Masters of the Craft
FURNITURE CAN BE THE MOST USEFUL FORM OF ART IN YOUR HOME. Meet these three furniture makers, each of whom possesses a distinctive knack for creating pieces that advance the fine art of design while honoring timeless tenets of craftsmanship. Then get the full story—and see photos of each artisan’s work—in the January/February 2010 issue of CH&L.
FURNITURE CAN BE THE MOST USEFUL FORM OF ART IN YOUR HOME. Meet these three furniture makers, each of whom possesses a distinctive knack for creating pieces that advance the fine art of design while honoring timeless tenets of craftsmanship. Then get the full story—and see photos of each artisan’s work—in the January/February 2010 issue of CH&L.
Kenn Archibald is a man on a simple mission: create modern, custom furniture while protecting the planet. It would be easy for Archibald, founder of Loveland-based Archibald Design Studio, to sacrifice attractive design at the green gods’ altar. (After all, we’ve all seen eco-friendly furniture that not even Mother Nature would buy.) But Archibald’s pieces (pictured above) are eco-sensitive, clean-lined and downright gorgeous. (970) 667-4680, archibald-designs.com
In a dusty industrial building in northwest Denver, woodworker Ethan Hutchinson creates pieces of contemporary furniture so shapely and serene that they practically beg to be touched. Inspired by famed furniture maker Sam Maloof and the Danish Modern style that Maloof interpreted, Hutchinson plays with traditional design elements—a cabriole leg, say—and morphs them into sleeker, updated versions of their old selves. The results are pieces that are destined to be the standout elements in any room. (303) 433-0522, ethanhutchinson.com
Denver-based Newell Design is a big deal, but you’d never guess it by chatting with founder and principal Jeff Newell, who still seems slightly surprised by his company’s success. But there’s no denying that 12 years into what he calls “a great journey,” Newell Design has garnered the attention of designers and homeowners across the globe. (303) 298-8572, newelldesignstudio.com
AND THAT’S NOT ALL…
Colorado is chock-full of über-talented furniture makers. Here, get to know a few more masters of the trade:
Cocopa, Evergreen: This eco-savvy company designs and builds accent furnishings, hand-forged steel railings, and kitchen and bath cabinetry. The company gets high points for the palette of beautiful painted finishes it offers. cocopa.com
DoubleButter, Denver: These slightly mischievous furniture makers design and build pieces that are thoughtful, fresh and clean. We’re especially fond of their smart combinations of materials—brushed steel with brown cowhide, for example. Brilliant. doublebutter.com
Dovetail Designs, Oak Creek: For classic pieces crafted using time-honored techniques, check out Dovetail’s gallery. The company’s furnishings are the definition of simple and refined. dovetailfurnituredesign.com
Mori Furniture Design, Denver: Inspired by Japanese-American furniture maker George Nakashima, Mori creates table bases, mirrors and headboards by transforming gorgeous woods into warm, contemporary pieces. morifurnituredesign.com
