A good question from Kevin :
"I am looking for someone in the Chicago area that makes custom furniture. I want a console sideboard free standing cabinet built to be used as a media center. I am going for a vintage modern look.
I haven't found anything new (want something different than Room and Board or Crate & Barrel) that I like or fits the size I want (30" H, 23" D, 84" L) to maximize storage and I don't want to buy a real vintage modern piece and cut holes in the back of it for the wiring/ventilation. Thanks."
Chicago Home Magazine is good place to start. They have an excellent resource section for local custom cabinetry and furniture design - it starts on page 140 of the Winter 2006 issue.
We just saw some really nice, innovative furniture design and construction last week at DWR's Modern+Design+Function exhibit. Three sites to check out - Michael Koehler at koehlerdesignbuild.com, Carson Maddox at carsonmaddox.com and Luke Wong at studiowai.com.
If any readers have had a custom piece of furniture made please let us know. Any ideas, suggestions, tips and recommendations for Kevin are welcome...
I 'third' Carson Maddox. He's creative, talented, and delivers everytime. He's built us a desk, coffee table, and bedroom suite. MADDOX ROCKS!
http://www.woodsmythschicago.com/
I'm actually taking a class with him right now. He's a nice guy, and he has had some examples of his work in the shop. Very nice, I think he could do what your looking for.
Janels comments about starting w/ Chicago HOME magazine is a good one. I have been "listed" in that resource.
I design and build Custom Furniture- you can contact me through my Website- (http://www.kramerdesignstudio.com) and if you don't think that I'm "right" for you- I can suggest several other Cabinetmakers/Woodworkers who could help you out.
Keep in mind that doing "custom", is NEVER going to compete with pricing at Crate & Barrel/CB2/Room & Board, etc.
It's economically impossible.
What you'll get though- is a unique piece, that is "just-what-you-wanted"!
Come prepared to learn a bit: about construction, wood(s),finish options & other details- often the amount of choices/options in doing custom, can be overwhelming.
I think Carson Maddox might be one of the furniture makers featured over at a store in Wicker Park called Hejfina (sp?). The owner works with 2 or 3 different designers and sells their pieces through the store. I believe they all might do custom work.
Dale Meiners at Trimline Custom is a great person to call. He specializes in modern pieces but he does work in just about anything.
Phone: 312.593.3253
Web: http://trimlinedale.tripod.com/id1.html
My company refers custom business to him all the time.
I love the work from Andrew the owner of a custom furniture making shop called -ism...Contact Andrew at 773-296-9942
I did some design work awhile back for an amazing custom furniture designer named Carson Maddox. He specializes mostly in bedroom pieces and stuff like you described above.
http://www.carsonmaddox.com/
Um, duh....obviously i didnt read the full post or I would have seen Carson already mentioned. Anyhow I second him!
'Course if you want some very special work done, Lloyd Natof is your man. SLNATOF.com
He has some really remarkable work on his site.
Ace
I have had good luck with a company called Best Cabinets. There website is www.thebestcabinets.com. They have a 12,000 in the Lincoln Park area. They do both Custom Cabinets & Custom Furniture. Excellent Design/Build Skills
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