This modern desk for a current college student has simple lines that belies its attention to functionality and style. It was built in modular components so it could be easily moved if the need arises, but also be solid and timeless enough to translate to an eventual forever home. It features a Hard Maple top and drawer fronts with continuous grain, as well as furniture grade Maple plywood framing components, encased in mild steel. Movable shelves on the left add versatility to accommodate new hardware components for the owner’s Photography business, while the heavy duty drawer slides on the right can handle everything from hard drives to felines. The custom drawer pulls were made from angle iron for a minimalist look with inherently simple functionality and heft.

This shelving unit was custom designed for a local musician with an extensive CD and cassette collection. (For all you audiophiles, the vinyl collection has its own shelf…) After a site visit to discuss design options, I configured the piece to feel proportional and functional in a way that adds an element of style to their space without feeling too overwhelming in scale. The heavier look of the 2” thick reclaimed lumber shows off its structural strength, while it’s interaction with the 1/4” steel pencil rod shelf supports imply a sense of lightness. The 3 lower shelves are also adjustable for alternative future uses.

With elements of both rustic and modern, this piece was meant to add a touch of visual interest to a foyer while maintaining its primary function as a safe and fun place for the little ones to hang their coats and book bags. The coat hooks are a unique StraitBuilt design, custom made to make this one of a kind addition stand out in the home’s entryway.

Space can define design, just as design can define space. The Mid-Century Modern revival has enabled some classic design elements to continue to inspire us today. The hairpin legs are custom made from channel iron to add a multi-dimensional feel; slim and sleek from the side, yet strong and wide with added depth and an ‘I-beam’ feel when viewed from the front. This Eastern Red ‘Cedar’ slab (technically classified as a Juniper) adds vibrant color to the neutral room tones, while the ‘waterfall’ support opposite the hairpin legs physically anchors the whimsical nature of the colorful wood to the foundation of the room. The square inlays of Marbled Black and White Ebony add an air of curiosity to this simple and elegant modern design. Finished with an all natural, easy to maintain product that is resistant to the saliva of it’s large canine roommates!

Interior Sliding doors, or ‘barn’ doors, and the salvaged lumber they are typically made from, have become very trendy in the last 5 years. We are happy to work extensively with one of the largest suppliers of reclaimed lumber in Iowa to provide any type of sliding door you can dream up, as well as the rustic barn siding to match. We often have access to reclaimed and refurbished barn hardware to put the finishing touch on your rustic remodel. But if you are looking for something a little more modern, we can also fabricate all of our own hardware from scratch; including trolleys, rails and pulls.

Most people think of relatively simple grain when they consider Maple, but this piece defies all those expectations. Staring at the brilliant cross-grain shimmer that came from this tree made me truly pause to contemplate how to do this piece of wood the justice it deserves. I stared at this piece for over a year before I knew what to do, and even then my plans changed as it progressed and showed itself. The irregular shape and extreme thickness add significantly to the ultra-unique look of this distinctive table. Though it may be counter-intuitive, the steel ‘base’ is not connected to the wood; instead it runs through it, held by friction alone. The steel and the wood coexist in forms of static movement and dynamic stillness. The 3-dimensional Padauk bow-tie, doweled by steel to the outside edge intends to draw the observer around the table and make them wonder ‘Why?’ as they ingest its details from every angle, maximizing its impact on the senses. The rhythmic pattern of the flat steel stock that forms the lower shelf emulates the form of the wood it supports above, and even in its rigidity suggests movement. Contact us for pricing on this one of a kind piece.

The best custom furniture designs are always informed by their purpose. This multi-use kitchen cart was designed around the needs of a smaller kitchen lacking in storage and counter area. However, as far as we’re concerned, if you’re going to build something to do a job well, then it should also look good doing it. And in our humble opinion, the right combination of steel and wood almost always does the trick! Minimalist steel framing intends to make this piece feel less intrusive and more transparent in a smaller space. The sliding basket hardware adds simplistic and attractive functionality while maintaining an airy feel. Locking casters provide even more versatility when you need to temporarily extend your counter space. The reclaimed architectural steel V-moulding top rail and handle is a convenient place for your kitchen towels or an S-hook for a cast iron pan. Lastly, the top is made in the traditional ‘breadboard’ style mortise and tenon joinery that allows the wood to move naturally. It is constructed primarily from vertical grain maple and finished in ultra-safe, non-toxic, food grade natural oils and waxes. The maple working surface is complemented by Cherry rails, Black Walnut dowels, and Purpleheart triangular inlays. Yes, you can cut a loaf of bread on it. We encourage it!

This mirror is inspired by the influence of so many powerful Women in my life. It serves to remind us that we should all take a moment to reflect upon how society has changed in the past few years, and how much more it needs to change in the coming years. Every time we look into it, we should remember from whence we came and take that moment to honor the goddesses in all of our lives.

One of the many things that make our furniture designs unique is our love for uncommon and colorful domestic hardwoods. Durable and locally sourced, this coffee table top made from Honey Locust is not the wood that you typically find at your big box stores. As is often the case, these small batches of unique woods tell us exactly what type or how big of a furniture piece we can build will be, and we design accordingly. This base also whispers hints of the MCM trends with it’s atypical hairpin style base and legs custom fabricated from bent flat steel stock. The staggered patterns of alternating sizes of flat stock that comprise the lower shelf are complemented by the round steel rod that runs the length of the piece joining it all together. This is one we built for ourselves, but would be happy to consider selling it to the right client. Feel free to inquire if it strikes your fancy.