I discovered Sukha – a cosy, eco-friendly boutique on Haarlemmerstraat – during my recent trip to Amsterdam. Sukha means ‘joy of life’ in Sanskrit. Step inside and it is literally like you breathe a sigh of relief; it is so calm and relaxing, with the smell of scented candles and wild flowers dotted throughout the store. It’s a bit hippy, with day beds to lounge on and sprawling text and doodles (not a word of which I understood, but it looked pretty…) on the walls.
Here, you will find that nearly all the items they sell have a sustainable background or are Dutch designed or produced. Most of the products are created in small quantities, and some under their own Sukha label. There are wooden beaded chains to hang over a picture or hook, handmade paper garlands, thick wool throws and cashmere jumpers. The displays are beautiful in themselves too: a salvaged stick to hang clothes on, old cotton spools to display jewellery, and artfully arranged display cabinets on the walls.
All images my own
