I’ve come to believe that treasured furniture carries the imprint of time - graffiti marks, makers stamps and original fabrics all offer glimpses into the past. At the heart of Uncommon Ancestor is this idea: that furniture is not just an object, but a keeper of stories.

Uncommon Ancestor is an independently owned creative brand founded by Kara Douwma. My ambition is to design footstools and benches that are also storytelling heirlooms, where the flat surface area is transformed into an artist’s canvas. I want my Story Stools to capture meaningful moments through bespoke embroidery, turning each piece into a time capsule to be passed down through generations.

I always start with a client’s story and a conversation about what flora, fauna, antique and everyday objects might best capture their memories. I’ll create a series of illustrations that are translated into embroidery and collaborate closely with London-based artisans to create pieces that will stand the test of time.

The motifs are inspired by my interest in our rich history of symbolism and iconography. How the Renaissance artists used pomegranates for rebirth, whilst Vanitas depicted candles for mortality. Rococo’s shells evoked romance whilst the Symbolists moved away from nature to embrace mythology. In contemporary art, many of my favourite works repurpose everyday objects. Just as symbols have long reflected artists' beliefs and identity, my Story Stools aim to do the same for their owners.

I believe that luxury is having time to put your feet up, so I want to bring a bit of luxury to that time.

Kara x