i love discovering new home interior brands and its even more rewarding when you come across one that has such a strong commitment to social responsibility.
new online retailer happy + co‘s striking collection of unique and vibrant monochrome patterned prints adorn a range of cushions, tableware, bed linen – even furniture upholstery – but it’s not just about looking good at happy + co, it’s also about doing good.
we believe happiness starts at home. it’s a philosophy that informs all that we do and every product we design.
the brand is the brainchild of penny capper and her godfather, interior designer gary elton, who believe happiness starts at home.
for every product they sell through happy + co, 10% of the profit is invested back into the happy + co farm that elton established in 2014 in the cambodian province of siem reap, as a means to create employment opportunities for young people in the region.
today over 40 people are employed at the farm, planting, harvesting and marketing its produce, in addition to building and equipping greenhouses to allow for year-round harvesting, and every product purchased from happy + co helps support this enterprise. pretty awesome, right?
the icing on the cake is the fact that all the products really are hugely desirable. the collection of monochrome prints range from minimalist scandinavian geometrics to more bohemian tropical designs, such as the bondi and palm beach prints that i instantly fell for.
you don’t have to opt for the classic black and white combos either, as most of the prints are also available in marine blue, pebble stone or steel grey colourways.
as well as cushions in a multitude of sizes, crisp bedding and table linens, there are also the bunnies. oh my gosh, the bunnies. these adorable wooden creatures are handcrafted in bali and have such quirky characters it was all i could do not to buy myself up an entire family. i’ve managed to restrain myself.. for now!
there’s definitely something heartwarming about a design brand so keen on making a difference in the lives of those who help them craft their product.
to date the happy + co farm has already helped dara, a former tuk tuk driver, qualify as a chef; sompah, a young girl who supported her elderly parents, become a teacher; and sokha, a former hotel doorman, complete his business degree and become the manager of the happy + co farm.
i just wish more companies actively sought to have such a positive effect on the lives of those less fortunate.
this post was created in collaboration with happy + co. i only ever work with products and brands that i love and all opinions and photography are, as always, my own.
