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Collection by Diana Budds

The Retailers of American-Made Design: The Commons

Erin Connelly and Kerry Clark Speake are co-founders of The-Commons, a site that sells American-made home wares. We chatted with the duo to hear their thoughts on what it's like to work with local makers.

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What everyday item would you like to see made domestically? We’d be really excited to see utilitarian objects that are often overlooked by the design community: soap dispensers, brooms, pens, and even the humble trash can. Muji does this well, and we’d like to see the American approach. Blackline Step Stool by Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co., $350.
What everyday item would you like to see made domestically? We’d be really excited to see utilitarian objects that are often overlooked by the design community: soap dispensers, brooms, pens, and even the humble trash can. Muji does this well, and we’d like to see the American approach. Blackline Step Stool by Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co., $350.
What do you wish was easier to make and source in the USA? Extremes exist in the production of home goods. There are either very small-scale artisans or established mass producers; our challenge is finding and supporting those who wish to operate somewhere in the middle. Mountain Bowl by Felt and Fat, $70.
What do you wish was easier to make and source in the USA? Extremes exist in the production of home goods. There are either very small-scale artisans or established mass producers; our challenge is finding and supporting those who wish to operate somewhere in the middle. Mountain Bowl by Felt and Fat, $70.
What American-made products are you tired of seeing? We based our business around what we did want to see just as much as what we didn’t. We chose to offer a hand-turned bowl that will be used every day versus an axe, which may not be built for everyday function. For us, it’s not a gimmick or a trend; it’s a movement to support and advance American craft. Coffee Mug and Espresso Mug by Len Carella, $48 and $28.
What American-made products are you tired of seeing? We based our business around what we did want to see just as much as what we didn’t. We chose to offer a hand-turned bowl that will be used every day versus an axe, which may not be built for everyday function. For us, it’s not a gimmick or a trend; it’s a movement to support and advance American craft. Coffee Mug and Espresso Mug by Len Carella, $48 and $28.
What’s your best seller? Our Nesting trivet set ($150) that can also be used as a fruit bowl. The response seems to come from the dual function, the story of collaborating with Arrowhead, and the beauty of the design.
What’s your best seller? Our Nesting trivet set ($150) that can also be used as a fruit bowl. The response seems to come from the dual function, the story of collaborating with Arrowhead, and the beauty of the design.