Freeze Design Build Creates Custom Furniture

The year 2020 has brought a heightened awareness to the significance of living spaces, with many individuals investing in renovations, redesigns, and refreshes to adapt to new routines and increased time spent at home. This shift has propelled the demand for custom, made-to-order furniture and decor, moving beyond the traditional offerings of large retailers. Smaller, direct-to-consumer, and online-only brands are now at the forefront, making customized pieces more accessible and affordable to both design professionals and everyday consumers. Interior designer Rydhima Brar notes that internet-savvy clients are conducting extensive online research and are willing to purchase custom products without prior showroom visits, drawn by exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. The appeal of these brands also stems from their meticulous quality control, transparent processes, and superior customer service, benefits often attributed to their non-mass-produced nature and shorter lead times. Several brands are exemplifying this trend. Coley Home, for instance, specializes in fully-upholstered beds like 'The Crown Bed,' offering customization in headboard shapes, fabrics, piping, and leg finishes, all delivered within ten days. Their emphasis on easy assembly further enhances customer convenience, reducing the need for external help, which is particularly beneficial during a pandemic. Society Social provides a range of custom furniture, including lounge chairs with various styles, fabrics, and optional embellishments like tape trim and fringe. Their commitment to quality is evident in their North Carolina factory, and they offer in-person consultations at their Charlotte store. Casa Kids stands out with its innovative, multifunctional, and modular pieces, such as bunk and loft beds integrated with desks and storage. Handmade in Brooklyn from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch, these items are customizable with Benjamin Moore colors and feature adjustable heights, making them ideal for smaller spaces and promoting longevity. The Inside offers a wide array of customizable products, from dining chairs to other home items, with over a hundred fabric options, including collaborations with esteemed brands. Their dining chairs, though limited in style, are highly versatile due to the extensive fabric choices. Interior Define is celebrated for its clean, modern contemporary designs, providing numerous options for sofas in terms of fabrics, leg styles, and configurations. They offer complimentary one-on-one assistance and prioritize practical features like child and pet-friendly upholstery. BenchMade Modern addresses specific spatial needs by offering sofas and sectionals in 100 sizes with five-inch increments, along with diverse arrangements, upholstery, and wood choices, all handcrafted domestically within 30 days. Beyond furniture, custom decor is also gaining traction. Paynes Gray, an online boutique, offers a curated selection of custom pieces, including the Morris Writing Desk from Redford House, which is available in twenty finishes and various hardware options. Pepper provides custom throw pillows in multiple sizes and fabrics, allowing for personalized accents. Edie Parker features a bespoke collection of vintage-inspired decor, such as hand-poured acrylic trays that can be customized with choices of tray, font, and text color. The Brooklyn Teacup repurposes vintage China into tiered stands, offering unique serving or display pieces, with options to use sourced China or customers' own heirlooms. These brands collectively highlight a growing demand for personalized, high-quality, and accessible home furnishings and decor, catering to a market that values individuality and practical solutions for modern living. #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #HomeDecor #DirectToConsumer #OnlineRetailers #PersonalizedHome #MadeToOrder #DesignTrends

Rustbelt, a Cleveland-based custom furniture maker, has been creating modern heirloom wooden pieces for over 50 years, leaving its artistic mark in various high-profile locations across the nation, including concession stands at Cleveland sports venues, gondola cabs at Yellowstone Club in Montana, and Michelin-starred restaurants like Valle in California. Their work ranges from simple hexagonal benches to intricate reception tables engraved with hundreds of signatures, showcasing their versatile design capabilities. Originating as Interior Products Co. in 1970 and rebranding to Rustbelt Reclamation in 2013, the company, now known simply as Rustbelt since 2024, is led by President Megan Barker. A team of nine skilled woodworkers in the Goodrich-Kirtland Park and Asiatown neighborhoods craft custom furniture, with projects typically spanning 12-14 weeks from initial consultation to final delivery. A core principle of Rustbelt is the meticulous selection of materials, emphasizing the unique composition of each wood slab, including its species, graining, and finish. While largely recognized for its contributions to the hospitality industry, Rustbelt consistently pushes design boundaries, embracing challenges that other manufacturers might avoid. As a woman-owned business in manufacturing, the company prides itself on innovative thinking and fostering a collaborative environment where every team member's voice is valued. This approach allows them to complete an average of 100 custom projects annually, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Rustbelt's "Tree to Table" initiative is central to its sustainable practices. This program involves salvaging fallen timber, rather than using freshly cut wood, and then meticulously drying, milling, and refurbishing it to ensure longevity against wear and tear. All wood is sourced within a 200-mile radius of their East 36th Street workshop, highlighting their dedication to local resources and minimizing environmental impact. Barker stresses that superior craftsmanship is intrinsically linked to superior materials, a philosophy that underpins their product quality. Despite their national reach, collaborating with celebrity homes and top designers, Rustbelt maintains a strong connection to its Cleveland roots, valuing local clients who can visit the workshop and engage directly with the material selection process. With current design trends leaning towards "wood-infused spaces" and "artisanal details," Rustbelt finds itself perfectly positioned. The company aims to make the beauty of custom woodwork accessible to a broader clientele, moving beyond the perception of it as an exclusive luxury. In 2024, following the simplification of its name, Rustbelt launched a new website featuring "The Grove," a blog managed by project manager Kim Mager and marketing coordinator Eli Edwards. This platform offers insights into custom furniture making. Barker and Mager characterize Rustbelt's furniture as "quiet luxury," intending it for clients from all backgrounds. They emphasize that successful design involves not just skill, but also a crucial ability to listen and adapt to client needs. Whether it's an epoxy table inspired by a river, engraved tiles featuring native Wyoming plants, or a multi-compartment bar cart, each piece is designed to be timeless, precisely reflecting the client's vision. Each creation carries the legacy of Rustbelt's 55-year history in Cleveland, embodying the concept of "modern heirlooms." #CustomFurniture #Woodworking #ClevelandDesign #SustainableDesign #HeirloomFurniture #InteriorDesign #ManufacturingInnovation #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #LocalBusiness

The Cubrick is a storage cabinet that embodies an elegant and unexpected transformation, developed through a collaboration between industrial designer Cairn Young and cabinet maker Ian Spencer, who operate as Yard Sale Project. This UK-based duo works out of a South London workshop, specializing in small-batch furniture pieces. Their philosophy centers on combining Young's unique design skills with Spencer's artisanal talents, aiming to bridge the gap between contemporary design aesthetics and the meticulous craftsmanship of handmade, one-off items. The Cubrick is presented as a storage furniture counterpart to the Fletcher Capstan Table, renowned for its intricate expanding mechanism. A key aspect of the Cubrick's design and functionality is what Yard Sale Project refers to as the "Chaos Technique." This approach is fundamental to their creative philosophy, allowing them to transcend traditional construction methods that often impose limitations on design possibilities. By embracing this "chaotic" technique, they aim to break free from conventional boundaries while maintaining a deep understanding and appreciation for woodworking. Their method draws inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement's technical knowledge of wood, yet simultaneously rejects its sometimes rigid adherence to "truth to materials" and "honesty." This willingness to challenge tradition extends to their incorporation of various other materials beyond wood. The Cubrick is available as a made-to-order piece, offered in four different sizes and a diverse range of finishes and colors. Pricing for the Cubrick varies significantly based on its configuration and materials. For instance, the lowest-priced model, a twelve-box unit with a semi-matte finish, starts at approximately £4,698 (US $7,335). The cost can increase to as much as £7,484 (US $11,684) for a variable-height 20-cube model, particularly when finished with materials like Nextel Suede. Potential buyers are provided with an interactive online demo that allows them to virtually customize and visualize their desired Cubrick configuration. #FurnitureDesign #IndustrialDesign #CabinetMaking #StorageSolutions #TransformingFurniture #ChaosTechnique #BespokeFurniture #ArtisanCraftsmanship

Nidhi Kapur founded Maiden Home, an online furniture company, out of frustration with the limited and often low-quality options available when furnishing her first adult home. She observed that existing large chain stores either lacked elegant designs, appeared cheap, or leaned heavily into a mid-century modern aesthetic, none of which met her desire for quality and value within her price range. Leveraging her background in e-commerce, Kapur embarked on a mission to create a direct-to-consumer model that would revolutionize the furniture shopping experience. The company name, Maiden Home, symbolizes the significant life changes that often prompt furniture purchases, such as marriage, moving to the suburbs, or buying a first home. Kapur's vision for Maiden Home centered on handcrafted, high-quality furniture made in North Carolina, drawing inspiration from her parents' long-lasting furniture purchases from the region. She traveled extensively across North Carolina to identify family-owned businesses specializing in custom upholstery that could meet her stringent requirements for affordable, handcrafted pieces. This extensive search culminated in establishing partnerships with skilled artisans capable of producing the desired products. Maiden Home distinguishes itself by cutting out traditional intermediaries, adopting a direct-to-consumer approach that has proven successful in other industries. This model eliminates the markups associated with selling through boutique furniture stores or outsourcing manufacturing to international factories. Consequently, a custom-made couch that might cost $6,000 through a traditional retailer can be purchased for $2,000 directly from Maiden Home, without compromising on quality, comfort, or elegance. The development of Maiden Home took two years, during which Kapur meticulously addressed the complexities of delivering custom American-made furniture nationwide. Her customer service philosophy prioritizes keeping promises and avoiding the common pitfalls of mistreating customers, a stark contrast to her perception of the furniture industry's historical practices. Maiden Home offers a streamlined customization process starting with four core sofa and four chair designs. Customers can personalize their selections based on size, fabric, and color through the company's website, which provides complimentary swatch kits and access to design advisors. These advisors offer guidance throughout the purchase journey, ensuring that selections align with a customer's aesthetic and home environment. After an order is placed, Maiden Home provides weekly updates on the manufacturing process, covering stages from cushion creation to final inspections. The company also guarantees a six-week white glove delivery service across most of the United States. An exceptionally customer-friendly policy allows for a 30-day full refund return, a rare offering in the custom furniture market. Although primarily an e-commerce platform, Maiden Home maintains an appointment-only showroom in Kapur’s Tribeca apartment for customers who prefer to view products in person. The brand officially launched on March 7, with pre-launch beta users already expressing satisfaction with the designs, comfort, and transparency regarding product origins. Maiden Home's top-selling Minetta Chair exemplifies its commitment to detailed craftsmanship, featuring 16 rows of stitch detailing and available in a wide range of fabrics and leathers. All sofas are designed for longevity, preventing flattening and cushion slippage. Kapur plans to expand the product line beyond couches and chairs, prioritizing customer feedback to introduce new furniture types based on demand, always with the customer experience at the forefront. #HomeDesign #FurnitureDesign #CustomFurniture #DirectToConsumer #MaidenHome #ECommerce #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #HandcraftedFurniture

This week’s "Product Preview" highlights a collection of new and notable design debuts, featuring a variety of home furnishings and materials that aim to inspire and refresh sourcing lists for high summer. The launches showcase innovative collaborations and novel approaches to design across multiple categories, from outdoor furniture to bespoke hardware and textiles. Patrick Mele has partnered with Aronson’s Floor Covering to introduce the Color Field collection, a line of four pure New Zealand wool rugs available through KRB. This polychromatic series draws inspiration from Josef Albers’s color-blocked art, featuring designs such as the optical art-influenced Centered, the geometric Placid Landscape, the asymmetrical Burst, and the prismatic Centered Burst, adding vibrant and artistic elements to interior spaces. At Casual Market Atlanta, Ultrafabrics unveiled Ultraleather, a new brand offering residential-minded leather alternatives. This launch includes high-performing indoor styles and a range of outdoor-friendly collections. Notable additions are Pumice, a soft material; Brisa Frontier, which has a slightly distressed look; and Summit, a rustic, vintage-inspired option, providing durable and stylish choices for various environments. Rachel Robinson and Michael Dunham of Dunham Robinson, a New York-based architecture studio, have launched DuroDeco, a customizable furniture brand. Each piece is handmade to order, including an H-shaped solid wood side table with an integrated shelf and a low-profile coffee table that can be customized with over a dozen stone options. This brand emphasizes bespoke craftsmanship and personalization in furniture design. Tuuci introduced its Ocean Master Max Bolero Ombré Blossom parasol at Casual Market Atlanta. This outdoor-rated parasol features a domed canopy adorned with hundreds of vibrant, hand-tufted blossoms, subtly scalloped edges, and cascading handwrought ribs, offering a visually striking and functional outdoor accessory. Akdo collaborated with global architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to release the Dyad collection. This collection features two mosaic marble patterns available in brushed and honed finishes. Imala, one of the patterns, is a kaleidoscopic design offered in three neutral colorways, while Pavo is a two-tone pattern with undulating linework, providing sophisticated options for surfacing. Ukrainian design brand Yakusha launched the Drevo series, a collection of 18 stainless steel wall panels crafted by artist and founder Victoria Yakusha. These panels are engraved with whimsical tree of life symbols derived from ethnographic records, offering highly collectible folk art-inspired pieces that can be installed individually or in a gallery arrangement. San Diego-based hardware brand The Details released four new collections of cabinet hardware. Handcrafted in small batches from recycled brass and available in three finishes, these collections include the midcentury-style Avalon, the pill-shaped Beacon, the curvaceous Descanso, and the brutalist Vallon, providing diverse aesthetic options for cabinetry. Workshop Collection’s At Ease series features nine creations by Workshop/APD, designed to promote relaxation. The series includes the Hiro accent chair, the arched Warren dresser, and the Isla console and coffee table, which are cast-resin pieces with drapery-like folds. These items combine comfort with distinctive design elements. Salam Hello introduced Siroua Shades, a line of hand-dyed rugs made by Moroccan artisans. The collection includes nine flatweaves, six knotted high-pile styles, and over 20 accent and wall pieces. Designs like the ombre Tifawt and the striped Tasskalya are pigmented with natural henna, ensuring unique and artisanal textile offerings. CB2’s Fall 2025 collection features numerous designer collaborations within its 571-piece lineup. Highlights include Ross Cassidy’s jade green velvet sofa with contrast welting, Brett Beldock’s black marble-and-aluminum Aster dining table, and Evan Jerry of Studio Anansi’s Davison fluted wood bed with attached nightstands, showcasing a blend of contemporary styles and functional designs. British lighting brand Original BTC collaborated with German architect and designer Fabian Freytag on a limited-edition portable Blossom lamp. This reinterpretation features a fluted ceramic shade, a metallic green stem, and a black-and-white hydro-dipped base, offering a high-contrast and distinctive lighting solution. New York– and London-based designer Helena Clunies-Ross launched her inaugural furniture collection, Calma, currently on display at Room. The American-made line comprises six sleek, bespoke styles: a linen-upholstered sofa, a gently curved daybed, an Art Deco-inspired dining table with antique brass accents, a leather-clad dining chair, an ebonized walnut-topped coffee table, and a console with curved burnished steel panels. The collection emphasizes sophisticated design and custom craftsmanship. #ProductPreview #DesignDebuts #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #OutdoorFurniture #TextileDesign #HardwareDesign #LightingDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtisanCrafts

Designed & Made, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based custom woodworking shop founded by Brian Grabski, specializes in cabinetry, architectural woodwork, and original design pieces. The company's name, 'Designed & Made,' signifies its commitment to complete creative ownership, from initial concept to final construction. This philosophy is inspired by artisans who integrate design and making under one roof, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and alignment with the architectural vision of each project. The company maintains a small team of 10 highly skilled employees within its 8,000-square-foot facility. This intentional size allows for agility and exceptional quality control, while still being equipped to manage the demanding schedules of large-scale residential projects. This approach helps prevent overextension, guaranteeing that every project receives dedicated focus. Designed & Made's process emphasizes collaboration and precision, beginning with detailed discussions with architects, designers, or homeowners. The design phase involves development and 3D modeling, where proportions, details, and materials are refined collaboratively. Following approval, all engineering is performed in-house, generating precise shop drawings and CNC-ready files. Fabrication occurs on-site, integrating advanced machinery with traditional handcraftsmanship. Most projects are fully finished and assembled before delivery and installation. The majority of Designed & Made's work involves high-end residential cabinetry and millwork, often encompassing full-home packages. The company also undertakes select commercial projects that align with its values and methodology. Typically, two to three projects are active simultaneously, progressing through a linear workflow of design, engineering, fabrication, finishing, and installation. This structured approach maintains focus on quality and detail. Designed & Made offers end-to-end services, including design consulting, engineering, procurement, fabrication, logistics, and installation, enabling precise execution of complex, architecturally driven projects. The shop is equipped with two Holz-Her 3-axis CNC routers, digital modeling software (Rhino/Grasshopper/F360/Cabinet Vision), advanced spray finishing capabilities, an SCMI edgebander, a Timesavers 3-head widebelt sander, a Weinig moulder, and various other traditional woodworking tools. The company is recognized for its blend of digital fabrication and traditional woodworking, incorporating sculptural shaping, bookmatched veneers, custom joinery, and meticulous hand-finishing. Material selection is a collaborative process, involving the careful sourcing of hardwoods and veneers to ensure consistency in tone, grain, and figure, balancing performance with aesthetic requirements. Designed & Made operates as a sustainable company, utilizing FSC-certified hardwoods, optimizing material yields through digital nesting, and employing low-VOC finishing systems. The company's focus on longevity and quality inherently contributes to its sustainability strategy. Approximately 75 percent of the work involves kitchens, cabinetry, and architectural millwork, with the remaining 25 percent dedicated to specialty furniture and sculptural commissions. These unique pieces allow the team to explore innovative forms, materials, and processes, showcasing the company's capabilities at the intersection of architecture, design, and craftsmanship. A notable example of the company's capabilities is a custom pool table, displayed in their showroom. This "passion project" demonstrates Designed & Made's comprehensive skills in high-end design, digital modeling, machining, handcraftsmanship, and finishing. The pool table, inspired by a vintage Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. table, involved extensive 3D modeling and engineering by Brian Grabski and Duncan MacLeslie. Intricate details, such as genuine ivory inlays and hand-selected mahogany veneer, highlight the team's precision and artistic skill. Adrian Bileydi-Lee executed the veneering and ivory inlay, while Paul Perrone applied a custom, hand-rubbed finish. Andy Fleischhacker, the production foreman, oversaw the entire project. This collaborative effort exemplifies the company's belief that the combined skills of multiple craftsmen can produce results greater than the sum of individual contributions. Brian Grabski's woodworking journey began in high school, influenced by a shop teacher and an inspiring experience at Classic Woodworks. His entrepreneurial father further shaped his path, leading him to establish Designed & Made in 2005. Grabski was recognized as a Wood Industry 40 Under 40 in 2016 and continues to contribute to the industry by serving on the Board of Directors for the Saint Paul College Woodworking Program, offering curriculum feedback and shop tours to students. #CustomWoodworking #Cabinetry #ArchitecturalMillwork #ResidentialDesign #Craftsmanship #CNCMachining #SustainablePractices #FurnitureDesign #DesignBuild #InteriorDesign

Austin's design landscape, traditionally celebrated for its architectural prowess with influences from Texas Rangers architects and contemporary figures like Craig Dykers, James Dodson, and Michael Hsu, is now experiencing a flourishing furniture design scene. This resurgence is fueled by the city's innovative environment, attracting creatives, particularly those with backgrounds in architecture and traditional design, to explore smaller-scale, more intimate projects. This article delves into the practices of three distinct furniture design companies—Muhly, Yucca Stuff, and Maček Furniture—to offer a comprehensive understanding of Austin's dynamic furniture design community. Muhly, established in 2021 by lifelong friends Ann Edgerton and Megan Carney, exemplifies contemporary design with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. Their work, such as the Lindheimer Credenza, reinterprets classic pieces through modern lenses, showcasing natural wood grains and cross-sections. While primarily working with wood, Muhly also experiments with materials like steel for outdoor furniture, as seen in their powder-coated Lineage Bench and stainless steel Flecto Fire Pit. Their iterative design process, involving extensive hand drawings, has resulted in creations that have attracted significant public and professional interest, including collaborations with interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and commercial clients such as La Condesa restaurant. Yucca Stuff, founded by Daniel Morrison, embraces a Texas-centric sensibility, blending domestic hardwoods with unique materials like limestone. Morrison, an architect by training and a self-taught woodworker, explores the harmonious integration of contrasting materials. His design philosophy centers on finding the most aesthetically pleasing way for different materials to interact, evident in pieces like the Odessa Coffee Table and the Concho Table. These designs ingeniously resolve the interface between porous limestone and hardwood through innovative joinery. Yucca Stuff's success led to a collaboration with Design Within Reach in 2022 and features in DIOR's flagship New York store and across East Asia and the Middle East, highlighting the brand's global appeal and Morrison's continuous exploration of new materials, including Mexican lava stone. Maček Furniture, led by Mark Maček, boasts 28 years of experience, producing high-quality custom furniture. Maček, also initially from an architectural background, discovered a passion for the tangible nature of woodworking. His design ethos is rooted in functionality, which has evolved through years of custom work, yet he maintains a distinct level of craftsmanship. Collaborations with architects and designers, such as the Kathleen Desk created with Ann Tucker, demonstrate his ability to adapt his design language while retaining his signature style. Maček also dedicates time to academia, teaching wood design at The University of Texas School of Architecture (UTSOA), where he mentors young designers and imparts both the theoretical and practical skills of woodworking. A significant factor contributing to Austin's thriving furniture design scene is The Splinter Group, a large communal maker space in East Austin. This workshop accommodates 25 tenants and 40 artisans, serving as a hub for the region's leading furniture designers, including Muhly, Yucca Stuff, and Maček Furniture. The Splinter Group fosters an inspiring environment characterized by a free exchange of ideas and experiences. Mark Maček, as one of the wood shop’s three managers, emphasizes the critical importance of such affordable and collective spaces for woodworkers, metalworkers, and ceramicists. He highlights that craftsmanship is inherently communal, with designers relying on a local network of makers, suppliers, and enthusiasts to push the industry forward. #AustinDesign #FurnitureDesign #Woodworking #CustomFurniture #MaterialInnovation #DesignCommunity #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign #TexasDesign

The custom furniture design process offers a unique solution for homeowners seeking specific pieces that are not available through mass production. This process can range from customizing existing designs to creating entirely bespoke items tailored to individual needs and aesthetics. Several Dallas-based artisans and studios specialize in different levels of customization, providing a wide array of options for clients. The first tier of customization involves selecting an already designed piece from a maker's collection and then choosing specific details such as wood species, stain, dimensions, or finishes. For example, Scout Design Studio allows clients to customize elements like wood veneers and stains on their curated furniture options. This approach offers a balance between uniqueness and a more streamlined production process. Another level of customization involves updating vintage items. Many local furniture makers, including Scout Design Studio, source vintage pieces that can be refinished, reupholstered, or lacquered to meet a client's specifications. This option is often more affordable than commissioning a brand-new, fully custom piece, providing an eco-friendly and character-rich alternative for home furnishing. The most comprehensive form of custom furniture design is a fully bespoke piece. Here, a designer works closely with the client to create something entirely unique, starting from a concept, mood board, or even a basic sketch. The design process may involve detailed sketches, 3D renderings, or watercolor paintings to visualize the final product. The Collective, for instance, specializes in bespoke pieces that can incorporate creative functionalities, such as hidden dog beds or integrated wine fridges within credenzas, or even credenzas with TV lifts. This level of customization ensures the furniture perfectly fits the space, aesthetic, and functional requirements of the client. Commissioning custom furniture is generally more expensive than purchasing mass-produced items, with costs potentially ranging into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity, materials, and finishes. The waiting period for custom furniture is also a significant consideration, as fabrication can take 12 to 14 weeks, with bespoke pieces requiring additional time for design approval. Artisans like Taylor Cunningham from The Collective maintain client engagement during this period by providing regular updates on the piece's progress. The extended timeframe is attributed to the less efficient, one-at-a-time production method. However, a key advantage is that custom pieces typically come fully assembled, with full-service, white-glove delivery often included, ensuring the item is placed exactly where desired. Dallas is home to several reputable custom furniture makers. The Collective offers interior design services, in-stock furnishings, and bespoke pieces, with options to customize everything from chairs to game tables. Scout Design Studio, which began with vintage refurbishing, now provides its own custom line and bespoke design services, alongside quick-ship items and home decor. CasitaDallas specializes in custom-upholstered pieces, wood tables, and case pieces, allowing clients to personalize finishes, fabrics, and dimensions. Madre focuses on colorful interior design and offers custom headboards, beds, daybeds, tables, and consoles. Childress Fabrics & Furniture, a long-standing family-operated business, specializes in traditional/transitional furniture and a vast selection of fabrics, including waterproof options for outdoor living spaces. Finally, The Wright Edge is known for modern, live-edge wood furniture, with owner Doc Wright emphasizing resin work and 3D designs, such as melting-effect countertops. These Dallas-based studios collectively showcase the breadth and artistry available in custom furniture creation. #CustomFurniture #FurnitureDesign #DallasArtisans #HomeDecor #BespokeFurniture #InteriorDesign #FurnitureMaking #ScoutDesignStudio #TheCollective

This week's Dezeen Showroom highlights eight new product introductions, focusing on furniture and lighting designs from various international brands and designers. Kicking off the selection is the Chord sofa by Canadian design company Part & Whole. This modular seating system draws inspiration from 1970s lounge aesthetics while incorporating modern construction techniques and upholstery. The Chord sofa allows for flexible arrangements with its corner module, flat back module, and backless ottoman, catering to diverse spatial needs and user preferences. Following the Chord sofa, the Stair table lamp by Notchi Architects for Swedish lighting brand Oblure is introduced. This playful lamp features a stepped steel base topped with a spherical light, designed to evoke a sense of geometry and gravity. Its versatile design makes it suitable for both home and office environments, with an added functionality as a bookend. Another notable product is the 4PM chaise longue by Swedish brand Massproductions. Unveiled at Stockholm Design Week 2022, the 4PM chaise longue prioritizes comfort without relying on traditional upholstery, utilizing laminated wood. It includes a raised footrest that can serve as an additional seat or a side table. In a tribute to Italian designer Enzo Mari, Massproductions also offers a self-build version of the 4PM, complete with instructions for assembly using readily available hardware store materials, promoting DIY engagement. Monogram, distributed through Galerie Revel, presents the Spirit coffee table. This sculptural piece features an inverted cone tabletop and a substantial base crafted from exotic oak. It is part of Monogram's forthcoming Escales collection, which reinterprets 19th-century furniture characteristics into contemporary designs, emphasizing artistic form and material quality. The Lumo pendant lamp, designed by Thomas Bernstrand for Zero Lighting, offers customizable lighting solutions. This conical pendant can be installed individually or grouped in various configurations, including straight lines, circles, rectangles, triangles, or squares, thanks to a range of available fittings. This flexibility allows for diverse lighting arrangements in different interior settings. Studioforma, a Swiss architecture and design practice, introduces the Tribù sofa, conceived as a seating island to foster social interaction. The sofa is built on an elliptic walnut wood base and features cushioned seats and backrests upholstered in vibrant patterns, aiming to create an inviting and engaging communal space. Moa Sjöberg's Moci dining table for Swedish brand Asplund is an oak table distinguished by its rounded edges. This design was recognized as furniture of the year in RUM Magazine's Swedish Design Awards 2022, lauded for its harmonious balance of straight and curved elements, offering a contemporary yet classic aesthetic. Finally, the Koster outdoor collection by Studio Norrlandet for Skargaarden is highlighted. This collection of outdoor furniture is specifically engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions. Available from Swedish brand Skargaarden, the Koster range includes chairs, bar stools, and tables in three sizes, all constructed from durable teak wood and UV-resistant rope, ensuring longevity and resilience in exterior environments. These products collectively demonstrate a range of innovative approaches to design, material use, and functionality across different furniture and lighting categories. #ProductDesign #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #ModularFurniture #OutdoorFurniture #SwedishDesign #CanadianDesign

This article highlights the enduring appeal of hardwood furniture amidst the emergence of new materials in design. While acknowledging innovations like bioplastics and vegan leathers, the piece emphasizes that skilled and creative woodworkers can transform traditional materials like teak, walnut, and oak into long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces using only their tools and workshops. The focus then shifts to showcase several custom wood furniture makers in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) who excel in crafting these enduring designs. Five distinct pieces of furniture are presented, each demonstrating different styles, materials, and price points. The first featured item is Daniel Gruetter’s bar stool, crafted from red oak. When treated with iron oxide, the red oak develops a unique ruddy, patinated complexion. Gruetter combines this material with mortise, tenon, and an upholstered seat to create a bar stool designed to be an heirloom, priced at $2500. Next is Nicholas Hamilton Holmes’ Captain’s dining table, which features a rounded design and pin and tenon joints that playfully extend through a marble tabletop. Made from white oak, this table, starting from $3700, offers a commanding presence while maintaining a lighthearted aesthetic. Heidi Earnshaw’s Half Hathaway is the third item, a made-to-order piece distinguished by its minimalist appearance, bevelled legs, turned knobs, and straight-lined design. Despite its seemingly simple form, the piece incorporates complex joinery, showcasing the hidden craftsmanship. It is priced from $5400. Atelier Arking’s Lami dining chair is highlighted for its contrast between a rigid white ash frame and soft, pillowy leather upholstery. This chair, starting from $620, is designed to serve both as a functional everyday seating option and a striking statement piece. Finally, the article features Kate Duncan’s Ribbed Bed. Inspired by brutalist architecture, this bed, however, uses textured hardwood instead of cold concrete. It can also include optional details such as brass pulls and leather-veneered fronts, and is available from $18,000. Each piece underscores the timelessness and quality achievable through traditional woodworking techniques. #CustomFurniture #Woodworking #TorontoDesign #HeirloomQuality #ProductDesign #HardwoodFurniture #LocalMakers

The article highlights seven Australian designers and studios specializing in custom-made furniture, emphasizing the benefits of bespoke pieces over mass-produced items. Custom furniture is portrayed as a unique investment that perfectly fits a home's aesthetic and functional requirements, offering durability and a personal connection between the buyer and the maker. Supporting local businesses and Australian craftsmanship are additional advantages of commissioning custom pieces. Nick Pedullá of Pedulla Studio in Sydney, inspired by his grandfather's woodworking, crafts exquisite made-to-measure furniture. He values the uniqueness of each piece, designed and built specifically for the client, and meticulously selects timber for grain structure and integrity. Pedullá aims to share his skills through his YouTube channel, offering insights into his workshop process. While smaller makers excel in custom work, large retailers like Harvey Norman and Domayne also provide customization options. Amber Cooke, National Product and Business Manager for furniture at Harvey Norman, notes that customized pieces offer unique tailoring to space and long-term enjoyment. In Perth, Karl Young of Saltwood Designs, a former aircraft engineer, transitioned his passion for woodworking into a career. He draws inspiration from Danish design, focusing on lightweight, uncomplicated, and timeless pieces. Young believes that owning a bespoke item is a privilege, allowing clients to embark on a creative journey with the maker from idea to tangible object, often using beautiful timbers like walnut. Melbourne-based duo Kieran Meegan and Rickie-lee Robbie founded Idle Hands, combining Kieran's metal fabrication skills with Rickie-lee's artistic vision. They create bespoke tables, plant stands, and shelves, emphasizing the strength of steel for pared-back designs. Their philosophy centers on the value of owning an object with a clear origin and specific relevance to the owner's life. Melbourne sisters Alice and Laura McIntosh established Trust in Dust, repurposing stone offcuts into unique occasional tables and planter stands. Each piece is distinct, shaped and designed individually, reinforcing the idea of investing in furniture crafted specifically for the buyer rather than from a production line. They highlight the importance of supporting Australian creativity and talent. Luke Reddie and Blake Robertson of Concrete Republic in Geelong specialize in glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) furniture. Luke, with 16 years in the concreting industry, developed techniques for creating slim, non-chunky concrete pieces. Their range includes planters, benches, and dining tables, with endless customization options for size, shape, color, and leg design. They are also launching the Concrete Academy to teach others about working with GFRC. In Melbourne, Nicola Grey and Tara Wilcox of Redfox & Wilcox produce Modernist-inspired furniture, combining timber and metal. Tara, the welder, contributes to the construction of consoles and kitchen stools with slim steel legs. They stress the connection between owners and makers, offering deep customization in timber tones and finishes, with all materials sourced locally. Laura McCusker, a furniture designer and maker based in Hobart, creates beautifully constructed timber pieces using Tasmanian oak. She views custom furniture as creating heirlooms and encourages client involvement in the making process, fostering a sense of ownership even before completion. James Howe, an Adelaide-based designer, embraces diverse materials from timber to steel, valuing texture and light interaction. He sees bespoke furniture as a collaboration between maker and buyer, resulting in a piece that perfectly serves individual tastes and needs, and is currently exploring Danish cord-weaving techniques. #CustomFurniture #AustralianDesigners #BespokeFurniture #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #SupportLocal #FurnitureMakers #SustainableFurniture

The Barrow Collection by Toronto-based designer Mary Ratcliffe represents an expansion of her design philosophy, initially introduced with the Barrow Dining Table in 2021. The collection, which now includes a bench, side tables, and a mirror, is unified by its sculptural aesthetic and a distinctive approach to woodworking, drawing inspiration from the centuries-old coopering technique of barrel-making. This method involves shaping repeated trapezoidal staves into curved, yet angular, volumes, thereby creating a visual language that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Ratcliffe's work is characterized by a dialogue with wood as a dynamic material. The design process emphasizes the manipulation of wood's inherent properties to achieve precise, repeatable forms. This involves taking traditional rules governing wood movement and applying a contemporary interpretation, simplifying these principles to create shapes that evoke a sense of thoughtful repetition and sculptural meditation. The resulting pieces maintain a balance between a monumental presence and an approachable feel, defining a softness that also highlights a nuanced aspect of brutalism in design. The Barrow Table exemplifies this design approach through its clustered or split bases. The angled cuts within these bases interact with light and shadow, creating an illusion of lightness despite the table's substantial form. The Barrow Bench reinterprets the table's forms, applying them to its edges, which in turn reveals the precision of the design from different perspectives. A subtle six-degree contour in the bench's seat is incorporated to enhance comfort, demonstrating an attention to user experience alongside aesthetic considerations. The Barrow Side Tables, scaled-down iterations of the collection's larger pieces, feature cantilevered marble tops. These elements introduce negative space, creating visual breaks that contribute to a lighter overall composition. The side tables can be arranged individually or as a nested pair, offering flexibility in their display and function. The Barrow Mirror extends the collection's geometric language, featuring a hand-polished aluminum frame complemented by faceted wooden 'claws.' This design choice refines the collection's aesthetic into a more intricate, jewel-like, and wall-mounted form. The development of the Barrow Collection involved significant technical challenges, particularly in achieving the signature angled cuts. Ensuring these cuts were crisp, repeatable, and stable, despite wood's natural tendencies, required years of experimentation, the development of custom jigs, and a crucial innovation in construction. This breakthrough involved replacing solid sections with a veneered, hollow-core build, allowing for the precise execution of the designs. The evolution of these pieces, from initial concept to final form, reflects a hard-won technical journey that culminates in a seemingly inevitable design. The collection is presented in blackened oak, a deliberate choice intended to minimize the visual distraction of wood grain and allow the ethereal qualities of the forms to take precedence. When viewed as a cohesive unit, the pieces appear less as individual objects and more as a unified set of artifacts. They evoke the impression of originating from a shared architectural concept, embodying a tradition that values material honesty, conscientious construction, substantial presence, and the subtle drama inherent in well-defined forms. Ratcliffe's work redefines brutalism, presenting it not as cold but as a language of precision, patience, and craft delivered with warmth, emphasizing the human element in production through a small, dedicated team overseeing the process from raw material to finished product. #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ModernDesign #Woodworking #ProductDesign #SculpturalFurniture #MinimalistDesign #DesignProcess

The 'Connected' project, a collaboration between British furniture brand Benchmark and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), emerged from the unique challenges posed by a global pandemic. This initiative brought together nine designers to create furniture pieces aimed at enhancing the working-from-home experience. A significant aspect of this project was the designers' inability to physically visit the workshop or interact directly with their creations, necessitating reliance on remote communication tools like Zoom and WhatsApp, and a considerable degree of trust in the craftspeople at Benchmark. Sean Sutcliffe, co-founder of Benchmark, highlighted the increased leap of faith required from designers in trusting the technical, visual, and sensory aspects of the craftsmanship without in-person observation. An example of the innovative problem-solving employed by Benchmark is demonstrated in Studio Swine’s chair, which required its red oak and cherry wood components to be submerged in the River Kennet for a week to facilitate steam-bending. This resourcefulness is characteristic of Benchmark's workshop, which boasts 58 skilled craftspeople. Sabine Marcelis, a Wallpaper* Designer of the Year, praised Benchmark's willingness to push creative and technical boundaries, a stark contrast to the limitations often encountered with other manufacturers. Marcelis's contribution to 'Connected' is the 'Candy Cubicle,' a maple-veneer box designed to conceal home-working tools, including her partner’s monitor, with a surprising acid-yellow interior. Sustainability is a core principle of 'Connected,' mirroring previous collaborations between AHEC and Benchmark. Designers selected from red oak, maple, and cherry—woods that represent 40 percent of American hardwood forests but are often underutilized. David Venables, European director at AHEC, explained the council's mission to reintroduce these 'unfashionable' woods to designers and consumers, thereby promoting the sustainable use of all natural resources. The project underscores how consumer choices influence forest composition, advocating for a broader appreciation of timber species beyond the obvious choices. The pandemic and the chosen materials appear to have fostered a renewed appreciation for nature among the designers. Works range from Thomas Heatherwick’s biomimicry-inspired maple planters to Studiopepe’s 'Pink Moon' chair, reflecting a collective desire to connect with the natural world. Despite a common theme of natural inspiration, each designer's individuality is evident. Maria Bruun created a Scandinavian-style table from rippled maple, while Jaime Hayon’s 'Mesamachine' showcases complex, humorous, and movable cherry wood components. Ini Archibong's 'The Gate,' an outdoor collection, draws inspiration from the Giant’s Causeway, featuring a hexagonal plinth of red oak and cherry and a green-lacquered red oak top with brass inlays. Maria Jeglinska-Adamczewska's seat utilizes barrel-making techniques for its curved form, and Sebastian Herkner designed 'Stammtisch,' a modern Lazy Susan with sliding trays made from various woods and finishes. The designers will see their completed pieces in person for the first time at London's Design Museum, where 'Connected' will be exhibited from September 11 to October 11. This exhibition marks the culmination of a project that navigated unprecedented challenges through remote collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to design and sustainability. #FurnitureDesign #Woodworking #RemoteCollaboration #SustainableDesign #HomeOffice #Craftsmanship #DesignMuseum #HardwoodExports #InteriorInnovation

Lahoma, a California-based furniture company, leverages parametric modeling within Autodesk's Fusion 360 to produce its custom, designer furniture line. The company's owner and director, Trent Still, highlights that their process allows for highly customizable, on-demand furniture creation, similar to ordering a customized hamburger. Despite the intricate digital recipe, the resulting heirloom-quality tables and chairs, crafted from solid wood and machined brass, belie the underlying mathematical complexity. Parametric design is central to Lahoma's operations, enabling automatic adjustments to core pieces based on individual customer preferences. Still emphasizes Fusion 360's role in democratizing manufacturing, allowing for significant customization without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic appeal. For instance, dimensions of their Cove collection can be altered in thousands of ways, with the software automatically generating the necessary supports and hardware. This interconnected design approach ensures that any change in one dimension is appropriately linked to other relevant design elements. Lahoma's strategy involves producing affordable, customizable, flat-pack furniture using premium materials, carving a distinct niche in a competitive market. They cater to customers seeking durable designer furniture without the exorbitant costs associated with traditional bespoke pieces or the often uninspired look of mass-produced items. This market segment has been traditionally challenging for furniture makers, as scaling the talent and craftsmanship of local woodworkers to meet broad demand while keeping prices low is difficult. Lahoma overcomes this by employing advanced tools and automation strategies typically reserved for larger enterprises. Still refers to this as consumer-driven manufacturing, underscoring the increasing attainability of mass customization. While each piece of Lahoma's furniture undergoes a hand-finished process, a significant portion of the fabrication is automated. Still credits Fusion 360 as foundational to their business, not only for its potential in areas like ECAD and simulation but primarily for its robust design and modeling capabilities and seamless interoperability with manufacturing processes. He also refutes the idea that automation compromises product quality, asserting that achieving a machine-fabricated part with a surface ready for finishing requires considerable effort, skill, and process understanding. This meticulous preparation and attention to process grant Lahoma a significant advantage, allowing for a scalable manufacturing model that many competitors cannot match. Still takes pride in the fact that Fusion 360's automation allows him to produce high-quality furniture at prices more accessible than those of established designer brands. The success of Lahoma's model suggests a potential paradigm shift for designers and fabricators across various industries. The application of Fusion 360's parametric modeling and API could enable similar customer-driven customizations for a diverse range of products. The possibility of small, agile studios like Lahoma spearheading a renaissance in domestic, custom manufacturing at competitive prices presents an exciting vision for a more personalized future, empowered by intelligent tools and innovative approaches. #ParametricModeling #CustomFurniture #DigitalFabrication #Fusion360 #FurnitureDesign #MassCustomization #ManufacturingAutomation #SmallBusinessInnovation #ProductDesign

Greg Pennenga, a Sarasota-based furniture designer, has been creating custom, heirloom-quality furniture for almost 30 years from his workshop, Pennenga Creative, located in the Lime Arts Building near downtown Sarasota's Limelight District. Pennenga's journey into furniture making began from a deep love for the craft, evolving from building pieces in his garage to working with mentor Dale Ricky. A significant turning point in his career occurred in 2013 when a severe table saw injury, resulting in the loss of three fingers on his left hand, sidelined him for two years of surgeries and recovery. Despite the profound physical challenge, Pennenga never considered abandoning his passion, which he attributes to his unwavering dedication to the craft he's pursued for three decades. Pennenga primarily works with hardwoods such as white oak, walnut, cherry, and maple, favoring them for their suitability in creating timeless, durable pieces. He actively integrates elements like glass, metal, and upholstery, emphasizing a design philosophy that avoids repetition; he never builds the same piece twice, a strategy that maintains his creative engagement and prevents boredom. His unique skill lies in his ability to design pieces that capture attention, driven by a continuous pursuit of creativity. Following his injury, he upgraded to a SawStop saw, which incorporates a safety mechanism to prevent similar accidents, offering him greater peace of mind in his work. Pennenga describes his design aesthetic as 'organic modern,' aiming for pieces that feel natural while maintaining a modern, clean appearance. He observes a current trend toward simple, clean lines paired with rounded shapes, such as pill-shaped tabletops or kidney-shaped forms. While these shapes present design challenges, Pennenga embraces them as opportunities to create distinctive and special pieces, finding intrigue in overcoming such complexities. He differentiates his custom furniture from mass-produced items found in big-box stores like IKEA or Crate & Barrel by focusing on timelessness and durability over fleeting trends. Pennenga's furniture is built to last generations, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship and quality materials over transient styles. His clientele typically consists of retirees and younger couples who value handmade, locally crafted items and are willing to invest in pieces that tell a story, with starting prices around $10,000. These clients appreciate the enduring value and unique character of his work. The custom furniture-making process involves extensive trial and error, as each piece is distinct. Pennenga constantly experiments with ideas, constructs prototypes, and refines methods to achieve optimal results, a time-consuming but essential aspect of delivering special final products. His 2,500-square-foot workshop on North Lime Avenue, which receives visitors due to its proximity to galleries, operates primarily with Pennenga and one helper, focusing on one project at a time. He stresses that custom furniture involves significant problem-solving, continuous experimentation with techniques, finishes, and designs, and a hands-on approach that differs greatly from assembling pre-made kits, making each finished piece deeply rewarding. #CustomFurniture #FurnitureDesign #SarasotaCraftsman #HeirloomFurniture #Woodworking #OrganicModern #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #SmallBusiness

This week's Dezeen Showroom features seven new product introductions, highlighting innovative furniture and lighting designs from various international brands and designers. A prominent introduction is the Worm sofa bench by Clap Studio for Missana, a modular seating solution characterized by its millipede-like shape. The bench consists of three adaptable modules—an end module, a straight module, and a curved module—allowing for flexible arrangements to suit diverse spatial requirements. Its design incorporates a rounded upholstered seat and distinctive metal legs, contributing to its unique aesthetic and functional versatility. The sofa is a testament to contemporary design that balances playfulness with practicality in modular furniture. Another notable product is the Arholma outdoor collection, designed by Alexander Lervik for the Swedish brand Skargaarden. This collection emphasizes minimalist design principles, offering a range of outdoor furniture pieces including chairs, tables, sofas, and sun loungers. Each item is constructed from galvanised powder-coated aluminium and durable outdoor fabrics, ensuring longevity and resistance to various weather conditions. The Arholma collection aims to provide elegant and resilient options for outdoor living spaces, blending seamlessly with natural or architectural environments. Fogia, another Swedish brand, presents the Big Sur Low coffee table, a collaborative effort between glass artist Simon Klenell and carpenter Kristoffer Sundin. This coffee table features a thin, tinted glass tabletop supported by rounded wooden legs, available in multiple color options. The fusion of Klenell's artistic vision in glass and Sundin's woodworking expertise results in a piece that is both functional and sculptural, adding a sophisticated touch to interior settings. For workplace environments, Narbutas has introduced customisable features for its Silent Room acoustic pod. This pod is designed to create private spaces for calls or meetings within open-plan offices, addressing the need for sound isolation and concentration in bustling work areas. New additions include an optional glass insert for the back wall, enhancing its adaptability, especially for installations near windows. The Silent Room aims to improve productivity and comfort in modern office layouts. Shakúff, a US-based brand, unveils the Dew pendant light, a design inspired by the natural phenomenon of dewdrops on leaves. These glass pendant lights are intended to be hung in multiples, forming elegant chandeliers. Available in clear, grey, or amber glass, the Dew pendant lights offer a delicate yet striking lighting solution, capable of creating varied atmospheric effects depending on the chosen color and arrangement. The design focuses on bringing a subtle, organic beauty into interior spaces through illumination. Andreas Engesvik's Lyra lounge chair for Fogia is highlighted for its contrast between soft cushioned seating and a graphic metal frame. The chair's design prioritizes both comfort and aesthetic appeal, aiming to evoke a sensation of sinking into a pile of pillows. The Lyra lounge chair embodies a modern approach to comfort, combining supportive structure with luxurious softness, suitable for various residential and commercial lounge settings. Finally, Zuma introduces the Lumisonic downlight, an innovative lighting solution that integrates a loudspeaker and is operated via voice activation. This wireless device offers additional functionalities such as circadian rhythm lighting and mood lighting, positioning it as a comprehensive smart home fixture. The Lumisonic downlight represents an advancement in home technology, merging lighting, sound, and intelligent control into a single, discreet unit, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of any room. #ProductDesign #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #ModularFurniture #OutdoorFurniture #AcousticSolutions #SmartHomeTechnology