I don’t know about you, but I am itching to bring in some new home decor looks for my house since spring is just around the corner. One of the brands that I have been gravitating towards recently due to their geometric patterns and soothing color palette is MINNA. I didn’t even realize how many of their pieces I had pinned until I started to do some background work on Sara Berks, the founder of MINNA.
During our interview this week, we talk about how Sara started her business, what is her businesses’ approach to the BLM Movement and the LGBT community. i also just wanted to know what is Sara attracted to this spring for home decor.
Sara Berks is the founder and creative director of MINNA, an ethically made home goods brand rooted in traditional craft techniques. MINNA employs a cottage industry approach by partnering with master weavers and artisan collectives in Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Uruguay, which helps ensure craft preservation and job creation. MINNA’s line includes bedding, pillows, throws, kitchen and tabletop accessories and rugs.
MINNA was founded by Sara in 2013 in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Hudson, NY in 2016, where the storefront and studio are now located. As a queer-owned business, Sara works collaboratively to create multipurpose products by collaborating with master artisans in Central and South America which ensures craft preservation and job creation in these regions.
With a background in graphic design from The School of Visual Arts, Sara's approach to textile design is strongly influenced by the Bauhaus. As a weaver and painter, she often begins the design process on the loom or with paint. Sara began her design career in branding and digital design. Unsatisfied and unfulfilled by the field, she left digital design in 2013 to freelance and taught herself to weave. MINNA grew out of Sara's art practice and her desire to use design to create impact.
On this week’s Interior Design Game: Love it or Hate it, and Why? Sara and I focus on this article from Real Simple magazine written by Kristin Granero, 10 Home Decor Trends for Spring That Are Taking Over TikTok and Instagram. This week’s shoppable mood board is all about what Sara loves from these spring home decor trends that are so popular on social media right now.
Check out one of Sara’s original paintings that often influence the home decor collection at MINNA- Two Portals
Sara is all for layering in curvy & geometric vases to your home decor (even if its just a bud vase)- Shape Studies Bud Vase, Set of 4
Sara’s work for MINNA is inspired by the Bauhaus movement- Bauhaus Multicolor Blocks Poster Wall Hanging Art, Museum Exhibition Print Weimar 1923, Home Decor Accessories Picture
A new pillow from MINNA’s spring collection- Barragan Pillow Peach
Sara loves pieces with rattan and brass accents this spring- Sculpted Rattan Mirror
Sara self-taught herself how to weave- Small Weaving Loom
Sara can see people gravitating towards a monochromatic space this spring- Stripes Duvet Cover Clay
MINNA is a queer owned business, and focuses on an effort to do business for good- Red Equality Flag