08 Jul Things we love

The Burnt Forest Collection from MFGR Designs

“Just because they look like ski bums, doesn’t mean they are. Okay — they are, but they also make rad stuff.” That’s the opening of the story on MFGR Designs’ website, and it sums up their nature-inspired, innovative creations. Blurring the lines between art and architecture, this Bozeman, Montana-based company’s one-of-a-kind furniture collections feature pieces that can tie together a whole room. Their Burnt Forest Collection was designed with a nod to the forest fires that Montana knows only too well, reminding us that these “natural and necessary” events are what make forests healthy by returning nutrients from the ash to the soil. The Empire Dining Table features a shou sugi ban fir top and a blackened steel base, along with blackened steel frames, ebonized-ash seats, and hand-stitched leather for the chairs. And the Westchester Bookshelf features an ebonized-ash case with a maple or walnut front and steel base.

Empire Dining Set: $9,990
Table: 72 x 36 x 30 inches
Westchester Bookshelf: $2,470
12 x 24 x 76 inches

Stainless Steel Fire Roll by Elena Colombo

Sculptor and architectural designer Elena Colombo created this stainless steel fire roll, suitable for an indoor fireplace or outdoor living area. The magic of firelight is enhanced by the reflection of flames bouncing off the shiny steel surface. “I am ever inspired by the elemental nature of fire, and the primal need we have for it,” says Colombo, who has works in major hotels around the world. “Fire serves both our need for beauty and our instinct to gather around a warm, lighted place; it is a destination wherever it burns.”

$29,000
84 x 25 inches
firefeatures.com

Wyandotte Guest Chair from Skram

We love this Wyandotte Guest Chair made by Skram, a company based in the heart of North Carolina’s furniture district that is known for its high-quality, contemporary designs. This chair is available in ash or walnut and is constructed with mortise and tenon joinery, as well as triple splines for greater reinforcement. In addition to various timber options, for the upholstery Skram also offers a variety of specialty leathers from Wollsdorf, which uses cattle hides from Central Europe that are free of chrome tanning, a chemical process that is harmful to the environment. And should one prefer fabric, a wide selection of other options are available. This guest chair would feel right at home in a contemporary or rustic setting.

Contact for pricing
22 x 20.5 x 31 inches
skramfurniture.com

Sculpted Jewelry by Tim Cherry

With a love of nature and animals, artist Tim Cherry is known for his portrayal of wildlife in bronze, stainless steel, and stone, and his work has appeared in museums and galleries for more than 30 years. Now he and his wife, Linda, have delved into a new arena: producing jewelry reminiscent of his famous sculptures. Cherry’s style has been likened to Art Nouveau, and he’s translated that into wearable art for a winning combination. We love his Luna Bear Medallion Necklace for the animal’s joyful attitude. Available in sterling silver or 24-karat gold, one can choose to include a diamond or semiprecious gemstone to adorn the piece, including blue topaz, garnet, amethyst, and black onyx. It’s the perfect gift for the sculpture enthusiast.

Starting at $250
sorrelsky.com

Buffalo Hunt Armoire by Skyhorse Saddles and Hughes Woodworks

This joint venture between Durango, Colorado-based master saddle makers and leather artists Lisa and Loren Skyhorse, and Huson, Montana-based master woodworker Shane Hughes, is the epitome of one of a kind. The collaboration, which took place over the course of a year, involved immense dedication as the artists passed the piece back and forth across the Rocky Mountains. The resulting Buffalo Hunt Armoire aligns with the Skyhorses’ classic Western designs, right down to the bison-wrapped handles. Two full cow hides were used to wrap the 5-foot-tall leather panels, and each features an original design that’s hand-carved and sculpted to create a 3-D effect that was then hand-painted by Lisa. A 1980s Phase 3 Navajo Chief blanket is incorporated into the piece, along with Loren’s hand-stitched, buffalo hunt images. Hughes handcrafted the wooden features from a single walnut log sourced from Western Montana. Along with hand-cut dovetail drawers and traditional mortise and tenon joinery, he incorporated bent lamination construction to create elegant curves.

24 x 48 x 84 inches
$19,000
skyhorse.com
hugheswoodworks.com

Scott Bed and Rivers Bench from the Mezzo Collection

We love this bed and bench set by the Mezzo Collection, whose purpose is to “create Mid-century inspired furniture with a modern signature.” Both the Scott Bed and the Rivers Bench have all the pizazz, sophistication, and panache to make you feel vivacious in your beach hideaway or New York City apartment. Inspired by the iconic design of the ’60s, the bed celebrates the fascinating curved shapes of Mid-century Modern furniture imbued with a fresh vision. And with parallel vertical seams and brass feet, this bench squarely hits a stylish mark. Mezzo offers a wide variety of fabrics to choose from for both pieces.

Scott Bed: Starting at $5,470 (without mattress)
Rivers Bench: Starting at $3,670
mezzocollection.com

Decorative Tile and Décor by Elizabeth Sutton

An expression of beauty has the immediacy of delight, and that’s what we find in Elizabeth Sutton’s creations. With the butterfly at the heart of her inspiration, Sutton has garnered attention in the Art Nouveau scene with her colorful artworks and products. Haute magazine referred to her as “the woman with the kaleidoscope brain [who] could be the next Andy Warhol.” We salute Sutton, a single mother of two and “mompreneur,” for the recognition she’s earned for her exceptional use of color, geometry, and patterns.
In particular, we love the expression of nature’s delicacy found in these butterfly drawer pulls. Available in white, gold, and rose gold finishes, they are sure to transform a forgotten dresser, a refurbished antique, or your favorite escritoire by adding a bit of whimsy. We also love Sutton’s bold marble tiles, a recent venture with TileBar, which won an award at Architectural Digest’s Design Show. Whether used in a wall, floor, or backsplash, they are sure to add a unique element of interest.

Drawer pull: $40; $148 set of four
Tile: $30 to $104 per square foot
elizabethsutton.com