Lonny, May 2022
It’s always a great time to support Asian-American and Pacific Islander (or AAPI) brands — but all the better now, as May marks the start of AAPI Heritage Month. This time pays tribute to the AAPI community, who have and continue to bring rich contributions to our lives, from art to technology to, of course, the home.
This year, there’s particular precedent to support AAPI brands, as the pandemic not only saw physical violence increase against the community but also caused significant losses to Asian-owned businesses. By purchasing from AAPI brands, you’re voting with your wallet in a sense. It helps create equity, build generational wealth, and dispel the model minority myth — a harmful stereotype that Asians are universally successful, ignoring many issues of poverty and racism that they face.
Of course, there are a slew of AAPI-owned brands in the home and lifestyle space to support. So, we’ve rounded up our favorites that are worth buying from now and always. Whether you’re looking for sleek cookware, sustainable furniture, or plush bedding, these picks offer all you need in style and function — while supporting the community.
This year, there’s particular precedent to support AAPI brands, as the pandemic not only saw physical violence increase against the community but also caused significant losses to Asian-owned businesses. By purchasing from AAPI brands, you’re voting with your wallet in a sense. It helps create equity, build generational wealth, and dispel the model minority myth — a harmful stereotype that Asians are universally successful, ignoring many issues of poverty and racism that they face.
Of course, there are a slew of AAPI-owned brands in the home and lifestyle space to support. So, we’ve rounded up our favorites that are worth buying from now and always. Whether you’re looking for sleek cookware, sustainable furniture, or plush bedding, these picks offer all you need in style and function — while supporting the community.
Courtesy of Cuyana.
Cuyana has a stunning collection of timeless wardrobe staples that are made to last. Offering everything from mini leather backpacks to dreamy silk dresses, the pieces seamlessly flatter any individual. They’re ideal for seasonal closet updates and capsule wardrobes alike. Plus, the company focuses on heritage craftsmanship and sustainability as a commitment to ethical production in the fashion space.
Cuyana Top Handle Crossbody Bag, $248, Cuyana.
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Cuyana Top Handle Crossbody Bag, $248, Cuyana.
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Courtesy of Our Place.
In case you haven’t already seen their pots and pans all over your feed, Our Place’s viral cookware is hard to beat. The company is best known for its Always Pan and Perfect Pot — two stylish, multi-functional pieces that can braise, fry, and saute meals to your heart’s desire. Founded by social activist and former CEO of the Malala Fund, Shiza Shahid applies similar mission-based principals to Our Place by providing fresh, healthy food to South LA in partnership with the Los Angeles Food Policy Council.
Our Place Always Pan, $145, Our Place.
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Our Place Always Pan, $145, Our Place.
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Courtesy of Cadence.
Founded by Steph Hon, Cadence offers customizable, leakproof containers called “capsules'' that magnetically stick together. Essentially, it optimizes your products for any on-the-go activity, whether commuting to work or flying across the world. With five stars and over 1,300 reviews, the product has garnered a cult-following that is rightfully deserved. Plus, the company reuses ocean-bound plastic in its manufacturing and has 100 percent recyclable packaging.
Cadence Build Your Six, $74, Cadence.
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Cadence Build Your Six, $74, Cadence.
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Courtesy of The Sill.
If you’re trying to become a new plant parent or simply want to add to your collection, The Sill has you covered. The site offers a plethora of plants, planters, and bouquets catered to your lifestyle and delivered straight to your door. You can also choose a subscription to get a plant and planter each month. For those with furry friends, The Sill has a variety of pet-friendly options, too.
The Sill Classic Plant Subscription, $50, The Sill.
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The Sill Classic Plant Subscription, $50, The Sill.
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Courtesy of Material.
The co-founders of Material were inspired by their Korean and Vietnamese upbringings of cooking and eating with family. Hence, they offer high-quality products that make up an ideal “home cook’s toolkit,” including knives, cookware, tabletop items, and more. Their new bap and breakfast bowls are particularly covetable, crafted from natural Korean soils and hand-finished for a one-of-a-kind kind look. The cherry on top? Material’s products are intentionally crafted based on necessity rather than excess, preventing waste build-up in landfills.
Material The Breakfast Bowl, $50, Material.
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Material The Breakfast Bowl, $50, Material.
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Courtesy of Soft-geometry.
Soft-geometry crafts playful, statement-making furnishings and home goods based on the theme of softness — whether soft curves, soft materials, or soft edges. Think: caramel-hued donut coffee tables and pastel, tubular lamps. Co-founders Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary infuse craft-traditions from India into each piece, blending age-old design techniques with modern imagination for a truly unique feel. The duo grew up in India, and now work out of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Soft-geometry Elio Lamp, $1,200, Soft-geometry.
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Soft-geometry Elio Lamp, $1,200, Soft-geometry.
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Courtesy of Sabai.
Sabai creates beautiful, sustainable furniture that’s as good for you (and your wallet) as it is for the planet. Choose from full sectionals clad in green velvet or comfy chairs made from upcycled fibers. Each piece is crafted in a family owned factory in High Point, North Carolina to ensure quality and support local communities. As a bonus, the furniture is intentionally made to be customizable and easy to assemble.
Sabai The Essential Ottoman, $395, Sabai.
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Sabai The Essential Ottoman, $395, Sabai.
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Courtesy of Saatva.
Saatva’s bedroom staples are a sure way to better night’s sleep. Co-founded by Ricky Joshi, the company hand-crafts high-quality mattresses that are made to order. Each uses eco-friendly foams, recycled coils, and sustainably-sourced latex, so it’s good for the planet, too. There are plenty of options to choose from — whether you’re looking for ultra-comfy memory foam, a hypoallergenic pick, or an active-cooling one for hot sleepers.
Saatva Classic Mattress, $1,495, Saatva.
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Saatva Classic Mattress, $1,495, Saatva.
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Courtesy of Morrow Soft Goods.
Once you’ve gotten your mattress, head to Morrow for the coziest of bedding and more. Nature is the strongest source of inspiration for the founders, who lean toward earth tones, natural materials, and organic patterns in their designs. They also keep their product offering small to eliminate excess, and create material that is made to last. Most of their bedding is made from linen, which gets softer with each wash and is naturally temperature-regulating. Check out their sleepwear, too, for an extra treat.
Morrow Soft Goods Classic Sheet Set, $275, Morrow Soft Goods.
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Morrow Soft Goods Classic Sheet Set, $275, Morrow Soft Goods.
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Courtesy of Grovemade.
Streamline and beautify your WFH setup with Grovemade’s sleek office essentials. CEO and co-founder Ken Tomita started the company with friend Joe Mansfield a decade ago as a way to “make cool stuff and have fun doing it,” and the brand has since expanded to have global reach. The collection includes everything from a wrist rest to laptop stands and more, all set in moody hues and oaky wood tones.
Grovemade Wood Laptop Stand, $170, Grovemade.
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Grovemade Wood Laptop Stand, $170, Grovemade.
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Courtesy of SIN.
Brooklyn-based designer Virginia Sin founded SIN in 2007 to imagine beautiful designs and make them a reality. Her work has since gained acclaim, with each piece aimed to bring joy and warmth to the home through playful silhouettes. Standouts include speckled, curvy candleholders and terracotta lunar pendants. Sin is currently focused on using ceramic coils as a vehicle for her designs, whether in a loopy toothbrush holder or pronged fruit bowl.
SIN Prong Fruit Bowl, $64, Virginia Sin.
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SIN Prong Fruit Bowl, $64, Virginia Sin.
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Courtesy of Anyday.
Anyday offers microwave-cooking essentials that result in fast homemade meals and perfectly cooked food. The dishware is 100 percent plastic-free, crafted from frosted borosilicate glass that is dishwasher safe. They are the perfect vessels to whip up last-minute breakfasts and dinner-party meals alike — your guests won’t even tell the difference. A variety sizes are offered, whether you’re looking to cook up juicy meats, steam veggies, or dig into gooey desserts. Plus, the secure lid ensures minimal mess.
Anyday The Complete Set, $150, Anyday.
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Anyday The Complete Set, $150, Anyday.
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Courtesy of Debbie Carlos Studio.
Debbie Carlos is a ceramicist and photographer based in Michigan. Her work is inspired by land and architecture, experimenting with form and materials to create unexpectedly beautiful — and practical — objects. Her online shop includes pond vases, hand-painted cruets, and funky geometric spoons. Each is sure to bring delight to the dinner table. For those that partake, Carlos also offers a range of stylish smokeware.
Debbie Carlos Studio Ilog Candle Holder, $36, Debbie Carlos Studio.
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Debbie Carlos Studio Ilog Candle Holder, $36, Debbie Carlos Studio.
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Courtesy of Sijo.
Sijo is another bedding and sleepwear brand that has gained a cult-following. The founders seek to innovate textiles in ways that haven’t been explored to promote rest and help the planet. Their collection features silky soft eucalyptus sheets, fluffy comforters, and more. Using technology, the makers have crafted the material to even maintain optimal body temperature — ensuring a comfortable and luxurious snooze for all.
Sijo Eucalyptus Bedding Bundle, $250, Sijo.
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Sijo Eucalyptus Bedding Bundle, $250, Sijo.
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Courtesy of Cravings by Chrissy Teigen.
The one-and-only Chrissy Teigen might be known for her indulgently delicious recipes, but she also offers plenty of kitchen accessories to help cook them at her shop Cravings. From enamel braisers that result in slow-cooked comfort food to peach-hued pitchers, each is something that will instantly upgrade your home cooking and impress guests for years to come. Of course, you can buy Teigen’s cookbook and a robe (that she infamously likes wearing in the kitchen) to top it off.
Cravings by Chrissy Teigen The Fresh Plate Shallow Bowls, $32, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen.
Cravings by Chrissy Teigen The Fresh Plate Shallow Bowls, $32, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen.
