Source: StyleWise.com, Leah
I was compensated for my time writing this post by Ten Thousand Villages, a company I've been supporting for over ten years.
Oh, Joanna. Who can know what combination of charm, good looks, doofy husband's antics, and business savvy led thousands of her show's - and now product empire's - loyal fans to trade out their perfectly reasonable drywall for splinter-risking Shiplap?
No matter how you feel about the Fixer Upper star's design aesthetic, there's something to be said for its distinctiveness. While I don't really do shabby chic, I appreciate that her precise combo of new and antique lends a certain homeyness to every house she redesigns. And, let's be honest, a huge part of the show's success has to do with the sweet, southern lifestyle she and her family portray. It's the lifestyle we're after.
Joanna and Chip Gaines' design brand, Magnolia Home, recently partnered with Target on Hearth & Hand*, a collection of artisan and antique-inspired home decor that would fit right into any Fixer Upper home makeover.
But you know what I found surprising? A lot of it - I mean, basically all of it - looks like something you could find on the fair trade market, and specifically at Ten Thousand Villages.
Ten Thousand Villages, above all, is known for their handcrafted decor items. The sorts of things that balance nostalgia with modern design - recalling the warmth of the hearth, but made by fairly paid hands.
Here are my picks for ethically sourced, artisan-first items that closely approximate the Hearth & Home look without the questionable sourcing...
Instead of the House Bud Vase
Clean House Ceramic Box, $18.99Instead of the Galvanized Container Candle
Bottle Beehive Wine Rack, $59.99
Instead of the Pressed Glass Photo Frame
Small Floating Frame, $24.99
Instead of the Carved Wood Decorative Bowl
Mango Wood Serving Board, $34.99
Instead of the Sugared Birch Pillar Candle
Warm Honey Candle, $12.99Instead of the Merry & Bright Framed Wall Art
Gather Cut Metal Wall Art, $29.99
Instead of the Embroidered Throw Blanket
Homespun Table Runner, $39.99
Instead of the Embroidered X Pattern Throw Pillow
Love Lives Here Pillow, $39.99
Our society, as of late, has been obsessed with seeking out the simple things.
But simple things aren't simple: they require effort, attention to detail, and labor. For only a few more dollars per item, we can choose fair trade. It may not feed your Target addiction, but it'll certainly have more meaning. That simple, sweet lifestyle is available to you, but only when you choose to add a little extra care to your shopping this season.
*I posted the Target link so you can do a style comparison, not to tempt you!
All photos via Ten Thousand Villages, used with permission.
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