American Rhapsody: Doug Meyer’s Inspired Hardware Collection

American craft is experiencing a significant modern resurgence, drawing inspiration from historical movements such as the Studio Craft, Shaker, and Arts and Crafts traditions. This renewed interest emphasizes hand-hewn techniques, material integrity, and nature as a core influence in design and creation. Historically, American craft has served as a platform for artists to express their creativity, with past traditions continuously shaping contemporary innovations suitable for modern living. The Arts and Crafts movement, originating in 19th-century United Kingdom, emerged as a reaction to rapid industrialization. Key figures like textile designer William Morris championed the creation of beautiful, well-made objects for daily use. This philosophy soon traversed the Atlantic, influencing American artisans who shared a passion for decorative arts. Today, this influence is evident in fabric and furniture companies that are reinterpreting archival Arts and Crafts designs with a contemporary sensibility. The Shaker movement, founded in the mid-19th century, is recognized for its commitment to simple living, which permeated their architecture and furniture, including distinctive ladder-back chairs and oval Shaker boxes. Their clean, minimalist aesthetic is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Contemporary makers are now embracing the Shakers' dedication to simplicity and quality to produce their own minimalist designs. American Studio Craft, much like the Arts and Crafts movement, developed in response to the mechanization and industrial production prevalent in design during the 1920s and 1930s. This movement is characterized by its reverence for nature and its endeavor to bridge the gap between art and design. George Nakashima, considered a pioneer of the American craft movement, advocated for 'celebrating the soul of the tree,' which was reflected in his use of organic forms and live-edge techniques. While these three movements possess distinct theories and practices, they are unified by a shared commitment to craft and the maker. The article highlights various contemporary makers and furnishings that exemplify this revival. Examples include York Wallcoverings, which has launched a new collection featuring the flora and fauna designs of C.F.A. Voysey; Alfred Newall, who crafts bobbin dining tables using traditional wood lathe techniques; and the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg, Florida, which signifies a renewed cultural interest in the movement. Morris & Co. is also contributing to this trend with 'gentle recoloring' of its historic patterns, drawing from nature's palette. In the Shaker tradition, Maine artisan Robert LeHay creates storage bins inspired by iconic oval Shaker boxes, and Rockland, Maine-based woodworker Heide Martin emphasizes 'honest functionality' through pared-back joinery and hand-weaving. O&G; Studio in Rhode Island reinterprets early American forms, such as the Windsor chair, with a modern twist, as seen in their Atlantic Settee. For Studio Craft, Inverness, California artisan Ido Yoshimoto crafts wood stools, tables, and sculptures that respect the inherent qualities and history of the wood. The Wendell Castle Collection continues the legacy of its namesake, who viewed furniture as art, while George Nakashima's influence is seen in his iconic lounge chairs and live-edge tables, celebrating the natural beauty of wood. #AmericanCraft #CraftRevival #ArtsAndCrafts #ShakerStyle #StudioCraft #HandCraftedFurniture #DesignHistory #InteriorDesignTrends #NaturalMaterials

Meyer Davis Studio undertook the ambitious project of designing a 14,500-square-foot, seven-bedroom townhouse on New York's Upper East Side, which involved demolishing two existing apartment buildings. The central design philosophy was to create a new structure that appeared to have always been a part of the historic neighborhood, blending seamlessly with its Georgian-proportion windows and Beaux-Arts wrought-iron railings. This approach involved meticulous attention to detail, such as matching limestone samples to surrounding mansions and crafting herringbone oak floorboards with varying gaps and aged treatments to mimic the patina of a centuries-old Parisian aerie. The project was led by Elizabeth Curry, Meyer Davis’s longtime director, who ensured the exterior and certain interior elements resonated with a classical aesthetic. Within this classical shell, Meyer Davis Studio introduced contemporary interventions that reflect the homeowners' modern tastes, particularly the wife, a European businesswoman and contemporary design connoisseur. The interior features sleek kitchen designs, a sculptural grand staircase, and a curated collection of daring art by artists like Tracey Emin and Jack Pierson. The juxtaposition of traditional architectural elements with modern design pieces creates a unique narrative, suggesting a period structure that has been artfully remodeled to suit contemporary living. Meyer and Davis, known for their refined yet approachable interiors, emphasize that the project was not merely a renovation but an innovation grounded in a historical design idea. Collaboration between the firm's co-founders, Gray Davis and Will Meyer, shaped the project's success. Davis, recognized for his precise approach and master planning, complements Meyer's more laid-back and expressive style, enabling them to create cohesive and thoughtful spaces. The design prioritizes both architecture and interiors as intertwined disciplines, avoiding strict adherence to a single typology. This fluid approach allows for a blend of modern sensibilities with classical influences, creating spaces that are aspirational yet welcoming. The homeowner's personal touch is evident in many of the playful and spontaneous elements throughout the house, with many pieces sourced from the Paris flea market. Notable selections include a Matthieu Lehanneur light fixture integrated into the living room ceiling and Niamh Barry’s orbital chandelier in the library, though the architects sometimes suggested positional tweaks to optimize scale. The house’s layout is designed as a cinematic experience, with each of the seven levels dedicated to distinct functions, from the ground-floor foyer and kitchen to the master suite, kids' quarters, media room, and rooftop patio. Smaller staircases extend from the main one, leading to service areas like the butler's pantry and subterranean recreation zone. A standout feature is the grand plaster main stair, which was hand-formed on-site. Adjacent to it, a significant commission by David Wiseman features plaster lily-of-the-valley shoots that unfurl across the wall, appearing as classical trim that has come alive. This installation necessitated a minimalist lighting solution in the double-height foyer, opting for a backlit stretched ceiling resembling a James Turrell Skyspace rather than a traditional chandelier, demonstrating a confident exercise in restraint. Despite the emphasis on refined elegance, touches of whimsy, such as Nika Zupanc’s gold-finished Cherry pendant in the kitchen, contribute to the home's distinctive character, balancing sophistication with personal expression. #MeyerDavisStudio #ManhattanMansion #LuxuryInteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryArt #CustomFurnishings #ArchitecturalDesign #NewYorkRealEstate #HomeRenovation

Rachel Gray, a Memphis-based interior designer, showcases her creative philosophy through the design of her own home, which serves as a living laboratory for her design principles. Unlike her professional work, where she follows a structured layering process for clients, her personal approach prioritizes continuous change, experimentation, and the integration of found objects and art. Her design decisions are influenced by her global travels, embracing diverse aesthetics and a willingness to evolve her living space. Gray views her home as an interior design lab, where she tests new ideas and evaluates products before recommending them to clients. An example is the rug under her dining room's Parsons table, which she is currently assessing for quality. Her dining room features a unique "Mary Poppins" light fixture, crafted from copper by an Italian designer, alongside red aluminum chairs sourced from St. Louis. The ever-changing nature of her home is highlighted by the recent replacement of dining chairs, a decision prompted by a client's interest in her previous set. Decorative elements like a "Therapy" sign found on the street and brass Moroccan lanterns discovered during an attic clean-up further illustrate her penchant for eclectic and unexpected finds. Gray is also an art consultant with a focus on abstract paintings and mixed media. She is known for guiding clients in selecting art that not only complements their interiors but also has investment potential. Her own home reflects this passion, with pieces like a Jeri Ledbetter painting, purchased for her daughter Vivian, adorning the foyer. Beyond art, Gray has a passion for furniture design and repurposing objects. Bamboo panels in her living room, which have served multiple functions from headboards to suspended lighting installations, exemplify her experimental approach to design. Her living room features an antique iron horse, a "slam dunk" discovery from an estate sale, and a circular art sculpture found on the side of a street, originally a wooden structure from a dock. A repurposed bottle-drying rack from France currently functions as a lamp, with plans to transform it into a ceiling-mounted light fixture. Gray's design aesthetic often combines unpredictable elements into seamless vignettes, such as a candle altar from Michigan juxtaposed with antique chest and mirror, reflecting woodcut prints by artist Ted Faiers. Gray's second favorite item in her home is an antique iron and wire fire screen, acquired through persistence from an antique store owner who initially deemed it not for sale. Similarly, she salvaged an oversized outdoor antique store sign, relocating it herself, showcasing her determination to incorporate unique, narrative-rich pieces into her decor. A core tenet of her design philosophy is that a home should reflect its inhabitants' favorite things, ensuring every object has a story. She emphasizes the importance of proper scale and lighting in any interior design project, advocating for dimmers to control mood and acknowledging the significant impact of natural light on color and material choices. Gray believes color should create a fluid, cohesive experience within a home, rather than segmenting spaces. Ultimately, her home is a dynamic expression of her creative process, design philosophy, and lifestyle, resulting in an engaging and evolving environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MemphisDesigner #ArtCollecting #RepurposedFurniture #EclecticStyle #HomeExperimentation #DesignPhilosophy #RachelGray

The article presents a comprehensive guide to 26 American-made furniture brands favored by interior designers for their timeless quality and exceptional design. It emphasizes the importance of selecting well-designed, long-lasting furniture for the home, drawing on insider knowledge from industry experts. The brands featured range from established names to lesser-known companies, all recognized for their craftsmanship, customization options, and commitment to domestic manufacturing. The guide highlights A. Rudin, a family-owned business since 1912, known for its elegant and enduring upholstered furniture and case goods, all customizable and produced with traditional techniques in Los Angeles. Vani Sayeed, an interior designer, praises their quality and comfort, citing specific chair and sectional models. And Objects, founded in London in 2015 and now with a New York showroom, is celebrated for combining purpose, belonging, style, and fun in its furniture and objets. Co-founders Martin Brudnizki and Nick Jeanes are noted for their focus on materiality, technical detailing, exquisite finishes, and a flair for the unexpected. Melissa Urdang Bodie, co-founder of Melissa & Miller, admires their unique, individual pieces with personality, particularly the Easton chair for its bold color and high-quality leather. Chaddock Home is recognized for its unparalleled commitment to American manufacturing, customization, and quality, with nearly 90% of its products designed and made in Morganton, North Carolina. Designer Benjamin Johnston, who collaborated with Chaddock on the Gaia sofa and other pieces, commends their diversity of product and endless customization opportunities. Community Manufacturing, based in Los Angeles, is the preferred choice for New York-based interior designer Christin Farrar for coastal-style projects. Their bench-made pieces embody a casual coastal cool aesthetic, are handmade in-house, and allow for custom designs. Farrar particularly notes the Pickering coffee table and the Vander bench. Donghia, a brand known for iconic and classic pieces with visual weight and architectural harmony, is a favorite of Tanner Morgan of Morgan Madison Design. Morgan stresses the heirloom quality of their handmade furniture, citing the Lana chair and the versatile Manhattan sectional, highlighting their craftsmanship, including hand-carved frames and eight-way hand-tied stringing. East Otis Studio, run by Emma and Will Haughery in Lancaster, PA, designs and handcrafts contemporary furniture using ethically sourced, sustainable domestic US wood. Melissa Urdang Bodie appreciates their heirloom pieces and exquisite detailing. Egg Collective, a New York-based, all-female team with backgrounds in art, architecture, and woodworking, creates sculptural handmade pieces from natural materials, prioritizing community and stewardship of the natural world. Sarah Giesenhagen of The Bureau recommends their Fortune Tables and upholstered pieces. Gentner Design, led by Christopher Gentner in Chicago, integrates metal with other natural materials like glass, leather, and wood to create groundbreaking furniture. Tanner Morgan highlights their sculptural designs and accessories, particularly the elegant Semainier. Hickory Chair, with over 100 years of history in North Carolina, is a go-to for traditional interiors, offering well-made pieces. Vani Sayeed praises their 9th Street collection for its transitional look and ergonomic design. Holly Hunt, founded in 1983, champions American design for discerning clients, offering a premium showroom experience and consistently producing classic furniture in quality materials. Vani Sayeed and Tanner Morgan both commend Holly Hunt for its stunning lines, craftsmanship, and ability to enhance any space, mentioning the Rhone sofa and Caldera cocktail table. John Pomp, a design-driven artisan manufacturer, combines molten glass, warped metal, and refracted light in his organic furniture and lighting. Denise Morrison of House of Morrison admires John Pomp’s Warp console and his adept use of metal and glass, recommending The John Pomp Gallery at Thomas Lavin. Kalon Studios in Los Angeles is celebrated for its blend of simplicity, elegance, and function, creating beautifully crafted pieces with an organic plant-based finish. Sarah Giesenhagen points out their Caravan crib as both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Kin & Company, a Brooklyn-based design practice by cousins Joseph Vidich and Kira de Paola, creates edgy, sculptural pieces through material experimentation. Melissa Urdang Bodie highlights their steel Thin Chair and Table 1 for their exploration of form and function. Konekt, a New York brand founded by a mother-daughter duo, combines unexpected materials like horsehair and chainmail with traditional ones. Melissa Urdang Bodie praises their meticulously designed and crafted pieces, such as the Armor pendant light. Kravet, a multi-generational company, is highly recommended by Vani Sayeed for its Tailor range, which offers extensive customization options for both case goods and upholstered furniture. Lawson Fenning's LF Collection, based in California, is noted for its organically modern pieces with traditional detailing. Christin Farrar and Denise Morrison both appreciate its versatility and unique perspective, citing the Maker’s Day Bed and Prospect Coffee Table. McKinnon and Harris excels in outdoor furniture, renowned for its quality, performance, and comfort. Tanner Morgan considers their Beaufort and Duval seating collections ideal for creating outdoor spaces that extend indoor living areas. Mous, led by third-generation designers Tanner Moussa and Mackenzie Lewis, offers a fresh lineup of contemporary case goods with a modern, sensuous aesthetic. Vani Sayeed likes their Pi chair, Ellipse side table, and Cassini end table. Muskoka Living, based in California, designs and builds customizable furniture with an easy-going, sophisticated style, suitable for various homes. Christin Farrar mentions the Macy counter stool and the Sag Harbor outdoor chair and ottoman as favorites. Nat Fry Woodworking, located in Willistown, Pennsylvania, creates handmade pieces using traditional joinery and ethically sourced hardwoods. Melissa Urdang Bodie collaborated with Nat Fry on a custom walnut console with cane doors. Quintus is recognized for its stylish case goods, seating, and tables, along with its reliability in delivering quality products on schedule. Christin Farrar highlights the Zoey Desk and Jacosta game chair. Rose Tarlow Melrose House, an evolution of Rose Tarlow Antiques, is esteemed for its traditional pieces reinterpreted with modern materials and scale. Tanner Morgan and Denise Morrison praise their four-poster beds, William cabinet, and textiles, noting the Paco Lounge Chair and Ezio Barstool as signature pieces. Stephen Kenn, based in Los Angeles, creates creative pieces from repurposed and vintage materials, demonstrating a background in fashion design through his detailing. Sarah Giesenhagen recommends his upholstered pieces like the Inheritance sofa. Thomas Hayes Studio in Hollywood custom makes original pieces inspired by Brazilian midcentury designs and Modernism. Denise Morrison emphasizes their commitment to a small collection of high-quality, elegant, and crafted pieces, such as the Iron and Rolled Counter Stool. Verellen, a North Carolina brand, is known for its luxurious, clean-lined, and customizable furniture. Christin Farrar appreciates their attention to detail and flexibility, particularly the Barcelona table. Waka Waka, a Los Angeles studio, transforms plywood into utilitarian works of art with a quirky, Japanese post-modern edge. Sarah Giesenhagen describes their handmade furniture as simple in form but playing with proportion and interesting details, exemplified by the Cylinder Back Armchair. #AmericanMadeFurniture #InteriorDesigners #LuxuryFurniture #CustomFurniture #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #QualityCraftsmanship #FurnitureBrands #ResidentialDesign

Hardware plays a crucial role in furniture design, influencing both aesthetics and functionality, yet it is often an overlooked aspect. This article highlights the significance of these "finishing touches" through the offerings of Doug Mockett & Company, a California-based hardware manufacturer established in 1980. The brand has emerged as a leader in the design industry by providing innovative solutions, particularly in wire management and power solutions for various furnishings. Doug Mockett & Company's product range extends beyond wire management, encompassing drawer pulls, table legs, casters, shelf supports, and signage. The company prioritizes both functionality and an understated design aesthetic in its offerings. A testament to its commitment to innovation, Doug Mockett is continuously prototyping 20-30 new products at any given time and actively fosters design talent through an annual hardware design competition open to both students and professionals. The article showcases five specific Doug Mockett products that exemplify their ability to enhance furniture utility. One such product is the TLEL3 electrical table legs, which feature height adjustment at the touch of a button, providing users with the flexibility to optimize comfort at their tables and workstations. Another featured item is the WM22 J-Shape Wire Manager, designed to be discreetly fastened under surfaces, offering an efficient solution for organizing wires. For kitchen applications, the PCS77 is highlighted as a seamless solution for power outlets. This GFCI-rated unit pops up when needed to provide power and then retracts to hide away when not in use. It also boasts a water-tight seal in both its open and closed positions. The PCS48F Horizontal 3 Power/USB Dock is presented as a convenient power solution for work surfaces, designed to clamp to the side of desks and featuring a horizontal frame with rounded edges. The PCS62 flush power grommet offers a versatile power and USB charging option. Available in single electric and dual USB configurations, it can be easily mounted onto any surface. Its horizontal and vertical configurations provide flexibility, making it suitable for various placements, including desktops or chair arms. The EDP, described as Doug Mockett's most popular grommet, caters to a wide array of computer-related uses and comes in 11 colors and five plated finishes. Finally, the CA63 hollow wheel caster, designed by an aerospace engineer, is featured for its enhanced stability. This caster, with its wide wheel base, contributes to the overall stability of the chair it supports. Through these examples, the article underscores how Doug Mockett & Company's hardware solutions consistently add new levels of utility and thoughtful design to furniture, reinforcing the idea that even the smallest components can significantly impact user experience and the overall design of an object. #FurnitureHardware #InteriorDesign #DougMockett #WireManagement #PowerSolutions #FurnitureAccessories #DesignInnovation #HardwareDesignCompetition