IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TK MAXX
TK Maxx launches a spring collection with meaning …
This spring, TK Maxx returns with a collection that redefines decorating with intention, where elevated design meets meaningful impact through its ongoing partnership with the Rwenzori Sustainable Trading Centre. Rooted in the mountainous Rwenzori region of Western Uganda, this thoughtfully curated edit brings together craftsmanship, community, and the enduring appeal of handmade design.
At first glance, the collection reads as a study in texture, form, and materiality. Intricately woven baskets introduce sculptural softness, while hand-finished baskets and ceramic accents lend depth and quiet structure. Each piece is rich in tactile detail, designed to be styled with ease, whether anchoring a space as a focal point or layered effortlessly into a more relaxed, lived-in interior. The palette leans into earthy tones creating a sense of calm cohesion, while subtle variations of vibrant colours add visual interest and warmth.
Yet beyond its aesthetic appeal, the collection is defined by the story it carries. The Sustainable Trade Programme was developed in 2011 to support parents to increase their incomes and to help keep their children in school, laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change.
Triangle basket, €19.99
The programme has helped local families generate increased income by supporting them to produce better quality and higher yields on a range of fabulous products including coffee, cocoa, cotton and beautiful traditional crafts.
The impact is both immediate and far-reaching. While the programme works with over 6,000 small-holder farmers, producers and artisans across 12 communities in Uganda, more than 48,000 people have been positively impacted. The programme has also contributed to rising school enrolment across all 12 communities, reinforcing its core mission, which is supporting education through sustainable income.
Purple tray, €14.99
At the heart of the collection are the craft associations, where more than 2,000 women are currently involved. Using traditional techniques passed down from generations, these artisans create pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary. The associations hold Guaranteed Fair Trade status from the World Fair Trade Organisation, ensuring every product is made in line with Fair Trade Principles and rooted in transparency, equity, and respect.
For many of these women, regular income from craft production plays a transformative role. It supports their families, enables children to remain in education, and allows women to contribute financially within the household, strengthening both independence and decision-making power. Many have also stepped into leadership roles within their communities, marking a shift that extends far beyond economics.
Small brown basket with lid, €12.99
Styled within the home, these pieces offer more than visual appeal. They introduce a layer of narrative and intention. Natural fibres and hand-worked details bring authenticity and depth, while their versatility allows them to sit comfortably across interior styles, from pared-back minimalism to more expressive, collected spaces. The range consists of indoor and outdoor living pieces, kids’ toys baskets, pet baskets as well as a range of ceramics.
Ultimately, the Handcrafted in Uganda range invites a more conscious approach to decorating this spring, one that balances beauty with impact. Each piece carries a story of craftsmanship, resilience, and community, reminding us that the objects we live with can hold meaning far beyond their form.
Purple and yellow triangle basket, €12.99
Available in TK Maxx stores nationwide, the range offers an accessible way to introduce thoughtful, design-led pieces into the home. Income from the sale of these products help support over 6,000 small-holder farmers and artisans across 12 communities. www.tkmaxx.com; @tkmaxxie.
