How a Former N.F.L. Player Started Designing Sculptural Furniture (Published 2024)

The article showcases the work of Jared Abner, a 2021 Furniture Design graduate from RIT, focusing on his distinctive approach to creating furniture and sculptures. Abner's artistic philosophy is characterized by a unique combination of subtraction and addition, a process he describes as "creation through destruction." He begins by engaging in subtractive methods, such as turning, carving, and cutting raw materials, and then reassembles these modified pieces to form new creations. This methodology highlights a dynamic interplay between deconstruction and reconstruction in his design process. One prominent piece featured is a walnut and fiber rush bench from 2020. This work exemplifies his ability to blend traditional woodworking materials with contemporary design principles, resulting in a functional yet artistic piece of furniture. Another significant creation is an abstractly shaped chair crafted from stack-laminated cherry wood, also from 2020. This chair demonstrates his innovative use of lamination techniques to achieve complex forms and textures, transforming solid wood into a visually fluid structure. The intricate layering of cherry wood not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also speaks to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its construction. The article also presents a series of "Suspension Study" sculptures, which further illustrate Abner’s exploration of form, balance, and material interaction. "Suspension Study One" features a wood sculpture connected to a large blue ball, utilizing walnut, poplar, and milk paint from 2020. This piece suggests an investigation into equilibrium and the tension between different elements. "Suspension Study Two," from the same year, continues this theme with a wood sculpture incorporating a rope to hold a blue ball, again using walnut, poplar, and milk paint, alongside the addition of rope. The inclusion of rope introduces an element of flexibility and dynamic force, contrasting with the rigidity of wood. Finally, "Suspension Study Three," created in 2020, consists of a black sculpture where two large wood pieces sandwich a blue ball, made from ash, poplar, and milk paint. This piece explores containment and compression, with the blue ball acting as a focal point that is simultaneously supported and constrained by the wooden components. Collectively, these works underscore Abner’s versatility in transforming raw materials into pieces that challenge conventional notions of furniture and sculpture, emphasizing both aesthetic innovation and a thoughtful engagement with the physical properties of his chosen media. His portfolio reflects a deep understanding of material manipulation and an artistic vision that merges functionality with sculptural expression. #FurnitureDesign #Sculpture #JaredAbner #RITAlumni #Woodworking #MaterialManipulation #ArtisticProcess

Zachary Nestel-Patt, founder of Ah Um Design Studio, transitioned from a career in music to furniture design, finding parallels between the creative processes. For 35 years, his primary focus was music, studying jazz and classical bass. His entry into woodworking began with a part-time job sanding cremation urns in Los Angeles, which initially served as a means to fund his musical pursuits. However, over time, he discovered a new rhythm and passion in the craft of making, gradually shifting his career trajectory. Nestel-Patt's initial woodworking endeavors involved creating pieces for his own home. The positive reception he received after showcasing these items at a market prompted him to take his design work more seriously. This led to a full order book and sufficient interest to establish Ah Um Design Studio. The studio officially launched its inaugural collection, 'Jura,' during NYC x Design 2024. The 'Jura' Collection comprises 11 pieces, characterized by an expressive blend of materials and textures. Key design elements include zig-zagging wooden frames, mohair and boucle upholstery, and a distinctive application of tiles. These tiles are notably used to clad various pieces, including a chair, lamp, stool, and coffee table. The inspiration for incorporating tiles originated from Nestel-Patt's desire to use intricate tiles by Willem De Morgan, although he ultimately opted for tiles from Mexico that he felt possessed significant life and character. He appreciates how tiles bridge multiple categories, embodying both handmade and mass-produced qualities, vintage and modern aesthetics, and organic and industrial characteristics. Operating from Los Angeles, Nestel-Patt credits the city's vibrant creative community as a continuous source of inspiration for his design practice. He emphasizes that music remains a significant influence, noting the rewarding experience of drawing parallels between the processes of music making and furniture design. Ultimately, his motivation is rooted in a desire to create furniture he would personally enjoy living with, aiming to contribute to the global stock of aesthetically pleasing objects. #FurnitureDesign #AhUmDesignStudio #ZacharyNestelPatt #LAdesign #JuraCollection #TileDesign #Woodworking #CreativeProcess #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 "Bolete" table series, a collaboration between Hong Kong-based architect and sculptor Henry D’Ath and design-art duo Batten and Kamp, introduces a family of limited-edition coffee and side tables. These pieces are distinguished by their mushroom-like forms, crafted from hand-carved solid wood and natural stone. The design integrates the sculptural weight typical of permanent furniture with a flexible, modular approach that features configurable, overlapping surfaces. The genesis of the Bolete series traces back to a custom commission where Batten and Kamp recognized a natural synergy between D’Ath’s carved wood creations and their signature raw stone bases. This initial insight led to the formal collaboration and the development of the Bolete collection, emphasizing a harmonious blend of two distinct material elements. Each table in the Bolete series is meticulously carved by Henry D’Ath, who allows the intrinsic patterns of the wood grain and the natural contours of the stone to guide the creation of subtly organic shapes. The wooden tops are available in two finishes: a natural, sealed varnish that highlights the wood's inherent beauty, or a glossy black finish achieved through layers of calligraphy ink. The choice of wood for the tops is Camphor, a variety prevalent in China and Japan, known for its aromatic properties and natural insect-repellent qualities. For the bases, raw Taishan Granite stones are used. These stones are culturally significant, often featured in Zen gardens, and are admired for their grey-white hues, reminiscent of the dramatic Karst Mountains. Each granite base is individually sourced and intentionally left untreated, ensuring that every table possesses a unique character. The collaboration is deeply rooted in the shared heritage and mutual admiration among Alexandra Batten, Daniel Kamp, and Henry D’Ath, all originally from New Zealand but now working together in a Hong Kong studio. This shared background is reflected in the design philosophy, which embraces natural materials, robust forms, and simplicity—elements integral to New Zealand aesthetics—while also incorporating local materials and subtle Zen influences. Alexandra Batten describes the collaboration as effortless, stemming from a lifelong connection and shared artistic vision. Initially launched as a side table in 2023, the Bolete series has expanded to include coffee tables. The modular nature of the design is key, allowing for diverse configurations and sizes through the arrangement of overlapping surfaces, which enhances the collection's adaptability and aesthetic appeal. The tables are produced in limited editions, with eight pieces plus four artist proofs available per configuration, highlighting their exclusivity. Plans are underway to exhibit the series in major art and design hubs, such as New York or Paris, in 2025, further solidifying its presence in the global design landscape. The project was submitted through a DIY submission feature, reflecting a direct engagement with the creative community. #FurnitureDesign #Woodwork #StoneCraft #TableDesign #ModularDesign #LimitedEdition #DesignCollaboration #NaturalMaterials #HandCarved

Albert Potgieter, the founder of a Rotterdam-based furniture art design company, focuses on merging functionality with aesthetics in his creations. His work aims to fulfill practical needs while simultaneously enriching home environments with artistic value. Potgieter’s designs are conceived to maintain their relevance and impact even when not actively in use, ensuring they contribute to the space around the clock. His approach incorporates both bespoke pieces, customized to individual preferences, and curated designs that seamlessly integrate with existing decor, highlighting furniture's dual role as functional objects and artistic expressions. Potgieter's journey into design began after moving from South Africa to Rotterdam, Netherlands. His business was established with a clear mission: to use design and craftsmanship as a vehicle for social good, offering individuals a second chance. He aims to uplift people from challenging circumstances by providing education and skill development through the creation of high-end furniture. His specialization in furniture, particularly with wood, stems from a profound admiration for the material's inherent qualities, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. He finds wood to be a captivating medium that aligns with his design philosophy. When developing new projects, Potgieter emphasizes a process of trial and error. He prioritizes a personal connection to his work, believing that genuine affection for a design is essential for its effective promotion and successful realization. His vital tools include a traditional paper and pen for initial ideas, as well as a tablet with a design program for creating 3D models. However, he stresses that the design process extends beyond digital rendering; he actively engages with materials in his workshop, often refining and adjusting designs through a tactile, hands-on approach. For Potgieter, designing and making are intertwined, forming a cohesive creative process. Research is an integral part of Potgieter's design methodology. He views creativity as an ongoing process of observation, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as nature, architecture, and existing designs. Every element encountered serves as a potential spark for new ideas and concepts. When working on custom pieces for clients, the process becomes highly interactive, involving extensive dialogue to understand their preferences, tastes, and vision. This collaborative approach allows him to integrate client ideas with his design expertise, resulting in harmonious and personalized creations. Potgieter does not limit his inspiration to a single designer but rather draws from the global community of talented designers, appreciating their unique perspectives and innovative techniques. Beyond the design world, he finds immense creative stimulation in the natural world, captivated by its intricate forms and organic lines. Nature, with its unparalleled beauty and complexity, serves as a fundamental source of inspiration for his creative endeavors. Regarding social media, Potgieter acknowledges its benefits in providing accessibility to inspiration and connecting with a global community of designers and galleries. However, he maintains that genuine, face-to-face interactions at galleries and shows are irreplaceable for fostering deeper connections and understanding, which cannot always be replicated online. His work includes notable pieces like the Optique Sculptural Chair, the Ahadi Coffee Table, the Optique Coffee Table, the Urithi Lounge Chair, and the Ahadi Side Table, each embodying his philosophy of functional artistry and often drawing inspiration from significant personal or natural elements. #FurnitureDesign #ArtDesign #FunctionalArt #WoodenFurniture #BespokeFurniture #Craftsmanship #DesignProcess #Inspiration #SocialImpact

Nicole Crowder, a renowned upholstery professional, has recently returned to her hometown of Minneapolis, bringing her distinct and vibrant design aesthetic to the Twin Cities. Her work is characterized by bold colors, intricate patterns, and unexpected details, distinguishing her from a local design scene that she describes as generally more subdued. Crowder's creative approach is evident in her custom-designed chairs, loveseats, stools, and other furniture pieces, which are highly sought after by designers and homeowners nationwide. Crowder's journey into upholstery began in 2013 as a side pursuit while working as a photo editor. By 2017, her passion for the craft led her to dedicate herself fully to upholstery. Her self-taught expertise largely stems from extensive research on YouTube, where she meticulously studied various techniques like topstitching and different blind stitches. She honed her skills through practical, hands-on experience, often acquiring inexpensive practice chairs from Craigslist, thrift stores, antique markets, and even roadside finds. This period of trial and error in her living room formed the foundation of her current mastery. Fashion serves as a significant source of inspiration for Crowder, influencing her preference for incorporating unique details, buttons, zippers, and unconventional fabrics into her furniture designs. She enjoys projects that allow for experimentation, enabling her to infuse pieces with narrative elements, such as feathers, paper flowers, or fringe, to enhance texture and layering. Despite her vibrant professional and home aesthetics, Crowder admits her personal wardrobe leans towards neutrals, considering her furniture as an "alter ego" where her love for color and patterns truly shines. Since her return to Minneapolis in February, Crowder has embraced a phase of rediscovery, actively exploring the city's design, culinary, music, and arts scenes. She expresses excitement about connecting with other local creatives, who, in turn, introduce her to hidden gems across the city, including shops, parks, and architectural styles. This exploration is crucial for her to understand how people utilize and maximize their home spaces and daily activities, which informs her contribution to the local design landscape. Crowder's ambition is to infuse more energy and boldness into the Twin Cities' design scene. While appreciating the existing "chill energy" of Minnesota, she aims to elevate it with her signature style, characterized by bright colors, dynamic patterns, and an overall sense of vibrancy. She envisions her pieces, such as a Moroccan blue chair with an orange stripe, becoming iconic representations of her unique "stamp" on the community. Her personal favorite shopping spots for furniture and fabric include MidModMen+friends, Loft Antiques, Marva’s Place, and SR Harris Fabric, valuing their diverse and curated selections. She also enjoys the city's culinary offerings, frequently visiting establishments like Rosalia, Martina, and Barbette, and finds inspiration in the outdoor spaces and cultural institutions like the lakes and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. #Upholstery #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #NicoleCrowder #MinneapolisDesign #HomeDecor #CreativeEntrepreneur #Artisan

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

Mark Jupiter, a designer and builder, discusses his journey and inspirations in the latest "Friday Five" feature. From a young age, Jupiter felt a strong inclination towards creation, which eventually led him to design and construct his first house. He meticulously crafted every element, a process he considered essential to experience at least once. This initial venture involved building a massive Gambrel timber frame and constructing some of the country's first LEED Platinum homes, solidifying his belief that his true calling lay at the intersection of craft and invention. Jupiter's path was not without significant challenges. He faced personal tragedies with the loss of both parents and the collapse of his housing company during the 2008 financial crisis. These events left him at a crossroads, but with the steadfast support of his wife, he found the courage to reinvent himself. Her unwavering belief in his abilities inspired him to return to his roots in furniture making, a field he was intimately familiar with through his upbringing. Having learned the intricacies of the trade from his father, a general contractor, Jupiter's hands-on experience ranged from lifting materials to sanding wood. This innate aptitude led him to relocate from upstate New York back to the city to establish his own business. In 2013, he opened his eponymous studio in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood. Starting with a collection of a dozen pieces, which he describes as "the functional jewelry of any room," his operation has since expanded significantly. Today, Mark Jupiter's studio has evolved from a one-man endeavor into a leading, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and showroom on the East Coast. This growth is particularly notable given the continuous displacement of craft-based businesses from high-end urban areas. The workshop serves not only as a production space but also as a community hub, fostering connection and inspiration among its members. Jupiter values collaboration, emphasizing that the success of his brand is a testament to the collective talent, passion, and precision of his team. In the "Friday Five" segment, Jupiter shares five key inspirations. His wife's pottery, with its quiet power and focus on form, texture, and restraint, consistently impresses him and teaches him about the enduring quality of subtle craftsmanship. Chopping wood provides him with a satisfying, rhythmic activity that connects him to direct consequences and the primitive essence of design. His daughter's honest and unpretentious poetry and singing remind him of the importance of genuine creative expression. He finds immense value in observing master artists at work, citing his experience with painter Craig Anthony Miller, whose process of creating a mural in Jupiter's showroom exemplified dedication and confidence. Finally, his deep affection for goats and other farm animals reflects his connection to a grounded, soulful way of life, providing a refreshing contrast to his urban professional environment. His DUMBO showroom, KITH collaborations, the Jacqueline Desk, the Gabriel Credenza, and the Bose collaboration are highlighted as examples of his work. Each of these inspirations, from personal relationships to practical activities and professional collaborations, underscores Jupiter's philosophy: that authentic creativity and masterful craftsmanship are born from genuine experience, collaborative effort, and a deep appreciation for both the refined and the natural aspects of life. His work, whether furniture pieces or larger installations, consistently reflects this integrated approach to design and living. #MarkJupiter #FurnitureDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignInspiration #BrooklynDesign #CreativeProcess #Entrepreneurship #HomeFurnishings #Woodworking

Arne Jensen, an Emmy Award-winning art director from WBZ-TV, and his wife transitioned from a multi-story loft in Lowell to a 1,900-square-foot midcentury-style home in Walpole, specifically chosen for its architectural bones and convenient location. While Jensen's professional background was in set design, where aesthetics often supersede comfort, he applied his predilection for midcentury modern aesthetics to the redesign of his family's new home. This personal project ultimately led him to launch his own interior design and graphics firm. The exterior of the home was subtly updated to enhance its curb appeal and integrate it with the natural surroundings. Jensen painted the front door a spicy red and replaced the walkway with crisply cut granite pavers. He cultivated the front garden with a Japanese maple, azaleas, and a dwarf white pine, adding lush personality. The house features large, floor-to-ceiling glass expanses that foster an indoor-outdoor connection, a key attraction for the couple. To further emphasize this connection and integrate the interior with the exterior, Jensen stained the interior window frames dark brown, making them recede visually and allowing the eye to focus on the outside scenery. The interior walls, previously covered in dated, sharp stucco, were grounded, sanded, and repainted. The upper section of the highest wall, which separates the public spaces from the bedrooms, was painted a comforting mochaccino shade. This darker color choice was strategic, helping to visually knit the wood ceiling to the walls and reduce the vastness of the room, making it feel more intimate. The living space features a revitalized fireplace, which was originally clad in the same material as the home's front facade but deemed unsightly. Jensen transformed it by applying a Portola Paints’ lime wash to create a nuanced patina on the now-smooth stucco surface. He removed the raised hearth, installing a blackened steel plate flush with the floor, and incorporated a Stûv insert with a blackened steel surround, known for its heating efficiency. A pine mantel was added to link the fireplace with the existing wood ceiling, resulting in a streamlined yet cozy focal point. The fireplace is centered by a coffee table, flanked by leather sofas that exude a relaxed, midcentury sensibility. A reading nook was created in the remaining space, furnished with Barcelona-style chairs and adorned with black and white photography, along with Jensen's Emmy statuettes. The kitchen and dining areas underwent significant renovation to achieve a more open floor plan. Jensen removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen, replacing it with a breakfast bar. Upper cabinetry was eliminated in favor of maple base cabinets with deep drawers, valued for their practicality. Black granite countertops provide a grounding contrast to the light wood. The kitchen's focal point is a backsplash made of skinny, stacked olive tiles from Heath Ceramics, which Jensen chose due to his Bay Area roots. The varied green tones of these tiles harmonize with the outdoor view, drawing attention outwards. The deck, spanning the length of the house, was refurbished to include an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill and smoker, a Solo pellet stove for warmth, and a pergola with a louvered top for al fresco dining. Grapevines, replanted from an existing arbor, now trail over modern rails. Motivated by the desire for soothing sounds, Jensen also created a pond with lily pads and frogs. Additional outdoor features include an existing bocce court, which effectively separates the house from the lawn, and a vegetable enclosure built by Jensen, where he tends to raised beds of various produce. This multiyear renovation project, largely executed by Jensen himself, marked a significant career shift, leading him from television production to establishing Arne Jensen Design, an interior design and graphics firm, reflecting his enjoyment of the transformative process. #HomeRenovation #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #ArneJensenDesign #WalpoleHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving

The article highlights a growing trend away from mass-produced items towards unique, handcrafted furniture and home decor pieces that emphasize creativity, craft, and time-honored techniques. It showcases 15 such items from various global makers, positioning them as collectible interiors pieces that are worth investing in now for their potential to become future design classics. The featured items begin with a modern take on a classic: the Canopy Armchair from Marchmont Workshop, a handcrafted stickback chair inspired by woodlands and priced at £3,600. This piece reflects a return to traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. Following this, the article introduces hand-painted lampshades by Spanish artist-designer Alvaro Picardo, which can be custom-matched to interior paintwork and wallpaper using Farrow & Ball paints, starting from £110. These lampshades are presented as artistic finishing touches for living spaces. Another innovative item is the Vine Vase by Wobbly Digital, a Glasgow-based artist who creates eccentric 3D-printed objects from recycled and bioplastics, priced at £350. This vase is noted for its viral potential, akin to the popular Gluggle Jug, and is recommended for dried flowers only. Scarlett Farrer, a rising star in hand weaving, is featured for her rustic textiles, specifically wall hangings made from undyed British wool. Her work, ranging from £250 to £1,800, gained recognition after she won the 2024 Young Weaver of the Year award. The article then presents a statement chair designed by Esto Estudio in Madrid, which combines a tubular steel frame with vibrant orange fabric, blurring the lines between furniture and sculpture, starting from approximately £800. Rich Miller, a ceramic artist and judge on 'The Great Pottery Throw Down,' offers unique cone-shaped pendant lights inspired by antique sugar cones, each priced at £2,425. These lights explore the history of the sugar trade and Miller's cultural ancestry. Sustainability is a key theme, exemplified by Jacob Marks' resin lamps, made from pine resin, with the Red RF Lamp I priced at £730. These lamps were a highlight at the London Design Festival for their use of unusual sustainable materials. Xanthe Somers, a Zimbabwean ceramic artist, contributes surrealist stoneware from her 'Sisters Toil' series, which explores women's work and crafts, with pieces ranging from £6,500 to £9,000. Loney Abrams and Johnny Stanish of Wretched Flowers create mesh murals and chain mail lamps, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as museum archives and medieval armor. These shimmering wall hangings are available on application. James Shaw's sustainable seat, priced at £2,000, is crafted from recycled plastic waste like milk cartons and shampoo bottles, transforming discarded materials into unique, organic forms. The master plasterers Ffion and Steven Blench, known as Chalk Plaster, produce marbled, fluted sidetables using scagliola, a 16th-century technique imitating marble, priced at £7,800. Freya Bramble-Carter, a ceramicist, offers wheel-thrown pots in earthy shades, blending traditional techniques with an expressive approach, starting from £900. Maria Sigma, a textile designer and weaver, focuses on zero-waste wares using natural, often undyed, fibers for her throws and cushions, with her 'Apricity' throw priced at £890, though it has an eight to ten-week waiting period. Joe Sweeney's terracotta stoneware butter dish, priced at £300, is described as a charming and functional addition to the breakfast table. Emsie Sharp, a glassblower, presents candy-colored drinking glasses made in her Dorset studio, priced at £38 each, as a modern alternative for smart dinner tables. Finally, the article highlights Matthew Raw's tiled bedside table from his 'Welcome' collection, inspired by tiled facades of train stations and buildings. These pieces, featuring handcrafted and glazed tiles, are priced at £5,180 for a sidetable with a drawer, indicating a growing presence in contemporary home design. #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #HandcraftedItems #SustainableDesign #CollectibleArt #InteriorDesignTrends #Craftsmanship #ArtisanalProducts #LuxuryInteriors

British architect John Pawson has partnered with Danish timber brand Dinesen to introduce a new furniture collection. This collaboration marks Pawson's latest venture into product design, following a long-standing relationship between the architect and the 125-year-old wood company. The collection, characterized by its pared-back aesthetic and minimal design, features a range of tables and seating options crafted primarily from Dinesen's signature ash wood. The launch encompasses a Lounge Series, which includes a stool, a daybed, and an armchair. These upholstered pieces are available with textiles from the renowned brand Kvadrat, adding a touch of softness to the otherwise austere wooden frames. Additionally, the collection introduces a Dining Series, comprising various tables and complementary seating. The design philosophy behind these pieces reflects Pawson's well-known minimalist approach, emphasizing clean lines, functional forms, and the inherent beauty of the natural material. The partnership between Pawson and Dinesen dates back approximately three decades, originating from the architect's need for simple, custom-made furniture for his London residence. Pawson initially crafted these pieces from Dinesen's ash wood planks, effectively laying the groundwork for this official collaboration. Both Pawson and Hans Peter Dinesen, the fifth-generation brand director, share a profound appreciation for wood as a foundational element in design. They view furniture not merely as objects but as stages upon which life unfolds, highlighting its role in shaping personal narratives within the home. Hans Peter Dinesen articulates this sentiment by stating that furniture serves as a medium for shared stories, particularly within domestic settings. Pawson further emphasizes the significance of furniture placement, noting that even minor adjustments can profoundly impact a space's ambiance and functionality. This attention to detail and thoughtful arrangement underscores the collection's alignment with principles of intentional living and design. To formally unveil the collection, Pawson and Dinesen are preparing a special presentation for the upcoming 3 Days of Design festival in Copenhagen. During this event, Dinesen's Copenhagen showroom will be transformed into a model apartment, meticulously furnished with pieces from the new line. This immersive experience will allow visitors to witness the collection in a realistic setting, demonstrating its versatility and integration within a residential environment. The exhibition will also serve as a practical demonstration of Pawson's philosophy on furniture arrangement and its impact on living spaces. #JohnPawson #Dinesen #FurnitureCollection #MinimalistDesign #WoodFurniture #InteriorDesign #DanishDesign #DesignCollaboration #ContemporaryFurniture

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

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

Freeze Design Build, a Minneapolis-based custom furniture company founded by Kiley Friese and Sam Busko in 2018, specializes in crafting unique furniture pieces. Their work, often discovered through word-of-mouth, demonstrates an experimental approach to design and a commitment to seeing projects through from conception to completion. Both founders are graduates of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where they honed their skills in both the design and construction aspects of furniture making. This comprehensive understanding allows them to address design challenges and problem-solve effectively, ensuring that their creations are not only aesthetically pleasing on paper but also physically beautiful in their finished form. The company’s capabilities extend beyond woodworking to include metalworking and exploring various material composites. This versatility enables them to incorporate diverse elements and designs into their custom pieces. In addition to bespoke commissions for residential clients, Freeze Design Build maintains an online shop where they offer a curated selection of items. These include functional pieces like entryway shelves, benches with integrated shoe storage, and various shelving units. A notable product line is their collection of plant stands, many of which are ingeniously crafted from scrap wood, showcasing their dedication to sustainable practices and creative reuse of materials. The founders emphasize their unique use of leftover wood and colored cork samples in items such as their entryway pieces, highlighting their resourcefulness. The bench with shoe storage is specifically mentioned for its integration of graphic elements, line, and pattern, resulting in a modern design. This product line serves as a platform for their creative expression and allows them to gauge public preferences while solidifying their brand aesthetic. Friese and Busko describe their work as “fun” and their creations as embodying a playful spirit, which resonates with their clientele. Customers often seek out Freeze Design Build when they have specific project requirements that other providers may not be able to accommodate, underscoring the company’s ability to tackle unique and complex design challenges. The firm's founders pride themselves on being approachable and enjoyable to work with, contributing to their positive customer relationships. This combination of design expertise, building proficiency, material experimentation, and a customer-centric approach positions Freeze Design Build as a distinctive presence in the custom furniture market, offering both unique bespoke pieces and a range of thoughtfully designed retail products. #CustomFurniture #FurnitureDesign #Woodworking #Metalworking #HomeDecor #MinneapolisDesign #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #ArtisanFurniture

The thrill of discovering unique furnishings and the regret of missing out on a coveted piece are common experiences for interior designers, as recounted by nine professionals in the field. These designers share their personal anecdotes of both significant acquisitions and elusive 'holy grail' items, offering insight into the passion and pursuit involved in curating exceptional interiors. Will Meyer, a devotee of Danish design, recently acquired a Hans Wegner daybed but continues his quest for the perfect Papa Bear chair, an iconic piece he believes will eternally remain stylish. Amy Lau's 'big find' was a set of sculptural Dommus chairs by Joseph Walsh, which she commissioned for her New York apartment after a studio visit in Ireland, impressed by their handcrafted and expressive design. Pierre Yovanovitch expresses a long-standing desire for a rare and expensive Uno Ahren masterpiece, specifically his 1927 inlaid Mahogany Secretaire, admired for its flawless execution and unique Garden of Eden imagery. Nate Berkus laments multiple missed opportunities to purchase a Picasso ceramic owl. He first encountered one while working at an auction house in Chicago, unable to afford it then, and later saw others in Paris and on 1stdibs, observing its increasing value with each sighting. Miles Redd's most significant discovery is a mirrored bathroom by David Adler, found in a Chicago salvage warehouse. This unique piece, which he uses as both a bathroom and a dining room, holds special value due to its singular nature and the emotional connection it provides, making him feel as though he is 'inside of a diamond' every morning. Alexandra Champalimaud recalls admiring the Mattia Bonetti Rock dining table at a design fair, describing it as extraordinary and full of personality, but ultimately passed on it due to not having a suitable space. Martyn Lawrence Bullard shares an auction disappointment involving a Jacques Adnet Hermès Saddle leather daybed. Despite thorough research and a set budget, he missed the piece by two bids, regretting his hesitation and emphasizing the importance of passionate pursuit in auctions, as he has been unable to find a similar item since. Robert Couturier maintains a detached perspective on objects, viewing himself as a temporary owner and valuing history over intrinsic monetary worth. However, he holds a particular affection for a painting by Jean Baptiste Greuze depicting an angel. This piece, inherited from his great-grandfather and a constant presence in his grandmother's home, evokes profound memories of his upbringing and the love of his grandmother, offering a sense of 'bonheur' and timelessness. Michael Smith expresses his admiration for the Lovö chair, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth in 1932. He had bid on this dynamic and remarkably modern piece at auction but was unsuccessful, wishing he could have incorporated it into one of his classic yet modern projects. #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #Designers #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndCollectibles #DesignStories #Acquisitions #LostOpportunities

Wallpaper* design editor Rosa Bertoli has compiled a list of the top 10 furniture launches of 2023, showcasing a diverse range of designs that highlight color, clever concepts, and classic aesthetics. These selections emerge from a year filled with design weeks, fairs, and various events within the design industry. The featured launches encompass brand introductions, new collaborations, outdoor furniture collections, and even pieces designed for religious spaces, reflecting a broad spectrum of innovation and style. One notable inclusion is Gabriel Tan's modular furniture for Herman Miller, designed with a focus on interaction. The 'Luva' modular sofa, inspired by the Portuguese word for 'glove,' and the 'Cyclade' coffee tables, which evoke the ancient supercontinent of Pangea with their island-like forms, emphasize versatility and personal interpretation. Tan's work encourages users to engage with the designs in different ways, allowing for individual connections based on their unique perspectives. Andu Masebo's transformative project, where a 1998 Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf was disassembled and repurposed into furniture pieces, also made the list. Presented at the London Design Festival 2023, this collection includes a nightlight crafted from car engine parts. The nightlight, designed to cast intriguing shadows, tells the story of the car's first owner, who found comfort and inspiration to live an adventurous life after a personal loss. Masebo's work often blends simple objects with profound narratives, offering emotional depth to functional items. Molteni & C's debut in outdoor furniture, featuring two complementary collections by Vincent Van Duysen, marks a significant development. These collections, Landmark and Timeout, celebrate the connection to nature and a sophisticated approach to outdoor living. Landmark draws inspiration from an unreleased 1994 design by Luca Meda, while Timeout reflects Van Duysen's affinity for modernism through its aluminum construction. This launch also incorporates reissued pieces from Molteni's history, including Gio Ponti, Ron Gilad, and Foster + Partners. Karl Lagerfeld Maison, the fashion brand's new interior branch, launched its inaugural furniture collection during Milan Design Week 2023. Collaborating with interior designer Matteo Nunziati, the collection comprises four lines named after Lagerfeld’s favorite Parisian areas: 'Saint Germain,' 'Saint Guillaume,' 'Quai Voltaire,' and 'Rue de l’Université.' These collections are a direct reflection of Lagerfeld’s personal design philosophy, which seamlessly combined classic and historical elements with contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing a curated and highly refined approach to interiors rather than mere collecting. Knoll reissued two of Florence Knoll’s furniture designs from 1954, 'Model 31' (a lounge chair) and 'Model 33' (a small sofa), which had been out of production since 1968. This reintroduction pays homage to Knoll’s enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in American design, celebrated for her revolutionary impact on modern interiors. The designs, nearly 70 years old, remain relevant due to their simple, efficient forms and adaptability to contemporary spaces, demonstrating her forward-thinking vision for functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture. Ozwald Boateng's 'Culture and Craft' collaboration with Poltrona Frau reimagines classic Italian furniture pieces. Boateng, a Savile Row designer, applied his distinctive patterns, such as the 'Tribal' print, to iconic Poltrona Frau items like the 'Chester' sofa (1912) and the 'Vanity Fair' chair (1984). The 'Tribal' print, referencing traditional Kente Cloth Motifs, integrates subtly yet vividly, showcasing a fusion of Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship with Boateng’s unique aesthetic, rendered in a vibrant palette of red, yellow, purple, blue, green, and black. Flexform’s ‘Supermax’ sofa, a contemporary reinterpretation of Antonio Citterio’s iconic 1983 ‘Max’ sofa, also features in the list. The original ‘Max’ sofa, known for its kidney bean-shaped seating and tubular frame, gained legendary status through its unique sculptural design and harmonious interplay with architectural spaces. The ‘Supermax’ updates this classic with a modern perspective, stemming from a retrospective look at Flexform’s product photography, illustrating the timeless appeal of well-conceived furniture design. The selection also includes new small sofas tailored for compact living spaces, addressing the growing demand for functional yet stylish furniture in urban environments. These designs from leading furniture companies, crafted in collaboration with contemporary creatives, offer alternatives to larger seating arrangements. With lengths under 185 cm, these compact sofas are ideal for furnishing smaller apartments or adding comfort to spare rooms, balancing thoughtful design with excellent craftsmanship. Guillaume Bardet's liturgical furniture for the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris represents another significant launch. Tasked with creating an altar, lectern, cathedra, tabernacle, and baptistery for the cathedral’s late 2024 reopening, Bardet’s designs emphasize simple forms and bronze materials, aiming for a timeless and graceful aesthetic. His work contributes to the rebuilding of a historic landmark, blending contemporary design with the sacred context of the cathedral. Lastly, Ikea’s 80th-anniversary collection, Nytillverkad, reissues vintage designs with bold colors and sustainable materials. This collection taps into Ikea’s extensive archive, bringing back beloved pieces with a fresh, modern twist, prioritizing color and pattern for contemporary homes, reflecting a desire for personalized and vibrant living spaces post-pandemic. #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #DesignEditorPicks #ProductLaunches #ModularFurniture #OutdoorFurniture #LuxuryInteriors #ClassicReissues #SustainableDesign