The winners of the 2022 Etsy Design Awards winners have been announced – rising stars who are masters of their craft. Explore the prized finds picked by judges Dayna Isom Johnson and designers from The Expert (Jake Arnold, Jenna Lyons, Brigette Romanek, and more). The winners include some UK artisans who stood out from the crowd, including Grand Winner, Tim Stevenson, Pedro Mealha and Jonathan Hitchcock
Jenna Lyons commented: “All of the winning items have an element of playfulness which I think is really telling. There is a sense of real interest and uniqueness that you don’t always see when things are mass produced.” Jake Arnold added that “Good design is such that it makes people happy and makes them appreciate where they are. If you can achieve that in your work, then you have designed well!” Brigette Romanek agreed, saying “I was so impressed by the design details and the unusual use of materials in the winning items. Each piece is super unique and fun.”
Grand Prize Winner – Large Modern Wall Hanging from We Are Lunarium (pictured top)
For Tim Stevenson, the UK-based mastermind behind this year’s Grand Prize-winning wall hanging, great design is all about finding a good flow. “I love just playing with materials and colours until it feels right,” says the contemporary artist and owner of We Are Lunarium. The result – an artful composition of suspended geometric elements crafted from birch plywood, brass, ceramic, and fibre tassels – gives off its own sense of movement through the careful arrangement of colours, textures, and shapes. “Even though it combines so many different materials, its free-flowing nature is still quite calming and inviting,” observes judge Jake Arnold of the dynamic design. “I could see it attracting many types of customers.”
People’s Pick Winner – Convex Aura Mirror by Jonathan Hitchcock of Surrey Woodsmiths. It’s no secret that wavy shapes have been having a major home decor moment of late, and shoppers proved they’re all-in on the trend by enthusiastically voting for this stunning mirror from SurreyWoodsmiths with its undulating edge
Home Decor & Lighting Winner – Leaning Wavy Mirror by Pedro Mealha. A cuckoo clock maker by trade, Pedro leaned into his playful, modern aesthetic to transform five layers of meticulously shaped plywood into a piece that will stand alone as the deserving focal point of any colourful, eclectic space. The final flourish? An all-over coat of peppy millennial pink paint, perfect for upping your mirror selfie game.
Kitchen & Dining Winner – Blue and White Ceramic Footed Bowl by Nadya and Dima Gurevich of SIND Studio. Handcrafted by celebrated ceramists Dima and Nadya Gurevich – a husband-and-wife designer duo from Israel – the sculptural vessel boasts an all-over blue and white ocean-inspired motif that gives off subtle coastal grandmother vibes
Furniture Winner – Suelo Modern Daybed by Gretta Jones of Bertu Home. Handcrafted from solid wood in the small Ohio studio she runs with her husband, this sleek, loungey piece is propped with supportive bolster cushions, and designed to accommodate different body types in various states of rest
Vintage Winner – Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp by Stefan Zimmerle of Muc Design. Originally designed by modern lighting manufacturer Doria Leuchten in the 1960s, this striking pendant light is what Stefan Zimmerle, curator of German vintage home goods shop Muc Design, calls “a rare vintage darling”.
Art Winner – Blue Roads Painting by Dina Dee of Art by Dina D. Whenever abstract acrylic artist Dina Dodson puts paint to canvas, it’s an act of self-care. After her mother passed away in 2014, the Maryland-based maker began painting to help with the grieving process, calling it “pure therapy”. Today, she runs Art by Dina D in honour of her late mother, with the goal of creating expressive art that tells a story.
Jewelry Winner – Leo Zodiac Earrings by Ashley Bebley of It’s All Culture Jewelry. Her signature style – powerful pieces that unapologetically take up space – is on full display in her Leo earrings, a set of stunning halo hoops sculpted with fierce lion faces. The overall effect is so sublimely sophisticated, it’s hard to believe Ashley has achieved it with polymer clay.
Clothing & Accessories Winner – Collarless V-neck Jacket by DeeDee of W.B. Thamm. f you, too, are a sucker for vintage coverlets and have a passion for hand-stitched fashion, clothing designer Deedee Sathianthammawit’s colourful patchwork jacket is sure to climb to the top of your wardrobe wishlist
Weddings & Celebrations Winner – Rowen Bodysuit and Bianca Skirt by Kare Merrifield and Keira Danniels of Fern & Moon. A classic example of mix-and-match elegance, their Rowen and Bianca two-piece set begins with a dramatic deep V-neck bodysuit, and is topped off with a silky crepe skirt with a thigh-high slit.
Kids Winner – Knitted Charcuterie by Colette Bream. Perfect for a healthy dose of pretend play, a quirky gift for your bestie, or a bit of cheeky decor (“a lot of grown ups hang them in their kitchen as a display piece,” Colette says) these cuddly collectibles are one of Colette’s most popular products to date, and are hand-knit using her own custom fabrics to create just the right speckled texture
Pets Winner – Rectangular Cat House by Sue and Peter Choi of Live in Ideals. Inspired by the way wild animals keep camouflaged among the trees, they dreamed up a sleek, slatted wood structure that could both satisfy that frisky feline curiosity and, simultaneously, provide a sense of security. With nooks for hiding, playing, climbing, and lounging, your kitty will be purring on their new perch in no time
Dayna Isom Johnson said: “The Etsy Design Awards is the ultimate celebration of our seller community. I love that by spotlighting these talented makers and curators, we’re helping to introduce their designs to millions of shoppers around the world.”
