A Wealth of Local Furniture Design

I’ve been hoarding emails over the past few months from furniture designers who are in our region and crafting some pretty amazing collections. What’s notable is that all of it is so different—a testament that searching out, and shopping, from our local artisans will yield finds in the broadest range.

But this is not to say don’t shop at chain stores. My first selection here comes from Room & Board, which is known for calling on local talents in whichever market they are in to produce pieces for them. Family-owned Shenandoah Furniture of Collinsville, VA, has a line of upholstered furniture for them, which you can see in its 14th Street store:

Andre Sofa

Chloe Chair

Lola Chair

Urban County in Bethesda is another store where you can find local curating at work. Founder Rachelle Roth just introduced a new collection called Chic Rustique, which is comprised of repurposed vintage and antique furniture. It’s a concept that’s equally green and creative. “Reusing, recycling and repurposing are passions of mine,” Rachelle says. Way to go.

Next, I’ve got some designers who are working independently, producing drop-dead work. My friend Kaleo Kala, a Hawaiian transplant to DC, has seen his profile rise significantly in the span of just a few years. He seems to be everywhere, and designers are quickly catching on. I should have KNOWN that was his custom vanity in Christopher Patrick’s dramatic bath in this year’s DC Design House! Photo by Robert Radifera.

And check out this stunning conference table he did for the DC London public affairs firm, under the design guidance of Leah Moss:

Here’s a sweet little console he did for Christopher Patrick, photographed by the amazing Erik Kvalsvik:

And wouldn’t you love to have this bar and kitchenette in YOUR house? Kaleo did this for the designers at Residents Understood, photographed by Benjamin C. Tankersley, whom I’ve gotten to know through my freelance work at DC Magazine:

Last but not least on my list, is designer Janet Morais has started her own furniture line that is pure fantasy—it’s called Koket (not surprisingly). The pieces will add a dreamy glam quality to your living room, boudoir, or anywhere that needs some oomph. But even more than her furniture and lighting, I LOVE even more the way she markets it. The ad design is just as cool as the piece:

Now, if only we could get our own homes to look like the backdrop in these images!

But don’t you see my point, that this vastly wide range of styles can be found from our DC roster of talent. I’m overcome with pride!