Meridian: Curated Global Home Decor

Created by a producer and director of everyone’s childhood favorite, Sesame Street, Meridian is a far cry from owner Ashley Viola’s previous career, but somehow her talents for storytelling and education seep into this new project as well.

Meridian is a home decor brand, perfectly curated from global artisans, with a focus on ethical production. Specially created for any serious traveler or just anyone with a “serious case of wanderlust,” the brand pulls together items that have a truly global feel, with no heavy focus on one particular area of the world.

Items range from around $30 into the hundreds for the pricier items, but you get what you pay for — a well-made, artisan-crafted, unique piece that will become a focal point for your home, no matter what it may be. Each item comes with its own story, so you can learn a little bit about where it came from and the meaning behind the tangible.

Currently, the shop offers items across four categories — soft goods, market finds, baskets and decor. The soft goods section offers everything from baby alpaca throws to mud cloth pillows made using a 12th-century manufacturing technique originating in Mali. There’s even a “vintage” pillow option ($175), meaning it was made with cloth as old as 70 years. The market finds section is where you’ll find a few more affordable items, if you’re looking for a good housewarming gift. Think a 60-year old vintage, steel lassi cup ($38) or a set of Rwandan woven coasters ($35). The decor section features some of the most visually interesting pieces, like porcelain pots from China ($75), while the baskets ($55 for each) are plentiful and highly unique.

While Meridian offerings aren’t necessarily huge in options at the moment, the online shop is only growing, and it’s guaranteed you won’t find something similar anywhere else.