When the retail world fails and you just can't seem to find the right piece for your children's spaces, turning to a local artisan isn't a bad solution. This bed was handmade in Kansas City and we're pretty positive we have a big fat junior high crush on it (though we didn't try passing it a note to confirm if it liked us too).
Earlier this week we featured a few of the cutting boards coming out of Studiobuild in Kansas City and we later noticed this super dreamy high-lofted bed.
The project turned out fabulous and serves as a great reminder that if you're looking for a piece that will last a lifetime and more, don't rule out local artisans instead of always turning to retail options. Even though this set up won't come in at big box prices, it will be something that can be passed down through a family and will continue to look just as fabulous as the day it was installed.
Do you have a recommendation for a woodworker or artisan in your area? Leave their name or studio in the comments below!
(Image: Studiobuild)
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Love!
What are the steps to contacting local artisans?
Good question! The easiest way is to google (but I probably don't have to tell you that).
Next up, I'd try Craigslist, unless they're super busy, there's a good chance there's an ad up for work, even if they aren't desperate for it. Plus, even those who don't have an ad listed still check Craigslist for deals on shop equipment or salvage wood, so I'd suggest making a listing for what/who you're looking for and then at the bottom put a large "tag" section of words that they might be searching for so it comes up when they go to hunt for treasures (sneaky, but we've had it work!).
After that I'd check with local societies or give architects a call to see who's at the top of the list from people that they use. They are usually more than willing to share!
The bed is wonderful, but I love the vintage lighting used on the desk and on the shelf. Rewired/refurb'd vintage lighting is fabulous for kids rooms. The atomic lamp on the desk and the chrome lava lamp on the shelf come from different decades but really add to the "industrial" look of the loft bed. Great choices!
If you have an unpainted furniture in your area, they will also know cabinetmakers that can make furniture to your specifications. Also if you go to your local home center or lumber yard, they will also have names for you. many times they themselves are in the stores buying materials for a job. They are the ones wearing suspenders with yard stick designs. At least mine does.
In the Ithaca, NY, area...Allen Carstensen, Trumansburg.
I needed some custom shadowboxes made for a special project and someone suggested I post an ad on the job board of a local art school. I found a wonderful person who was happy to work with me, to listen and understand what I wanted and help me realize it. It is more affordable to hire a student and she was starting her own business so was eager to work with me on an affordable option so I would recommend her.
Wow! That is awesome.
www.francislofts.com
I thought you all might be interested in our loft at Francis Lofts. We are a small company of aluminum fabricators that feel there is a lack of high quality, modern lofts out there. Let me know what you think!