Crafting American Spirit: Furniture Makers. They are upholding the longstanding American tradition of crafting sustainably-sourced and locally-made sofas, bed frames, and more.
Marc Taggart & Company: Crafting Western-Style Vintage Designs
Marc Taggart & Company is a small business that specializes in Western-style designs, catering to vintage enthusiasts.
Located in Cody, Wyoming, this company is deeply rooted in its hometown and takes pride in crafting custom woodwork pieces, including the unique and made-to-order “Remembering the Alamo Hutches. “.
The heart of their manufacturing process revolves around the restoration and construction of Molesworth style furniture.
Molesworth style is known for its use of natural materials, imposing presence, and the creative fusion of traditional woodworking craftsmanship with romantic thematic elements.
What sets Marc Taggart & Company apart is their commitment to utilizing high-quality, all-American tools and skills to create Molesworth pieces from ethically-sourced materials.
By doing so, they offer vintage design aficionados the opportunity to acquire beautifully crafted, locally made furniture right in the heart of America.
Wüd Furniture Design: Crafting Modern High-End Furnishings in Brooklyn
Wüd Furniture Design is a Brooklyn-based company specializing in the creation of modern, high-end custom furnishings.
CEO Corey Springer shed light on the unique benefits and challenges associated with running a furniture business in the bustling heart of New York City.
In an era marked by rapidly evolving technology and trends, Wüd Furniture Design has found a niche in catering to a longing for the past.
Springer explained, “There seems to be a nostalgia for the past. Our clients are looking for hand-made, quality, heirloom pieces for their homes.
They appreciate that each piece is built by a select group of skilled artisans who take immense pride in their craft. “.
This period also offers an opportunity for creative expression, as clients seek to have their spaces reflect their unique aesthetics and lifestyles.
Springer emphasized that owning furniture that aligns with this vision often comes at a premium.
As an American artist and businessman, Springer is dedicated to building a domestic company.
Wüd Furniture Design provides full-time employment for American-based artisans, sources all its materials within the United States, and manufactures its products entirely in Brooklyn.
The company’s pride lies in crafting high-end furniture that seamlessly marries artistry with functionality, a responsibility they take seriously.
“From testing prototypes to pushing boundaries with materials, my team works together to exceed expectations, and I believe that, to do that successfully, everything has to be produced and managed under one roof. “.
While there are clear challenges to operating a domestic operation in Brooklyn, such as the expenses associated with running a large shop and showroom, Springer also acknowledges that their location acts as a magnet for attracting quality craftsmen who contribute to the company’s success.
Cliff Young Ltd.: A Legacy of Modern Furniture Craftsmanship in NYC
Cliff Young Ltd., a distinguished modern furniture manufacturer situated in the heart of New York City, has been a pioneering force in domestic furniture production for nearly five decades. .
The company proudly states, “For over 48 years, Cliff Young Ltd.
has brought to life an extraordinary modern furniture collection that tastefully combines modern-day sophistication with the warm, inviting feel of old-world craftsmanship. “.
Throughout their illustrious history, the Cliff Young team has achieved recognition for their award-winning furniture designs, custom-crafted pieces, built-ins, and comprehensive interior design solutions.
They have played a pivotal role in nurturing designer talent while enhancing the living spaces of American homeowners.
One of the standout features of Cliff Young Ltd.
is their utilization of innovative tools, including 3-D renderings, sketches, and complete working drawings. These tools empower the company to operate as a fully American entity, guiding furniture clients through the entire process, from design conception to domestically-sourced and manufactured furniture, resulting in a seamless and satisfying experience.
The Woodland Mills: Crafting Quality Solid Wood Furniture
Based in Pennsylvania, The Woodland Mills specializes in crafting exceptional solid pine bookcases and wine racks.
Owner Cunningham understands the evolving landscape of consumer preferences in today’s digital age.
He notes, “Thanks in part to the internet, consumers today are well-researched, educated, and informed about the products they purchase.
Price remains important, but it’s no longer the sole determining factor. ” In his experience, many customers are willing to invest a little extra in domestically-made products as opposed to mass-produced imports.
He points out, “From a broader perspective, craft-made products are highly desirable now, whether it’s craft beers, wines, spirits, or even items like bookcases and wine racks. I’m witnessing a cultural shift from a focus on quantity to an emphasis on quality.”.
Despite facing major costs such as labor and healthcare expenses, Cunningham is also concerned about the increasing distribution costs.
“Shipping expenses rise annually without fail, and the transportation industry has witnessed significant consolidation, with smaller carriers either going out of business or being acquired by larger competitors. ” While brick-and-mortar retailers grapple with rising rents and declining foot traffic, online retailers fear that shipping costs may become unmanageable.
One advantage of domestic production is the ability to respond promptly to customer demands.
Cunningham highlights the agility of locally-produced goods, saying, “It’s hard to achieve this level of responsiveness when you have to wait 30 to 60 days for the next overseas sea container shipment. Trends and fads change faster than ever, and it’s surprising that people now invest in products made from old pallets.”.
Cunningham emphasizes that many companies have learned that the initial savings from outsourcing production were often offset by increased inventory and logistics management costs.
He firmly believes in the ethical responsibility of not intentionally causing economic harm to the local economy in pursuit of short-term gains.
More than ever, consumers are intrigued by the narratives behind the products they choose to buy.
Cunningham affirms that it’s not only about the quality of the materials but also about sustainable and ethically-sourced materials, environmentally-friendly products free from toxic chemicals, and craftsmen and women who are passionate about their work and able to make a decent living doing what they love.
West Elm’s Commitment to “Made in America”
West Elm, a mid-range home decor retailer, has dedicated an entire “Made in America” collection for customers seeking domestically manufactured home products.
They have also launched the Local Showcase initiative, inviting domestic makers to contribute their ideas and products to be sold in West Elm locations nationwide. The initiative covers nine categories: Giftables, home textiles, kitchen goods, garden, personal care, personal items, furniture, decor, and food.
Mo Mullen, the director of West Elm, explained the rationale behind this endeavor: “Local Showcase is in concert with the Local initiative at large.
We ran a small business grant competition in 2014 as part of that process. We had makers and designers come to stores.
We had such an incredible response, and it was a great way for our stores to dig deeper and get to know our community more. “.
With Local Showcase, West Elm aims to expand its reach and connect with an increasingly important resource.
Mullen stated, “We want to make sure that we’re able to give our stores the opportunity to connect with as many local designers and makers as possible. We want to double our base of local designers and makers.”.
One example of the Local Showcase’s impact can be seen in West Elm’s growing collection of Made-in-USA sofas, available in their American stores.
This commitment reflects the retailer’s dedication to supporting local craftsmanship and providing customers with domestically-made options.
*The information is for reference only.