Peru Gift Show Highlights Sustainable Design

Perú is a place known for its alpaca fiber and cotton, but when not exported, how do Peruvians convert these raw materials into innovative designs? The <a href="http://www.perugiftshow.com.pe/">Perú Gift Show</a> offered a look at just that. While not as well known as other shows, the Perú Gift Show saw a strong presence of international press and over 130 buyers from 10 countries. Organized by <a href="http://www.promperu.gob.pe/">PromPerú</a>, the Lima-based show featured Perú House, a special installation filled with Peruvian-made home goods with a focus on sustainability. Inhabitat was on hand to get a tour of the house, and take a survey of other sustainable design initiatives happening throughout the country.

Curated by interior designers Rocio del Barco and Alejandro Rincon, the house was a treasure-trove of sustainable and eco-friendly design that highlighted the country’s pride in its traditional artisan skills and ability to fuse craftsmanship with modern, international home décor trends.

Handmade, naturally dyed wall hangings and bed spreads, furniture made from reclaimed wood and eco-friendly kids toys were just some of the many items that enticed visitors to pass through.

The wood floors of a former train wagon provided the base for a hand-carved, patina-colored coffee table and bench by Raymisa decorated with cushions by Inkatraditions.

A collage of cushions by Inkatraditions provided a colorful wall decoration.

Ikasa provided the bar stools with Heliconia leaf carvings, celebrating Perú's flora.

Traditional ceramics colored with natural tints such as banana and mango skins lined the kitchen countertop.

Tinkuy ceramics uses natural mountain Gress and arcilla from a local quarry.

The study was given a natural touch with traditional rainforest carvings by Rocio del Barco- Diseño y Artesanía.

In the kid's room, an array of colorful, plush toys peeked out of a chest. Made from felt scraps, the colorful creatures are the invention of Paya.

Lum Pen also added a touch of color and creativity for kids with a series of paper mache mobiles and figurines to get young minds thinking early about recycling.

Rika uses recycled cardboard and reused materials to make a variety of playful decorations and toys.

Tallerqata, a Quechua name meaning "covering," uses naturally-dyed, organic materials crafted by skilled artisans to produce a variety of home goods.

Typical Andean designs and colors celebrated the mountain cultures that are an important part of Perú's history.