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These 6 Small-Batch Furniture Studios Give Interior Define a Run for Their Money

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 15, 2024
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Interior Define has made waves in recent years with its direct-to-consumer customizable furniture. But for those seeking alternatives, we've discovered several compelling small-batch furniture studios that deserve attention. These makers blend traditional craftsmanship with fresh perspectives on materials, sustainability, and design – often in ways that larger manufacturers simply can't match.

Domenic Fiorello Studio
: Where Danish Modernism Meets Cleveland Craftsmanship

The Henrik Floating Nightstand tells you everything you need to know about Domenic Fiorello's approach to furniture making. Its clean lines whisper rather than shout, revealing subtle details that reward closer inspection. Working from his Cleveland workshop, Fiorello channels the spirit of 1930s Danish design while adding his own contemporary twist.
We're particularly intrigued by Fiorello's material selection process. Each piece of domestic hardwood – be it walnut, white oak, or cherry – is chosen not just for its structural properties but for its unique character. The studio's work shows up regularly in design publications, though we suspect it's the pieces themselves, quietly gracing homes across the country, that tell the most compelling story.

Why we like Domenic Fiorello Studio

  • 1

    Meticulous Material Selection

    Each piece of hardwood is carefully chosen for both structural integrity and visual character

  • 2

    Danish-Inspired Design

    Clean lines and subtle details that reflect 1930s Danish design principles

  • 3

    Local Craftsmanship

    Cleveland-based workshop ensuring hands-on quality control

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Abrego
: California Cool Meets Environmental Consciousness

The Salty Open Bookshelf by Abrego reads like a love letter to tropical modernism, filtered through a distinctly Californian lens. From their San Juan Capistrano workshop, founders Gabriel Abrego and Bergen Wood blend Spanish and Scandinavian influences into pieces that feel both fresh and familiar.
Their environmental ethos runs deep – beyond just using sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood. Natural fibers and recycled materials feature prominently in their finishes and fabrics. We appreciate how their production process minimizes waste without compromising on design integrity. Each piece carries forward their vision of furniture that treads lightly on the planet while making a lasting impression in the home.

Why we like Abrego

  • 1

    Sustainable Materials

    Commitment to sustainably sourced wood and recycled materials

  • 2

    Unique Design Fusion

    Blend of Spanish and Scandinavian influences with California style

  • 3

    Eco-Conscious Production

    Minimized waste processes without compromising design quality

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Sundays Company
: Family-Friendly Design That Doesn't Sacrifice Style

The Field Stool in White Oak embodies Sundays Company's refreshingly practical approach to furniture design. Founded by four friends with young families, this studio creates pieces that acknowledge the realities of family life without surrendering to purely utilitarian design.
Their straightforward delivery and assembly service suggests they understand that buying furniture shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. We're drawn to how their collection maintains its sophistication while remaining approachable – proof that high-end design doesn't require an advanced degree to appreciate. Their pieces seem designed to age gracefully alongside the families who own them.

Why we like Sundays Company

  • 1

    Family-Centric Design

    Pieces that balance sophistication with practical family needs

  • 2

    User-Friendly Assembly

    Straightforward delivery and assembly process

  • 3

    Timeless Appeal

    Furniture designed to age gracefully with its owners

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Sun at Six
: Ancient Chinese Joinery Gets a Modern Makeover

The Temi Chair from Sun at Six represents three generations of woodworking knowledge distilled into one elegant seat. The studio's founder, Antares, learned traditional Chinese joinery from his mother, who spent years studying under a Beijing master. The result is furniture that honors centuries-old techniques while speaking fluently to contemporary tastes.
Their dedication to traditional joinery techniques yields furniture assembled without modern fasteners – no nails, no screws. These ancient methods create pieces that can adapt to environmental changes naturally. Recognition from institutions like the Forbidden City and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco suggests we're not alone in our fascination with their work.

Why we like Sun at Six

  • 1

    Traditional Craftsmanship

    Ancient Chinese joinery techniques without modern fasteners

  • 2

    Generational Knowledge

    Three generations of woodworking expertise

  • 3

    Museum Recognition

    Acclaimed by prestigious cultural institutions

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57st. Design
: Chicago's Answer to Furniture Waste

The Ada Side Table exemplifies 57st. Design's philosophy: celebrate wood's natural beauty through clean lines and thoughtful construction. From their Chicago workshop, this studio demonstrates how simplicity and durability can coexist beautifully.
Their Design Circulation service caught our attention – it's a creative solution to furniture's end-of-life problem. By designing pieces meant to be passed from home to home indefinitely, they're rethinking furniture's role in our throwaway culture. We're also impressed by their commitment to fair labor practices, suggesting a holistic vision for furniture manufacturing's future.

Why we like 57st. Design

  • 1

    Innovative Circulation Service

    Furniture designed for multiple home transitions

  • 2

    Sustainable Vision

    Creative solutions to furniture waste

  • 3

    Fair Labor Commitment

    Ethical manufacturing practices in Chicago

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Hedge House Furniture
: Bringing Midwest Manufacturing into the 21st Century

In the Douglas Tall Bookcase, Hedge House Furniture captures something essential about Midwest craftsmanship – solid construction elevated by careful attention to proportion and detail. Operating from America's heartland, this studio bridges traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.
Their blanket-wrapped delivery service feels like a throwback to a more personal era of furniture retail. Through their trade program, they're building connections with design professionals that go beyond simple transactions. The result is furniture that feels both grounded in tradition and ready for tomorrow's homes.

Why we like Hedge House Furniture

  • 1

    Midwest Craftsmanship

    Solid construction with attention to proportion and detail

  • 2

    Personal Touch

    Unique blanket-wrapped delivery service

  • 3

    Professional Partnerships

    Strong trade program building industry connections

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Small-Batch Furniture

These studios represent more than just alternatives to larger furniture manufacturers – they're pioneers charting new territory in sustainable production, traditional techniques, and thoughtful design. Whether preserving ancient joinery methods or innovating new approaches to furniture lifecycle, each brings something unique to the contemporary furniture landscape. As we look toward the future of furniture making, these smaller studios might just be showing us the way forward.