How to decorate your new home and support a good cause

What does design and purchasing furniture and accessories for your new home have to do with contributing to the greater good? When we support companies that have a sense of social responsibility it can help bring about a change. We can support positive change around the world with our purchasing power.

Via Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn, a well-known furniture company with many store locations in Canada as well as the U.S. is one company that we look to for great products because they are doing their part to be the change. They sell indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, rugs, linens, and accessories. You will find Pottery Barn items in many of the models we design.

Pottery Barn is taking steps to become more efficient, cut their waste, and utilize responsible materials. They protect natural resources, promote conservation of natural forests and support local communities around the world.

Pottery Barn also partners with artisans in India and craftsmen in Brazil and Indonesia. They train and empower low-income men and women working in factories providing them with education on health and financial literacy.

They also choose responsible sources and partners that work to protect and restore critical ecosystems. And they donate to charities and have partnerships with nonprofit organizations that help developing countries.

Bath Tub Chair by Adam Fullerton

Adam Fullerton Creative Design and Upcycling specializes in using reclaimed materials to create custom lighting, furniture and signs. Just look at this bathtub he cut in half to create a chair.

Using reclaimed materials is sustainable as less goes to the landfill. He also works with different artisans around the world to create his furniture. His collection of work can be found at the Toronto Designers Market as well as Forever Interiors Furniture Manufacturing Co.

Via IKEA

IKEA wants to make a positive impact on the planet and is doing so with a sustainable strategy, turning waste into resources and creating energy saving products. That, along with great pricing and design, it’s no wonder their locations are always bustling!

IKEA has switched all of their lighting to LED to lower their environmental impact. LED lighting can be used in your existing light fittings and lasts up to 20 years. The company is also investing in renewable energy to exceed their needs by 2020. And they have installed electric vehicle charging stations at all their Canadian stores.

The IKEA Foundation donates tens of millions of dollars to charity every year, benefitting over 100 million children. IKEA also funds programs to empower and educate women. They work with UNICEF donating to fight child labour and provide shelter, care and education to refugees.

I purchase many items for the model homes we design at IKEA. It makes me feel good to know they are doing so much to help bring about a better world.

Jaipur Living fabricates beautiful rugs that are available at many different price points. The company empowers artisans by providing healthcare, literacy education, financial and legal support. They hold female empowerment seminars where the artisans learn entrepreneurial skills, and vocational training so the artisans can advance their weaving skills.

The products that their artisans create are rugs, pillows, throws and poufs. I look to Jaipur when sourcing rugs for clients. They provide job opportunities to women and children in India. The Jaipur Rugs Foundation affects over 40,000 artisans, helping them enhance their capacity to earn higher wages and own their own business. Jaipur defines its success as “an ongoing process of improvement, sustainability, quality and artistry.”

What are your thoughts on design related companies that have a social conscience? Would this influence where you purchase products for your home? You can learn more about these companies’ initiatives by following our Pinterest board.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.