About Ouno - High Design and Green
Ouno Design is committed to high-end design that is also future-friendly and sustainable, and we're part of the handmade revolution in modern interior decor.
Ouno (pronounced "OO-no") makes one-of-a-kind and limited-edition decor accessories - bags and fashion accessories for men and women, pillows, bedding, throws & blankets, floor cushions, rugs and wall hangings, sculptural objects and conversation pieces. Virtually all of our soft furnishings and accessories are "upcycled" from vintage materials and are hand-constructed in Vancouver, B.C. Our highest-quality vintage materials include antique and modern Japanese cottons and linens, mod 1960s and '70s European graphic prints, rough wool weaves, certain early synthetics, midcentury-modern woven textiles, and sheepskin and fur reclaimed from vintage coats. "Upcycling" is the recycling of older materials for newer, more deluxe purposes. On rare occasions we also use new organically produced textiles such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton.
In the tradition of West Coast Modernism, Ouno Design incorporates Scandinavian, Japanese and ancient design influences to bring warmth and natural texture to both modern and traditional decor. The Japanese aesthetic of "wabi sabi", which denotes simplicity, natural imperfection and the beauty of happenstance, is an influence. We think simplicity should not be cold or exclude fantasy, tactility and imagination. These qualities are too easily omitted in modern design and interiors. For some of our design influences click here.
The ancient name "Ouno" comes from both Finland and Japan, countries whose celebrated design, architecture and textile traditions we admire. Fittingly, in Japan Ouno is the name of both an ancient temple and a futuristic anime character.
Ouno Design is based out of the old Good Shepherd Mission, a converted church building in Vancouver. Ouno is the design partnership of Sarah Gee and Lindsay Brown.
About Our Materials & Methods
For a photo essay illustrating our methods, click here.
We only work with rare vintage textiles and second-hand furs in top condition. On rare occasions we use new sustainably-produced fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. For our pillows we don't use secondary backings; all our pillows have the same textile or fur on the front and back, except in rare circumstances. This distinguishes them from the vast majority of pillows on the market. Our fur products are entirely hand-constructed from clean materials salvaged from high-quality vintage fur coats. These are cleaned professionally. Our fur pillows are filled with 100% new feather inserts, but hypoallergenic foam is also available. When they become readily available we will be offering bamboo and other hypoallergenic and sustainable materials as fillings. Currently, many of these are unproven, prohibitively expensive and have to be transported over great distances.
Because our materials are largely vintage or recycled, variations in colour and patina should be expected. Without ever compromising our high standards of beauty and durability, we incorporate some natural fading, dye inconsistencies and other intrinsic elements of our materials into the finished product. Any major flaws or eccentricities will be noted in the description, and more detailed photographs of any item are available upon request.
Our Thoughts About the Use of Fur - click here
Caring For Your Fur
Ouno fur pillows, throws and accessories have been carefully constructed to last for many years, but please treat them gently. They should be kept away from sources of heat and damp. As with cashmere/wool products, avoid storage in dark places unless you plan to mothproof, and avoid attics, especially in summer. Avoid allowing perfume, hairspray, or makeup to come into direct contact with furs because the alcohol content in these products will dry the skins and stiffen the guard hairs. For minor spills on fur, you can try gently wiping surface spills with a faintly damp cloth (avoid soap, or use a mild face soap) at your own risk, but professional cleaning is always safer. For waxy stains like lipstick, always have your items professionally cleaned by a reputable furrier. Only a professional furrier should repair any small holes or tears. We will do repairs for a small fee. Pillow fights are not recommended, though your pillows will probably survive them.