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7 Fresh Faces Taking On Knoll's Modern Design Legacy

Chris Chan

Chris Chan

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 16, 2024
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For decades, Knoll has defined the intersection of modernist aesthetics and exceptional craftsmanship. But we're intrigued by a new generation of furniture makers who are writing their own chapters in design history. These brands honor the principles of mid-century modern while introducing innovative materials, thoughtful functionality, and fresh perspectives on how we interact with our spaces.
From tech-integrated workstations to handcrafted statement pieces, we've discovered makers who are proving that great design can exist beyond established names. Here's our look at seven brands that caught our attention with their distinctive approaches to furniture design.

Most Modest
: Where Silicon Valley Meets Woodshop

Their Cody Desktop Organizer embraces rather than hides our digital lives. Founded by Justin Champaign, a Coalesse alumnus, Most Modest brings an engineer's precision to the furniture world. Their in-house prototyping studio, equipped with 3D printers and CNC machines, allows for rapid iteration without sacrificing attention to detail.
We're particularly interested in how they've merged digital fabrication with traditional craftsmanship. Their partnership with LightCorp has enabled them to maintain quality control while scaling production, suggesting a possible blueprint for how smaller design studios might grow without losing their soul.

Why we like Most Modest

  • 1

    Tech-Forward Design

    Integration of digital fabrication with traditional craftsmanship

  • 2

    Rapid Prototyping

    In-house studio enables quick iterations and quality control

  • 3

    Engineering Precision

    Brings technical expertise to furniture design

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Artifox
: The Desktop Declutterer

The Desk by Artifox reflects a fundamental truth about modern work: our relationship with our workspace is more intimate than ever. Founded by Dan and Sarah Mirth, the brand began with a straightforward mission to reinvent the desk for contemporary needs. Their magnetic accessories and integrated cable management feel less like add-ons and more like natural extensions of the furniture itself.
Their evolution from desk specialist to workspace innovator mirrors our own changing relationship with work. We're drawn to their use of materials like walnut and white oak, which develop character over time – a refreshing counterpoint to the disposable nature of many office products.

Why we like Artifox

  • 1

    Thoughtful Integration

    Magnetic accessories and cable management built into core design

  • 2

    Quality Materials

    Use of premium woods that develop character over time

  • 3

    Workspace Innovation

    Reimagining furniture for modern work needs

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Ugmonk
: The Digital Detox Designer

In crafting the Analog Weekly Kit, Jeff Sheldon and his team at Ugmonk have created something that feels almost rebellious in today's hyperconnected world. The walnut organizer and its accompanying system propose a radical idea: perhaps the best way to handle modern complexity is through thoughtful simplicity.
Their approach transforms everyday organization into a mindful ritual. We appreciate how they've managed to make minimalism feel warm and inviting – no small feat in a category often dominated by stark, clinical aesthetics.

Why we like Ugmonk

  • 1

    Mindful Design

    Creates intentional rituals through organizational tools

  • 2

    Analog Innovation

    Brings warmth to minimalist aesthetics

  • 3

    Thoughtful Simplicity

    Tackles modern complexity through refined design

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Faithful Roots
: The Workshop Philosophers

The Lennon Credenza from Faithful Roots embodies the studio's unique position at the crossroads of old-world craftsmanship and contemporary design. Their Los Angeles workshop doubles as a laboratory where traditional techniques meet modern aesthetics.
Drawing inspiration from sources as varied as European museums and California's design heritage, they've created pieces that feel both timely and timeless. We're fascinated by their careful material selection process and their commitment to working with local artisans – choices that influence both the quality and character of their work.

Why we like Faithful Roots

  • 1

    Local Craftsmanship

    Commitment to working with local artisans

  • 2

    Heritage Fusion

    Blends European and California design influences

  • 3

    Material Excellence

    Careful selection process for quality materials

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Bi-Rite Studio
: The Color Theory Revolutionaries

With their Bold Plates & Tray collection, Bi-Rite Studio and founder Cat Snodgrass have thrown out the rulebook on what contemporary furniture should look like. Their Brooklyn showroom serves as an incubator for ideas that challenge conventional wisdom about form and function.
The studio's background in music industry design brings an unexpected rhythm to their furniture creation. We're intrigued by how they've translated principles from the Light and Space movement into three-dimensional forms, creating pieces that interact with their environment in surprising ways.

Why we like Bi-Rite Studio

  • 1

    Innovative Aesthetics

    Challenges conventional furniture design rules

  • 2

    Cross-Industry Influence

    Brings music industry design principles to furniture

  • 3

    Environmental Interaction

    Creates pieces that dialogue with their surroundings

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Branch
: The Office Democracy Movement

Branch's Small Filing Cabinet represents a fresh take on workplace furniture that doesn't require an executive budget to access. Their approach combines real-world testing with considered design, resulting in pieces that feel both professional and personal.
Their understanding of hybrid work environments shows in their adaptable designs. We're impressed by how they've managed to create furniture that seamlessly transitions between home and office settings while maintaining its identity in both contexts.

Why we like Branch

  • 1

    Accessibility

    Professional design at approachable price points

  • 2

    Adaptable Design

    Furniture that works in both home and office settings

  • 3

    Real-World Testing

    Practical approach to furniture development

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Gus Modern
: The Material Innovators

The Munro Credenza exemplifies Gus Modern's talent for breathing new life into mid-century design principles. Their use of Vegan AppleSkin Leather – created from upcycled fruit fiber – demonstrates how sustainability can drive innovation rather than limit it.
Their pieces reflect a deep understanding of how modern homes function, with versatility built into every design decision. We appreciate their thoughtful approach to materials and construction, which results in furniture that feels both current and enduring.

Why we like Gus Modern

  • 1

    Sustainable Innovation

    Pioneering use of eco-friendly materials

  • 2

    Modern Interpretation

    Fresh take on mid-century design principles

  • 3

    Versatile Function

    Furniture designed for contemporary living

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Furniture Design

These seven brands represent different paths forward for furniture design, each carving out its own niche while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity. Whether prioritizing technological integration, sustainability, or artisanal craftsmanship, they're proving that innovative design can flourish outside traditional channels. Their success suggests that the future of furniture might not be dominated by a few large names, but rather shaped by a diverse ecosystem of thoughtful, specialized makers.