The Twin Founders of GOODEE Prioritize Home Goods that Preserve Craft and Storytelling

When twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart founded their mission-driven home goods marketplace GOODEE four years ago, the intention was simple: to showcase the independent designers they love by amplifying the stories of the artisans and their products. A few of the retailer’s best-selling designers include the Antwerp-based ecoBirdy, makers of children’s furniture upcycled from discarded plastic toys, the 137-year-old British gardening accessories brand Haws famous for its collection of luxury watering cans, and Baba Tree, a Ghanaian handwoven baskets line founded by musician Gregory "Ayinedollah" MacCarthy who has been frequently visiting Ghana since 1999. "We wanted to bring together a whole bunch of people who saw how design had the power to shape conversations," says Dexter.

"We’ve had the luxury to travel to far-off places and I've always been someone who's brought back memorabilia or souvenirs that I’ve had an emotional connection to, from these places that I've been to," adds Byron. "I've always found the home to be a collection of memories—the things that surround us remind us of who we are, where we've been and, and of the stories that matter in our lives. GOODEE has been another incarnation of that."

Though Byron and Dexter have been collaborating for 30 years, and up until a year ago they also lived in the same building at Montreal’s Habitat 67, the architectural landmark built for the World’s Fair in 1967 (Byron now lives in an apartment in a century-old Victorian house in Westmount, Quebec), the brothers bring their own nuanced design aesthetics and interests to GOODEE. "We’re 50 years old now and I'd say that over those 50 years, I've been quite predictable in a good way—but Byron, he's the wilder one, which I love," says Dexter. "He takes more chances with his design style and language. He’s got fantastic taste. I'd say he’s more maximal in his design and I’m slightly more minimal."

In how they break down their business duties, Byron separately confirms that he tends to lean into the "big dreams, big visions, big ideas" side of things whereas Dexter’s practicality and thoughtfulness in operations is what helps the duo achieve those goals. "We’ve found our rhythm of how to work together. There’s just a tremendous amount of respect and a lot of trust inside of our working relationship," says Byron.

When it comes to the way the duo decorate their respective homes, both Dexter and Byron turn to GOODEE for products that are sentimental, sustainable, and well-designed that also work for their own lifestyles. Dexter has included a children’s table for his two kids; Byron has included a handwoven basket that holds all of his dog Hugo’s toys.

"GOODEE is about providing people solutions to make better choices when deciding ‘I need X in my home’ or ‘I’m looking to buy a gift for someone that matters.’ It’s like, how could a broom not just be a broom? How could a broom have meaning? How can this be something you don't hide in the broom closet and instead be celebrated within your interior? That’s the kind of thing we’re excited about," says Byron. Ahead, the brothers share a few of their favorite home products that uphold their infatuation for craft preservation and cultural heritage.

"Window" Cushion & Textiles by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn

"When we were searching for the right fabric to reupholster antique furniture we purchased for our solarium, we knew we wanted something comfortable, homey yet arrestingly vibrant. Designed in the 1930s by Frank, yet perfectly relevant today, I can’t think of many prints—and linen fabric quality—that could so effortlessly pass the test of time." —Dexter Peart

1966 Collection by Richard Schultz for Knoll

"We live in Montreal, Canada, so summers spent outside are pretty sacred moments for our family. Not every furniture piece in your home can be a true investment piece, but we have enjoyed priceless days and night on our terrace with the 1966 collection of table and chairs." —DP

"Ocean" Candle by Goodee

"My wife’s family is from Greece and ours is from Jamaica so the sea is always in our hearts. The Ocean candle’s vibrant color injects a pop of joy into any space and its soothing scent reminds of warmer days by the beach." —DP

Copenhagen Pot by Bergs Potter

"Adding more and more plants has become a mild obsession of mine, and the Copenhagen pot is my new favorite. Handcrafted in a small Tuscan village, these colorful glazed clay pots are uniquely stylish and will last for decades inside or outside the home."—DP

Art Corner Duo set by ecoBirdy

"Finding beautifully designed and highly durable kids’ furniture can be a real challenge but ecoBirdy has a solution. Crafted from recycled toys, there is no better way to teach our next generation of kids about the joy—and power—of circular design." —DP

Smiley Goat Planter by Malaika

"No surprise my first reaction was one filled with sheer joy when first ‘meeting’ this handcrafted Smiley Goat Planter. She has since found her way into my home as an artful companion to a beautiful bonsai tree." —Byron Peart

Oak Shaker Peg Rail by Peg and Rail

"When seeking out an entranceway solution to house several jackets and accessories, I felt so fortunate to come across this wonderful maker of solid, high-quality hardwood products from Michigan. My custom-length peg rail is in a beautiful stained oak that truly appears as through it’s from the original interior of my century-old apartment." —BP

Eperera Siapidara Set of Six PET Lamps by PET Lamp

"These beautiful handwoven designs from Colombia are made from recycled plastic bottles. Neatly nestled above my kitchen island, they create a magical glow and are stunning conversation starters when entertaining guests at home." —BP

Flaÿou Chess Board Game by Soukra

"I love to welcome friends and family over, so I recently gifted myself this stunning chess set of unique clay pieces handcrafted in Tunisia with centuries-old technique and Berber influences." —BP

Pakurigo Basket by Baba Tree

"These organic baskets handwoven in Ghana have not only been one of my go-tos for housewarming gifts, but it is also well-loved by my dog Hugo for housing all of his favourite pup toys." —BP

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