Global Goods Make Spaces Homey

Each piece Together Textiles in Turkey crafts is hand-spun on a loom using techniques passed down for generations, and you can find towels, robes and blankets custom made by the family business at House in Hudson.

“These were looms that are multigenerational, that are creating textiles that are steeped in tradition,” says Amy Derethik, who previously ran a linen business and opened House in 2020 with Jean Sukys, who upcycles furniture. “We’re committed to expanding female entrepreneurship.”

Derethik recently traveled to Turkey and brought back Turkish hand-painted porcelain and Turkish silk jackets for the store. Other global finds include colorful kantha jackets, which are crafted by female makers in India who stitch together five reclaimed saris for each. Derethik thoughtfully sources items throughout the world, visiting international makers, keeping customer input in mind and ensuring items are ethically made.

“Our primary focus is really to understand where something’s developed through the entire supply chain of it, understand how it’s being developed, who’s creating it, making sure that there’s fair pricing with the labor of that,” she says.

House also sells wares by local female artisans, including Common Goods Co. purses and leather clutches made by an Aurora teacher, Pineapple Apothecary all-natural lotions and scrubs handmade in Hinckley and Haley Raines epoxy resin and polymer clay jewelry handmade in Lyndhurst. And Sukys’ upcycled painted furniture and hook pillows are for sale too. Sometimes Derethik purchases materials during her travels, and Sukys makes pillows and covers chairs with them. It’s all displayed in vignettes of new and vintage items in different rooms set up like a house.

“Amy’s designs will show them how to mix old and new, whether it’s on your tablescape, whether it’s in your closet,” Sukys says, “and make it one-of-a-kind.”

Derethik and Sukys go all out for Christmas, with each room showcasing a different style of decor including classic red-and-green plaid, whimsical felt pinks and glitzy white gold and silver. Great gifts include House brand block-printed pajamas from India and cashmere scarves, wraps and socks from Europe.

“They’re really warm,” Sukys says of the latter, “so they just feel heavenly.”

The store brings together the best wares from throughout the world in one homey place, lifting up makers.

“We’re really working at House to work with female entrepreneurs across the globe to create this curated experience,” Derethik says.