The Local Project

In Focus: Baya

Project Feature | Issue No. 14

Words by Sarah Webb

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"The mantra is simple: crafted for living and crafted for life." - Sarah Webb, The Local Project

Catering to those with an eye for refinement and an appreciation for quality that goes beyond mere aesthetics, Baya’s mission is to seamlessly merge style and substance.

Creating its distinctly New Zealand homewares with the finest materials and craftsmanship is integral to this.

Baya approaches product development with a deeply thoughtful, refined and purposeful perspective. Every piece is not only visually stunning but also functional and built with longevity in mind, made to witness season after season.

"Drawing inspiration from majestic sandstone formations, the Form rug beautifully encapsulates the earth’s geological features and curvature."

The mantra is simple: crafted for living and crafted for life.

Based in Auckland, Baya designs and curates home living collections with a true appreciation for the artisanal. Collaborating with textile artisans from around the world – some of whom have been partners for more than four decades – the designs feature natural fibres and distinctive finishes that reflect a passion for the handmade.

The brand’s name is inspired by the baya weaver, a beautiful species of weaverbird celebrated for its extraordinary nest-weaving skills. The bird’s intricate nests, crafted from grass stems and plant fibres, symbolise Baya’s appreciation of the art of weaving and the handcrafted.

In the latest winter collection, the ideas of comfort, wellbeing and retreat converge with the timeless beauty of nature. Inspired by a commitment to cultivating comfortable spaces, the range draws on outdoor elements, offering both literal and abstract interpretations.

The Shoreline rug, for example, pays homage to morning walks along the coastline, capturing the rhythmic patterns of sand emerging from the descending tide. Drawing inspiration from majestic sandstone formations, the Form rug beautifully encapsulates the earth’s geological features and curvature. Meanwhile, the Canopy cushion, a tribute to native kauri tree leaves at dusk, brings the essence of the Waitakere Ranges into interiors.

"The Shoreline rug, for example, pays homage to morning walks along the coastline, capturing the rhythmic patterns of sand emerging from the descending tide"

As the seasons change, Baya takes a thoughtful approach to refine and expand its core classics.

This season, the neutral colour palette is extended, drawing on natural pigments and softer neutral hues, while introducing brick tones for balance.

It’s a gentle evolution, maintaining the timeless appeal of the products while allowing the freedom to incorporate fresh hues that resonate with the design team and brand.

Brand in Focus: Baya

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