Their style and craft are second to none.
We all want our homes to “have character,” and one way to do that is to source and buy pieces from within our own communities. Whether that’s investing in a handmade vase from your local ceramicist, thrifting new frames from a mom-and-pop-owned store, or even commissioning art from one of your favorite artists, spending your money on products from independent makers and small businesses makes all the difference. As a Chinese American design editor, it’s important to me to have decor in my own apartment that reflects my community, and luckily, there is no shortage of AAPI-owned home stores out there.
While I do like to pop into a shop and browse the products in person, in this day and age, you can easily buy anything you want online—which means no matter where you live, you can discover and support the 18 brands I love, below. (Of course, this list is just a start to the wide variety of AAPI home stores out there.) You’ll find the goods touch on every design category possible, from lighting to glassware to furniture to art to decorative accents that complete your space. There’s no shortage of talent here.
Glasvin
Founded by David Kong, Glasvin is known for its ultra-light, handblown vessels. Each piece is crafted from lead-free crystal and designed to enhance aroma, balance, and overall drinking experience.
All my wine and whiskey glasses are from Glasvin because I love how delicate they are. I feel fancy drinking out of them, even if I’m just in my pajamas on a Friday night. Whenever I break these out for my guests, everyone’s impressed by the weight and durability. None of my glasses have shattered in the dishwasher, and I’ve had my set for years now. I’ve dined at a few Michelin restaurants, too, and noticed they use Glasvin, which makes me feel extra fancy.
In Common With
Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba founded this lighting design studio in 2018. The duo specializes in meticulously crafted flush mounts, pendants, and more with an art-like quality. Every piece makes a statement, no matter what room it’s in. The brand recently launched its Lido Series, the studio’s first collection made in Murano in partnership with Venetian glass atelier Laguna~B. You can shop for the drinking glasses (limited time only) and lighting right now. Pro tip: if you live in NYC or are visiting, pop into their concept shop Quarters and leave with some goodies, plus endless design inspiration.
Filterbaby
If you haven’t heard of the viral faucet and shower filter brand, let us introduce you. Founder Xin Shui launched it back in 2022, and since then, the company has amassed a loyal following of beauty and skincare gurus. The pretty filters are designed to remove 94 to 99 percent of chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals like lead and copper, microplastics, and dirt from your water, so your skin health improves. For those who are both into design and skincare-obsessed, you need to try this filter.
ettitude
When ettitude founder and CEO Phoebe Yu couldn't find luxe, sustainable, and functional home goods on the market, she launched her own. Fast forward over a decade, and ettitude’s bedding and bath collections have become an editor favorite.
I use their bamboo duvet cover in the summertime with my down comforter, so that I feel warm but am not overheating. Did you know you can use your HSA/FSA on the bedding, too? That’s a win in my book.
PERN BAAN
This Thai American furniture and lighting brand was founded by Robert Sukrachand, a designer, craftsperson, and photographer. “PERN BAAN” translates to “the friends of our home.” Sukrachand’s brand offers artisan home goods designed in New York City and Thailand. This is the spot for sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces that’ll have everyone asking, where did you buy that?
Diaspora Co.
Sana Javeri Kadri founded Diaspora Co. in 2017 to create a more equitable, sustainable, and direct-trade spice supply chain by partnering with farmers in India and Sri Lanka. The company recently teamed up with Kashmir-based brand Pyaala to create these nostalgic, collectible cookie tins.
"Diaspora Co.’s spices have completely leveled up my kitchen, and it’s not just because of how fresh and complex they taste. They’re committed to having your kitchen look as vibrant as your cooking tastes,” Associate Editor Janae McKenzie says. “Their colorful spice tins, pepper mills, mortar and pestle, and tea towels all make my home feel like my grandmother’s. Growing up, a core memory with my mother and grandmothers was finding the shortbread cookie tin that held anything but cookies. It always became repurposed for sewing or braiding supplies, and it was a staple in our home, as it is in many black and brown households. I love Diaspora Co.'s love letter to that in the Midnight Garden cookie tin. Each tin is hand-painted with striking, beautiful florals, and it’s meaningful kitchen decor to last long after the biscuits inside are finished.”
LIKHÂ
LIKHÂ founder Nathalie Lim first gained attention for her charming dog-themed planters, but the brand has since grown to include a wide range of handwoven home decor, kitchen staples, and accessories. Each piece is made by Filipino artisans, and the brand prioritizes sustainable materials while keeping prices accessible and ensuring artisans receive fair compensation.
Blueland
For cleaning products that help more than harm the environment, check out Sarah Paiji’s Blueland. It sells eco-friendly cleaning products designed to eliminate single-use plastic through refillable spray bottles, hand soaps, and detergent tablets made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients.
Verloop
All of Ella Lim’s products, whether it be a throw pillow for your couch or a pair of cozy socks for your feet, are colorful and crafted from deadstock yarn. The process helps to keep yarn out of landfills and supports a family-owned factory in the Philippines, where the products are made.
Jung Lee NY
Nothing beats browsing a tastemaker’s curation of home goods, and Jung Lee has an eye for it. After years of planning the most lavish and intimate events for her clients, Lee opened up her own store, both in NYC and online, offering everything one needs to entertain and gift to hosts. You can find brands from Hermès to L’Objet to Sabre to Georg Jensen.
Sabai
Looking for a high-quality sofa or chair that’s nontoxic and made from sustainable materials like recycled velvet and hemp? Turn to Sabai, founded by Phantila Phataraprasit. The brand is known for its variety of modular sofas, sectionals, chairs, and ottomans. Every piece is made to order, ensuring there isn’t excess waste, in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan.
Wing on Wo & Co.
If you can’t make it in person to one of the oldest home stores in New York City’s Chinatown to shop (it’s been around since the 1890s!), not to worry, as Wing on Wo & Co. offers its products online, too. You can find a variety of decorative accents from dishware to cups to display plates to planters to unique ceramics by Asian artists. I bought Lady Tang plates from here, and they’re such a fun, whimsical piece to have on your windowsill or console table.
Outer
This California-based outdoor furniture brand makes premium patio pieces from chic sectionals to dining sets to even fire pits. You can expect durable, modular pieces with an emphasis on craftsmanship, using recycled materials for that eco-friendly touch. Fun fact: you may have spotted the founders, Jiake Liu and Terry Lin, pitching Outer on Shark Tank back in 2019.
SIN
Brooklyn-based brand SIN, founded by Virginia Sin, has developed a devoted fan following for her minimalist, sculptural ceramics that merge function with beauty. Some standout pieces we love from the brand include her viral candelabra, bookends, sconces, and lamps.
Hudson Wilder
Hudson Wilder is a design-forward home goods brand founded by Conway C. Liao, known for modern tabletop essentials that elevate everyday living.
Jaipur Living
The home decor brand needs no introduction, as it has been around since 1978, but for those who aren’t too familiar with its product offerings, know that you can buy just about any kind of high-quality rug from Jaipur Living. The pieces are handcrafted by the brand’s community of 40,000+ skilled artisans.
Arlina Cai
Arlina Cai makes the dreamiest acrylic on canvas creations, and depending on what colors she uses, the piece can read moody and melancholic or bright and happy. I’ve been on the hunt for unique art, and Cai’s work is at the top of my wishlist.
Society Social
Named one of House Beautiful’s Best Home Stores in America, Society Social was founded in 2011 by Filipino American Roxy Te, who adapted artisan techniques from the Philippines to her trademark grasscloth and rattan items. The brand sells a cheerful array of furniture, accessories, tabletop decor, and more. It also offers design services so you can build out the room of your dreams.
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