beyt by 2b design home LLC

I purchased a beautiful table at Beyt that I really love. After looking around for a coffee table, I decided to purchase at Beyt — not only because their hand-​crafted pieces are by far the most beautiful, but also because of their business model. Beyt is a business with a social conscience. They use materials from bombed out buildings. Then they train, hire and pay disabled people. They work with Rosie’s Place in Boston — a homeless shelter for women. Learn about what they are doing! The experience of buying a coffee table from Beyt is not simply a transaction, but a connection to things that matter in this world. And out of that comes the most incredible beauty — not only in the pieces of art they sell, but in the way they do business. I felt great spending a little more and being part of what they are doing. The owners, Raja and Benedicte were very helpful, allowing me to take my time deciding which table was best for my apartment, even pulling some out from the back room so I could see all the options. Even if you’re not in the market to buy something, just go and hang out because the vibe in their store is uplifting!

We bought three beautiful lamps from Beyt and absolutely love them! There is such a nice selection and they were all of such good taste and originality, we had a hard time choosing which ones to buy. The owners, Benedicte and Raja, are very kind and knowledgeable, and we support their effort to bring different peoples together, and help those in need. Be sure to read the Boston Globe article from January 16, 2013 describing their mission and cause…

We felt in love with Beyt at first sight. Each lamp or table is unique, being crafted out of recycled material from Lebanon or Syria. The beautiful lamp we acquired for our house not only brings a warm and cozy light to our home, it also contributes to the conservation of a rich heritage and tells the story of these countries. And the social mission pursued by the owners, employing people in need in Lebanon and in the Boston area only adds to the meaning of the pieces of art you will acquire. Beyt is definitely worth the trip!

Beyt is an inviting and intriguing boutique where you will find unique pieces of art that represent a harmony between old and new. For my part, I completely fell in love with one of the many lamps in display. In addition to the household décor, the concept is unique as it promotes social entrepreneurship. Be sure to check out the mission statement on their website. Beyt is most definitely worth the detour!

We have been searching for a small coffee table for a long time but all the usual furniture stores had huge clunky tables. Then we saw the article in the Boston Globe about this store, went there, met the delightful owner, and bought a beautiful, perfectly sized small table made of ceramic tiles and iron. It looks amazing in the space and we are going back to buy some of their lamps. They have a great social mission helping the poor. And they sell jewelry, small purses, art — I will be a regular visitor and customer. Everything in this store is distinctive, ethnic, and wonderful.

This place is amazing! The owners, Raja and Benedicte, don’t just sell beautiful pieces for your home and life (they have jewelry, too!). They are passionate about why and how the pieces are made and can tell you the story behind the items they sell. Whether you’re looking for a lamp, a table, or just want to hear why they do what they do, stop by this store. It’s worth the trip! Truly amazing AND beautiful!

Finally, an art gallery with a social mission, what’s not to love? 2b Design is an eclectic art gallery steps from Harvard Square. I was walking down Mount Auburn Street and stumbled upon this shop run by a warm and welcoming husband+wife team (Raja and Benedicte).
Essentially the store has a social mission to help restore the lives of the afflicted in impoverished countries by helping them train to become (profitable) artists. Raja and Benedicte go to Lebanon and elsewhere to train artists and then sell the art at their gallery here in Harvard Square.
Most of the artists are trained to salvage wrought iron gates, fences, etc. from war-​torn ruins and turn the iron into lamps bases and tables. Lamp shades are then made from antique bridal dowry dresses. The store also has art made by HIV positive women living in Ethiopia who collect and melt-​down bullet casings to create small metallic beads used to create jewelry and adorn handbags. What on earth? Yes, this place is real, and so are the artists!
Great concept: restoring lives around the world by making art from ruins!
Will certainly be back again–