More Than Craft: The Story Behind Katünaa
Hi and thank you for being here!!
When we started Katünaa, we were a small, traditional Colombian craft business, sharing pieces made by artisans across the country, Sombrero Vueltiao hats, caña flecha rugs, and the beautiful Wayúu mochila bags, crafted exactly as they’ve been for generations. We celebrated the past, the handmade, and centuries of tradition.
But as we grew, we realized we didn’t want to stop at preserving tradition; we wanted to design its future.
We asked ourselves: What if Colombian craft could sit alongside high end interiors? What if ancestral techniques could evolve into pieces that felt at home in Paris, New York, or Tokyo?
That was the spark that shifted Katünaa from a marketplace to a design driven studio rooted in artisan heritage.
What Makes Katünaa Different
There are many incredible organizations that preserve traditional crafts. And there are design studios creating beautiful pieces. Katünaa lives in the space between those worlds.
Every item in our collection, from our handcrafted placemats to our copper accented mochila bags, lamps and ottomans, are designed in collaboration with the artisan communities who bring them to life. These are not mass produced trends, but ethically made, design forward home accessories that tell a story and honor Colombian heritage.
Our design process is grounded in community, and guided by questions like:
- How can we highlight craftsmanship in a contemporary way?
- What materials carry both beauty and meaning?
- How do we ensure each piece supports the people behind it?
A Deeper Kind of Sustainability
And now, we're taking it a step further: our vision is to present everyday handmade objects as works of art! To shift how the world sees artisanal craft, not just as functional or decorative, but as collectible design.
We're evolving into larger, more sculptural, and design forward pieces, objects that belong not just in homes, but in the conversation around global design.
Where We’re Headed
We’re just getting started.
As Katünaa grows, so does our mission:
- To bring luxury artisanal home decor to new audiences.
- To tell stories that connect people to culture through design.
- And to prove that slow, intentional, and ethical design can be just as compelling, and far more meaningful, than fast trends.
Thank you for being here!! For exploring our work. And for believing, like we do, in design with a story behind it.
Explore our collection:
Paula van Meerbeke
Comments
Having visited your physical location a few years ago and bringing home a few beautiful pieces to Connecticut, I’m so excited to see that you’re now shipping directly to the U.S.! Your craftsmanship and design are truly one of a kind — every piece brings a warmth and elegance to our home that always draws compliments. I can’t wait to continue adding Katünaa pieces to our space. So thrilled to see businesses like yours growing and sharing Colombian artistry with the world!