Selamat Designs is a company that specializes in furniture, home décor, and accessories that are inspired by traditional handicrafts from around the world. Based in San Francisco, Selamat Designs was founded in 1988 by a husband-and-wife team, Thatcher and Shannon Davis, who were inspired by their travels in Indonesia.
Over the years, Selamat Designs has evolved to include a wide range of products that incorporate traditional techniques and materials, but with a modern twist. From handwoven rattan chairs to graphic ikat pillows, Selamat Designs offers a fresh take on classic styles.
Thatcher and Shannon Davis were first inspired by the traditional handicrafts of Indonesia, where they spent time studying and working with local artisans. They were struck by the beauty and authenticity of the crafts, and wanted to bring that same aesthetic to a wider audience.
As they started their company, the Davis’s expanded their focus to include other regions around the world, such as India, Thailand, and the Philippines. They were particularly drawn to the use of natural materials such as rattan, teak, and bamboo, which are prevalent in many traditional crafts.
The Selamat Designs collection includes a wide range of products that span furniture, lighting, accessories, and home décor. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and materials, but with a modern design sensibility.
One of the signature products in the Selamat Designs collection is the rattan chair. These chairs are made by hand using natural rattan fibers, and are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the chairs incorporate colorful accents, such as navy blue or emerald green, to give them a modern twist.
Another popular product line is the ikat pillows. Ikat is a traditional dyeing technique that produces a graphic, abstract pattern. Selamat Designs incorporates ikat into their pillow designs in a way that feels fresh and modern.
The Selamat Designs collection also includes a range of lighting options, including chandeliers and pendant lamps. These pieces are made using natural materials such as teak and rattan, but are designed to appeal to a modern aesthetic.
Selamat Designs is committed to sustainability and social responsibility in all aspects of their business. They work directly with artisans and craftspeople, paying fair wages and ensuring safe working conditions.
In addition, Selamat Designs sources their materials from sustainable sources, such as certified teak plantations. They also use eco-friendly materials, such as water-based finishes and dyes.
As Selamat Designs looks to the future, they remain committed to their core values of craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability. They continue to seek out new sources of inspiration from around the world, and to experiment with new materials and design techniques.
One area of focus for Selamat Designs in the coming years is the use of technology to streamline and improve their design and production processes. With the goal of creating a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, Selamat Designs is exploring new tools and techniques that will allow them to bring their products to market more quickly and with less waste.
Selamat Designs is a company that has built its reputation on a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and social responsibility. Their products are a beautiful fusion of traditional techniques and modern design, and their commitment to sustainability is a model for other companies to follow. Whether you’re in the market for a new piece of furniture or just looking for some inspiration for your home décor, Selamat Designs is worth checking out.