How We Work

 

At Ochre and Silk, we believe that beautiful design shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet and that the way objects are made matters as much as how they look in a room.

Our collection is sourced slowly and intentionally, with a focus on natural materials, skilled making, material knowledge, small-batch production and lasting relationships.

We are not a mass produced business. We work with artists, artisans and established studios whose values align with our own.

We are always learning and refining how we work, but these are the principles that guide us. 

 

Sourcing with care

We work directly with makers, workshops and studios across Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Italy, Portugal, Morocco and France.

Before beginning a partnership, we take time to understand how each piece is made, who makes it, and the materials used. Fair conditions, ethical practices and realistic production timelines are non-negotiable.

Our approach is simple:

The maker sets the price.
We do not ask for discounts, set conditions, or push for shortcuts.

We pay on order, and we pay on time.
This allows our makers to plan and produce without unnecessary strain.

We work to realistic timelines.
Slow, small-batch production is not a trend for us. It is how quality, integrity and beautiful objects endure.

We choose lasting relationships.
We would rather build long-term partnerships than constantly price-shop or chase the cheapest option.

 

Materials that endure

We work almost exclusively with natural materials, including clay, cotton, wool, leather, wood, metal, glass and stone.

These materials are chosen for their beauty, durability and ability to soften into a home over time. We prioritise skilled making, material knowledge, handcrafted quality and pieces made to last over trend-led production or disposable design.

Where possible, we choose objects that are repairable, adaptable and timeless in form.

 

Lower-impact logistics

We are conscious of the footprint involved in moving objects around the world, and we make practical choices to reduce unnecessary impact wherever we can.

• We prioritise sea freight over air freight where possible.
  
• We consolidate shipments to reduce unnecessary transport.
  
• We fulfil locally from our Brisbane warehouse to reduce avoidable inter-state movement.

We are not perfect, but we are intentional. Every logistics decision is considered through the lens of impact, timing and care.

 

Thoughtful packaging

We pack with intention, minimising waste and avoiding unnecessary plastic wherever possible.

Our packaging approach includes:

• 100% plastic-free packaging where possible
• Recycled cardboard boxes and compostable mailers
• Paper tape instead of plastic-based alternatives
• Printed materials produced using recycled paper stocks
• Recycling of soft plastics, paper and cardboard from our operations
• Reusing packaging materials wherever appropriate

Our aim is to protect your pieces properly while reducing unnecessary waste.

Giving back

$1 from every order is donated through i=Change to support impactful projects.

This is one way we can direct a portion of every purchase toward broader social and environmental good.

Looking ahead

Sustainability is not a checkbox. It is an ongoing practice.

We are constantly reviewing how we source, pack, ship and operate, and asking where we can do better. From reducing emissions to deepening our relationships with ethical makers, we are committed to progress over perfection.

 

Thank you for supporting a slower, more thoughtful way of bringing objects into the home.