West Elm partners with Guatemalan artisans for its colorful new line

West Elm, known for its easy-to-love midcentury-inspired modern furniture and decor, is trying something. Breaking from its classic, understated palette, the company recently launched the Atitlán Project, a series of goods produced with Pintando el Cambio Association, an organIzation that supports the artisans of Guatamala’s Santa Catarina Palopó community.

Photo: West Elm

Photo: West Elm

For the limited-time collection, West Elm tapped Philadelphia studio Roar + Rabbit, who lent its swivel chair and ottoman as a canvas for the artisans’ brilliant embroideries and embellishments. Beads, threads, and yarn adorn the chairs in bright patterns for the 14 one-of-a-kind pieces that are now on auction at Paddle8 until May 22. All of the proceeds from the sales will go to the Pintando el Cambio Association.

Photo: West Elm

If you can’t shell out for a hand-embroidered lounge chair, fret not. A wider selection of items including pillows, tote bags, and rugs will be available on West Elm’s website, with 50 percent of sales going to the organization.