EJP X Kalinko: '70s-Inspired Sustainable Homeware

At the start of the year, I talked about how sustainability was going to be central in interior design for 2022 as we all demand less waste, workers paid a decent wage, and invest in items that will last a lifetime. Kalinko - a female-run homeware business based in Burma - embodies a traditional linear model whereby handcrafted pieces come directly from skilled Burmese makers, via them, to the consumer. The aim is to support artisans in a world of cheap factory imports and ensure that all purchase costs go straight to the people who create each piece. Bringing a little ‘70s twist to the hand-blown glass and weaved rattan pieces that Kalinko is all about is talented designer, stylist and blogger Emma Jane Palin. Emma has designed a five-piece capsule collection for the brand that embraces her love of 1970s design.

*The rattan Pati side table, Marianne lamp and Anita lampshade. All EJP x Kalinko.*

The collaboration is a perfect match - it was in the ‘60s and ‘70s that rattan first gained popularity in the West, and Emma’s modern take on bohemian interiors (you can see how she has designed her Margate home on her Instagram feed) has seen her combine vintage inspiration with popular curves and earthy colours, alongside traditional craftsmanship. “When I first started researching Burma in the ‘70s, it was clear that while the country was oppressed, there was still moments of flair coming through in the underground culture,” says Emma. “Rattan is a material that is not only synonymous with ‘70s style, but also the traditional techniques used by Burmese artisans. It was a trend there way before it was a trend for the rest of us”

*The Linda Mug - a hand blown glass piece designed by Emma and brought to life in Burma.*

All of the five pieces in Emma’s capsule are named after women that inspire her. The chunky and shapely rattan side table is called Pati (after Pati Boyd); then there is the Marianne (Faithfull) Amber Lamp (this is my favourite piece in the collection due to its huge scale and warm colourway). Accompanying the lamp is the Anita (Pallenberg) Rattan Lampshade, alongside the Jane (Birkin) Cushion and the giant glass Linda (McCartney) Mug.

EJP X Kalinko launches this month, and if you head to the Kalinko website to peruse Emma’s pieces, you can also meet the makers of her collection and read what they think of her designs.

All imagery featured in this post is owned and used courtesy of Kalinko.