are used to dye many of the brand’s hand-knits rather than products with harsh chemicals. Dove and Donkey’s pieces are made to be timeless and long-lasting, which ensures that the textiles hold up well over many years.

Dove and Donkey Table Linens
While the designs for Dove and Donkey’s table linens originated in Boston, they’re handcrafted by one of the brand’s partners in a small town in central Mexico. Alicia Rico Resendiz, who opened her studio 15 years ago after studying sewing and dressmaking, leads a group of 11 female artisans in creating each product. The fabrics are sourced in Mexico before they are cut, sewn and hand-finished by these talented women. Traditional Mexican hand-knotting techniques are applied, adding beautiful texture while emphasizing the incredible craftsmanship that goes into each product.

At Unison, we’re proud to offer a selection of Dove and Donkey table linens which showcase these creative designs, artisan craftsmanship and sustainable practices. The Wicker Placemats and matching napkins feature brightly colored threads in a rattan cane-style pattern that adds luxurious texture.

Coordinating Classico Napkins with a modern, color-block design and short fringed edges make it easy to double down on vibrant tabletop tones. Dove and Donkey Hopsack Napkins offer an elegant alternative with a basket-like pattern designed with subtle, neutral colors. With substantial yet soft fabrics, Dove and Donkey table linens make any table feel more inviting. Explore our collection of placemats and napkins from this brand to find distinctive accents for your meals.

Shop The Dove and Donkey Collection

 

 

Beautiful decor is part of what makes a house a home. At Unison, we believe value originates in good design. From materials to production processes, we support products that balance quality and accessibility. Our focus is on finding partners that design for longevity and prioritize minimizing the impact on limited resources.

These ideas align well with Chilewich, a company specializing in durable vinyl products for the home. Their first products — placemats — helped to enhance the magic of mealtime with beautiful designs while prioritizing convenience and functionality. But that was only the beginning. Chilewich would go on to create a variety of innovative products for the dinner table and beyond, including their popular flooring collections.

The Chilewich Story
In the late 1970s, Sandy Chilewich was living in a factory building in the NoHo neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. One night, she and her friend, art teacher Kathy Moskal, thought to dye some simple cotton shoes from Kathy’s closet. After a bit more experimentation, they ended up forming Hue, a fashion line featuring colorful shoes, tights and accessories. After selling Hue in 1991 and then parting ways with the brand in 1994, Sandy began channeling her creativity into another business endeavor. She found an unexpected inspiration in a proprietary woven vinyl that was surprisingly flexible and soft — and of course, extremely durable.

But how would she use it? Sandy wanted to aim for something essential to the home rather than something meant purely for decor. One day, she had the material sitting on her table, and the idea struck her: placemats. TerraStrand™, the brand’s proprietary woven vinyl, not only looked good on the table but also created a protective, easy-to-clean barrier. In addition, the material could be customized with any color or design, opening up endless creative possibilities.

The idea took off, and the Chilewich brand debuted in 2000. As the brand’s founder and creative director, Sandy continues to design products at the brand’s NYC studio. Her husband, Joe Sultan, serves as CEO and has helped to expand the business into new products and industries, including flooring.

Durable, Eco-Friendly Designs
Made from extruded yarns, Chilewich textiles mimic traditional fabrics but with a sturdier makeup. The brand’s placemats, runners and floor mats are incredibly durable. And because the yarns are washable, it makes for easy clean-up. Most messes can be wiped clean, and issues commonly associated with traditional fabrics — such as fading, fraying and staining — simply aren’t a concern. For busy households, these features make Chilewich products just as practical as they are beautiful.

By reimagining a use for vinyl, Sandy stumbled upon another noteworthy benefit: sustainability. The material is free of phthalates and heavy metals found in conventional plasticizers, made with a minimum of 18% renewable vegetable content, and certified by both Green Label Plus™ and GreenGuard®. Because the woven vinyl is so durable, it also offers exceptional longevity. Chilewich textiles (which are made entirely in the U.S.) are designed to last not just for years, but for decades — even with daily use. No machine washing is necessary to keep them clean, which further contributes to the brand’s focus on minimizing environmental impacts.

Bringing Depth to Surfaces
The range of practical applications of Chilewich’s materials are impressive, and just as much attention to detail goes into the design of each product. The brand is known for its innovative, multi-tonal patterns and these products bring inviting color and texture to your home while giving each space a more personalized feel.

At Unison, we offer a selection of distinctive Chilewich products for the home. The Signal Twilight Placemat features bold, geometric patterns in deep, rich hues, while the Mesa Marble Placemat mimics the look of textured linen in soft, neutral tan tones. For the floor, durable Chilewich doormats, utility mats and runners are available in two versatile colorways. The Fade collection features a soft gray ombré effect, while the Domino collection is characterized by a higher-contrast cascading stripe pattern in black and white.

Shop The Chilewich Collection

 

 

A high-quality design is one that has lasting resonance. It’s eye-catching yet classic, and it has a unique visual appeal that stands the test of time.

At Unison, we’re proud to have two beautiful patterns that meet these exacting standards: Larch and Porter. Each of these patterns is original to Unison and has a fascinating design story. And though they feature very different looks, they both make wonderful additions to our bedding collection and other Unison designs.

Larch: An Organic Print with a Personal Touch

Of all the modern designs at Unison, none are as personal to our history as the Larch pattern. Its history connects directly to that of Unison’s co-founders Robert and Alicia Segal. In fact, the Larch print is based on a photograph that Alicia took while enjoying a nature walk at the family farm in Wisconsin.

The crisp air of early spring set the stage. New buds hadn’t yet emerged on the branches, which allowed for clear views of each tree’s tangled branches. One particular tree, a Tamarack, caught Alicia’s eye. As a trained photographer, she could see a striking composition with the silhouette of the branches against a pale gray sky.

The photo she captured in that moment would go on to become a Unison classic. But first, the design duo had to determine the best way to utilize this distinctive image. A solarized treatment was considered to retain the photographic quality. However, a simpler approach was deemed a better fit in order to emphasize the organic lines and create a pattern with longevity in mind.

The tree branch silhouette was abstracted and translated into a large-scale design. The image could be easily worked into a repeat pattern without sacrificing its natural, untamed appearance. In addition, the silhouette design allowed for a variety of colorways to reflect how the colors of the tree shifted through the seasons.

Although the Larch print is original to Unison, it has made quite an impact in the design world. At a time when Unison was still quite unknown, it was featured on the cover of the CB2 catalog as Teal bedding through their collaboration. When Unison introduced the Plum colorway as bedding in 2010, it caught the attention of architect Christopher Deam, husband of Dwell Magazine founder Lara Deam. Larch Plum bedding was selected as a design package offered in new Airstream interiors, which Christopher was designing at the time.

Porter: Tailored Stripes for a Dapper Look

The backstory behind our sophisticated Porter print derived from another pattern in Unison’s debut bedding collection: Pinstripe. The Pinstripe print focused on a dark, saturated background in a single color. Bold white stripes stretched across horizontally, creating a high-contrast effect.

Although the Pinstripe print was popular, Alicia and Robert sought to create a design that inverted this color distribution for a softer appearance. The new pattern featured very fine lines in tight repetition across a classic ivory background. At first, a name proved elusive. Taking inspiration from the Pinstripe moniker, the sensibility of shirting and suit fabrics came to mind, along with a nostalgic past of sophisticated urban movement. As such, the name Porter emerged.

The Porter design provides the perfect blend of timeless vintage inspiration and modern simplicity. Although the striped print appears neat and tailored, it doesn’t look formal or stuffy. The lines can be arranged in different orientations for a subtle contrast, like in the vertically striped sheets paired with horizontally striped pillowcases.

Porter has become one of the most iconic and timeless patterns at Unison. This core pattern is incredibly versatile and practical while still bringing a fresh aesthetic to any space. In addition to bedding, it has been featured on aprons, napkins, placemats and tablecloths.

Modern Bedding Designs

Both Larch and Porter have remained relevant in the years since their introduction. They’ve been reimagined in new colorways and can be mixed and matched with other prints to create an eye-catching combination. Today, you’ll find these patterns on a variety of our high-quality bedding products, including duvet covers, throw blankets, pillowcases and sheets.

 

 

“Objects should never shout.”

Uttered in a rare interview, these words concisely sum up the value and purpose of Jasper Morrison’s creations. As a designer, Morrison is best known for his ultra-minimalist approach to everything from furniture and lighting to everyday products.

That isn’t to say that Morrison’s designs are lacking in necessary features and functions. Each piece has been carefully constructed to not only look beautiful, but also to serve a practical purpose. However, it’s his commitment to visual simplicity which allows Morrison’s designs to fit seamlessly into any space.

Morrison’s Design Journey

Born in London, Jasper Morrison became dedicated to a career in design from an early age. After studying at the Kingston Polytechnic Design School and the Royal College of Art in the early 1980s, he opened his Office for Design in London. By that time, he had already developed some remarkably innovative designs, including the imaginative Handlebar Table and his iconic Thinking Man’s Chair.

As he launched new designs from his base in London, Morrison’s design philosophy crystallized further. The Plywood Chair, launched in 1988, has an extremely simplified, almost barebones silhouette. However, the unique seat creates a kind of cushioning effect, proving that a minimalist, “honest” design didn’t necessitate the sacrifice of comfort or usability.

Morrison’s design mission has been described as “to produce everyday objects for everyone’s use, make things lighter not heavier, softer not harder, inclusive rather than exclusive, generate energy, light and space.” In all of his designs, including dinnerware, furniture and even door handles, Morrison strives to achieve an improved version of classic, timeless objects. He doesn’t aim to reinvent them, however. Instead, he works to enhance their form and function by stripping them down to the most basic — and most beautiful — intrinsic qualities.

Timeless Furniture

Besides his independent innovations, Morrison has designed furniture and products for companies like Emeco, Vitra, Flos, Muji and Alessi. Among his most notable designs are the Emeco Alfi Reclaimed Work Chair and the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair, each of which offers a fresh, streamlined take on a classic chair style.

The Alfi Reclaimed Work Chair removes the excess bulk seen in many of today’s desk chairs. Optimized for productivity and comfort, the chair exhibits a thin, sleek silhouette. The gentle curves which make it comfortable to sit in for hours at a time are subtle and refined. Although it has most of the bells and whistles that make for a quality, versatile work chair — a durable swivel base, gas shock seat suspension, adjustable seat height and smooth-rolling multi-surface casters — these features have been artfully incorporated for a pared-down appearance.

With the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair, Morrison puts his own spin on an iconic design. Inspired by Emeco’s 1006 Navy Chair, it features a similarly simplified silhouette with an eye toward long-lasting durability. Morrison’s chair has a solid back with a softer, more rounded shape. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair features a convenient stackable design and comes in classic neutral tones that effortlessly complement its surroundings.

Both of these chairs take a sustainable approach to design that aligns with Morrison’s goal of improving upon well-established product concepts. To create the Alfi Chair, 100% recycled polypropylene is combined with mixed wood fiber, which is then molded to form the smoothly curved seat.

The 1 Inch Reclaimed Stacking Chair is crafted from recycled wood-filled polypropylene (WPP), an eco-friendly material that drastically reduces the environmental impact of furniture production by transforming lumber yard and industrial off-cuts and into a high-quality, ultra-durable composite.

With extreme attention to detail and a refined design, every Jasper Morrison piece is a timeless work of art that doubles as a practical addition to your home.

 

 

A souvenir found on one of your travels can add an eye-catching accessory to a bookshelf or mantel. An ornate serving piece will wow your dinner party guests. But the central pieces in your home deserve to be just as beautiful, and the way they weave themselves into your everyday life can make them even more meaningful.

Ethnicraft offers these types of home essentials featuring simple, refined designs, quality materials and superior craftsmanship. A strong commitment to sustainability also ensures that the company prioritizes environmental concerns every step of the way. Learn more about Ethnicraft as well as two of their masterful home furniture designs: the Air Oak Dining Table and Bok Oak Dining Chair.

Foundations for Your Home
Ethnicraft was founded in Antwerp, Belgium over 25 years ago. Cofounders Benoit Loos and Philippe Delaisse used their creative expertise to carve out the unique identity of the company.

The combination of form and function is Ethnicraft’s driving force, ensuring that each piece is elegant and inviting while also providing practical uses and versatility in the home. In addition, Loos and Delaisse purposefully select materials that bring warmth to family spaces. Many of their creations, like dining tables and chairs, are the foundational items you see, touch and use every single day. Ethnicraft’s philosophy is that these pieces should be beautiful, inspiring and full of character — especially because they inevitably become incorporated into the memories and meaning of your life.

Good design is the basis for every Ethnicraft creation, which means that pieces are made with high-quality materials. Thanks to outstanding craftsmanship, their home furniture and accessories are made to last and age beautifully over time.

This is a natural convergence with the company’s sustainable practices, with longer product life spans ultimately leading to less overall consumption. Ethnicraft also uses wood from sustainably managed forests, which helps to protect local ecosystems and ensure the availability of high-quality timber for future generations.

Timeless Dining Furniture
The Air Oak Dining Table from Ethnicraft is a beautiful example of the company’s values put into action. It showcases simple, crisp lines and appears light and airy to the eye. It also features a strong, sturdy design with impressive durability thanks to the inner MDF core and steel rod-reinforced legs.

When you take a closer look at the table, the exceptional craftsmanship is evident. Small touches like rounded beveled edges and curved mitered corners at the legs add elegant details, and the lightly pigmented matte finish enhances the white oak wood’s natural grain. Available in three lengths (55″, 79″ and 94″), it functions beautifully as a kitchen table where morning coffees are sipped, a gathering point for family meals and board games or a dining room fixture fit for entertaining.

Ethnicraft’s Bok Oak Dining Chair is the perfect pairing for this piece. Like the Air Oak Dining Table, it features beautiful white oak with visible grain. The hardwax oil finish and solid wood construction add to the durability of the design, and the smooth, sculpted silhouette complements the table’s minimalist shape.
The distinctive lines of the chair are worthy of admiration, combining a comfortable curved back with gracefully angled legs and a beveled seat. The unnecessary bulk has been carved away, leaving behind an artful shape that’s immediately inviting.

In keeping with the company’s environmentally friendly approach, Ethnicraft furniture is produced with a no-waste philosophy. All off-cuts and scraps are used for other purposes. Sawdust is utilized as fuel for drying ovens or compressed to make pellets, while larger wood pieces are repurposed to create box joints. These sustainable processes align with the original vision that Loos and Delaisse had for Ethnicraft from the very beginning.

Shop The Ethnicraft Collection

 

 

The beautiful grain of white oak. The effortless elegance of ceramic. The soft texture of linen. Every material has its unique allure, and cork is no exception. We’re excited to share what makes cork so special — along with an introduction of our exclusive Centerpiece Cork Bowl and Tray.

Where Does Cork Come From?
Grown primarily in Portugal, Spain and other countries along the western shores of the Mediterranean Sea, cork trees thrive in a warm coastal region with abundant sunshine and moist soil. And since only the thick, spongy bark needs to be removed to harvest cork, these tall evergreen trees can provide a continuous supply over decades or even centuries.

Once cork trees reach the age of around 25, harvesters carefully remove the bark. This extraction method is 100% safe for the tree and can be repeated in cycles every 9 to 10 years. A cork tree can live for 180 to 200 years, allowing for about 15 to 20 extractions over its lifespan.

Extraction is just the beginning of the journey for cork. Post-harvest, cork bark is placed between cement slabs for six months. The cork is then boiled to sterilize and soften the material before being shaped into the desired product.

Cork’s Eco-Friendly Features
The way that cork is harvested is certainly one of its primary benefits in terms of sustainability. Cork is a 100% natural, renewable resource that contributes to an important ecological environment in western Mediterranean countries. It’s also biodegradable, recyclable and reusable.

An eco-friendly approach is used for cork processing, which operates with little to no waste. In fact, many cork-base products for industry and domestic use are created using the discarded pieces from cork stoppers and other cork waste. Leftover fragments are ground down into grains and repurposed for all kinds of cork products.

The ground cork is packed into molds and pressed into shape by hydraulic force without the use of chemicals or glues. Pressure and high-heat steam is all that’s needed to allow the natural resins in the granules to release and stick together, creating agglomerated cork blocks. These blocks are then cut and shaped to create all sorts of products.

Centerpiece Cork Bowls and Trays
The Centerpiece Cork Bowl and Tray, which are made in Portugal with locally grown cork, combine form and function to bring out the very best that this material has to offer. The cork’s warm, natural tone serves as an attractive element in any home, and the organic, minimalist shapes of these pieces are simple and timeless.

The bowl has smooth sculpted curves, while the tray serving platter features a subtle raised edge. Each of these designs is also conveniently practical for serving and dining purposes. Its naturally antimicrobial and water-repellent properties help to keep produce fresher longer and prevent pesky fruit flies from swarming.

Keep healthy snacks on hand by filling the Centerpiece Cork Bowl fruits and veggies. On the Centerpiece Cork Tray, pile up pastries and bagels for a breakfast spread. The combination of fresh foods and cork’s natural beauty creates an inviting display on any table or countertop.

Shop The Centerpiece Cork Collection

 

 

At Unison, we love to feature items that can be passed down from generation to generation due to their timeless design. So, it only makes sense that we partnered with Crow Canyon. Their modern enamelware is designed to stand the test of time while also bringing a beautiful accent to any meal.

A Women-Owned Business with Purpose
With Owner and President Cara Barde at the helm, Crow Canyon is a proud women-owned and operated small business based in Northern California. Founded in 1977, the company’s name derives from a former headquarters on Crow Canyon Road in San Ramon, California. Many of Barde’s family members work alongside her, which brings a personal, meaningful approach to the company’s designs and helps to underscore their values-driven mission.

That mission revolves around sustainability, focusing on a zero-waste philosophy. Crow Canyon’s eco-friendly enamelware is incredibly durable and holds up beautifully decade after decade. Because these pieces are so well-made, they reduce unnecessary waste. Crow Canyon enamelware is designed to last, which makes each piece certain to become a mainstay in your family’s mealtime routine.

Functional, Effortless and Fun
All of Crow Canyon’s enamelware pieces are made using centuries-old craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The process begins when porcelain is carefully fused onto steel to create a hardwearing, shatterproof base.

The lightweight pieces are then dipped by hand to add multiple coats for a smooth finish. In many cases, artistic splashes of color, fun patterns or detailed illustrations are added to the exterior for a fresh, distinctive look. Even if they become chipped, Crow Canyon products are still completely food safe, and they’re easy to clean and oven safe.

The versatile functionality and reliable durability of this enamelware allows for easy indoor and outdoor dining. In fact, the porcelain-coated steel base is designed to stand up to high heat, which means that bowls, trays and pans can be effortlessly popped into the oven or warmed over the fire without causing any damage. With an array of simple, minimalist designs and eye-catching patterns and colors, Crow Canyon makes it easy to bring a beautiful and fun touch to the dining table or picnic table.

Crow Canyon at Unison
Some of Crow Canyon’s most iconic and inspired designs can be found at Unison. The brand’s Splatter Enamelware Collection features hand-splattered dots which have been applied by skilled artisans, making each tray and bowl one-of-a-kind. The bold hues and attention-grabbing speckles make for a showstopper on any table, and the high-sided tray is a favorite for making homemade deep-dish pan pizzas. The Splatter Bowls include a larger size suited for crisp salads or buttered popcorn as well as a smaller serve bowl for side salads, afternoon snacks, cereal and more.

In keeping with their California roots, Crow Canyon also has a collection of Rainbow Falls Enamelware. Featuring a pattern inspired by the contrasting beauty found at Rainbow Falls in Mammoth Lakes, each tray in this series is accented by vibrant splashes of red, green, blue and yellow.

Crow Canyon Enamelware is designed to become your go-to for family meals gathered around the dinner table, casual backyard barbecues with friends, camping adventures in the woods and much more. Easy to use and care for, these high-quality pieces are still beautiful enough to take center stage at your table.