There’s no denying 2019 was Marie Kondo’s year. With the release of Netflix’s Tidying Up on January 1, just about everyone rang in the new year by donating clothes, homewares and furniture in spades after applying her methods.
The Marie Kondo or KonMari method, outlined best in her best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising, involves sorting out items according to practicality and whether or not they ‘spark joy’. Those pieces that don’t make the cut are then thanked (vocally) for their efforts and swiftly donated.
Since its initial release, Kondo’s book has been published in more than 30 countries. She’s appeared on international television talk shows, rubbed shoulders with the world’s rich and famous, and most recently released children’s’ book, Kiki & Jax.
But the latest from Kondo comes in the form of an online store with a curated collection of homewares and decor that apparently guarantee to spark joy.
“Until now, I could only talk about the KonMari method, but now that our online shop is launching, we’re going to be able to provide our fans and KonMari followers all these items to actually use for the method,” Kondo tells Apartment Therapy. “We’re going to be offering some items for organising as well as what you can enjoy and enhance the joy after you’re organised.”
Here, we take a look at 10 of our favourite pieces.
1. Bellocq The Queen’s Guard Candle, US $86.00
Designed to patina over time, this hand-poured soy wax candle gives off notes of English tea with heirloom rose, lavender, and rose geranium.
2. Deiji Studio Linen Kimono Robe, US $115
Australian-based Deiji Studio makes light-weight and timeless loungewear inspired by Japanese culture. This gorgeous robe made from French flax is designed to relax over time, becoming more comfortable with each wear.
3. Orez Bowl Covers, US $34
Orez, zero in reverse, created a pack of four elasticised bowl covers in an aesthetically pleasing effort to reduce plastic waste at home.
4. Yamazaki Kitchen Tool Stand, US $24.00
The Yamazaki brand was founded more than a century ago in Japan’s Nara Prefecture. This tool stand is one example of the streamlined products they create for the home.
5. Tina Frey Serving Tray, US $100.00
All of Frey’s pieces are made in her San Francisco studio. Inspired by organic forms, each serving platter is unique and sanded by hand to reveal a matte finish.
6. Nousaka Brass Incense Holder, US $40.00
This delicate brass incense holder was created by Nousaku, a metalsmithing crafter from the Japanese city of Takaoka, which has been the centre for metalsmithing since the 17th century.
7. Hay Sowden Tins, US $32.00
This set of four Hay tins is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen counter. Designed in Denmark for a Scandi-chic addition to any organised kitchen.
8. Normann Dustpan & Broom, US $34.00
Sure, the boar-bristle broom might miss the finer dust particles, but we’d hate cleaning a lot less if all our utensils looked like this. Normann Copenhagen’s Danish-designed dustpan and broom is the only cleaning product we want to use in 2020.
9. D:Ceramics Small Bubble Bud Vase, US $55.00
D:Ceramics’ pieces are inspired by Japanese ceramic art, mid-century pottery and minimalist design. Handcrafted in an open-air home studio in Los Angeles, this bubble vase is the ideal gift for yourself or a loved one on a special occasion.
10. S/N Brass Mirror, US $150.00
We admit this one is a little extra — it’s not exactly a must-have — but there’s no denying this mini handmade brass mirror would look beautiful on a bedside table, desk or vanity. The KonMari method is all about surrounding oneself with items that spark joy after all, and this piece definitely does that.
