In a world of mass-produced tables and chairs, everything begins to look the same. And while it may be affordable or easy to assemble, will it last? Consumers wanting a balance of character and quality in their home seem to have fewer choices.
These five small businesses, though different in many ways, share a common thread: a desire to produce or source sturdy, striking, and charismatic furniture that tells a story for a long time.
House of Léon
Twin brothers Steven and Jordan Neman bring to life their vision of “old world craftsmanship, reimagined” with the House of Léon. In 2021, the twins opened the doors to their small business on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles and have since launched four full collections.
With a focus on durable construction and artisanal techniques from around the world, the collections are inspired by the corners of Europe, a small town in California, and Japan. The new Milan collection, drawing from the city’s postwar transformation, melds industrial rigidity with soft textures and warm hues. The brothers aim to capture the tension between history and the current temperament of the Italian city in their new collection.
Meanwhile, the Provence collection embodies the simple and relaxed European lifestyle, while the Ojai collection celebrates a modern organic style. The Kyoto collection mirrors the Japandi style, which marries Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian comfort and functionality. House of Léon does its best to not only honor the look and feel of these different collections but also how they are made.
Denver Modern
Donnie Criswell and Lindsey Price-Criswell met in Colorado, later becoming husband and wife as well as business partners. An experienced woodworker and owner of a custom furniture shop, Donnie’s skills combined with Lindsey’s background in consumer products made a dream reality, and Denver Modern took root.
A savvy business consultant, Lindsey became the CEO to scale the company. With the help of Brooklyn-based designer Joel Edmonson, Denver Modern started with the Vail lounge chair, the brand’s claim to fame. Seven years later, the small business is moving into a 50,000-square-foot building and has a staff of 25. While everything is designed in Denver, the owners select and purchase all materials from around the globe. In addition to the eye-catching silhouettes and nods to the locale, practicality takes priority. Washable seat covers and thoughtful designs ensure that everything can be lived in and enjoyed.
Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo took their shared love for 'objects with old souls' to build Olive Ateliers, an importer of vintage, antique, or otherwise rustic furniture and decor.
Olive Ateliers
Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo took their shared love for “objects with old souls” to build Olive Ateliers, an importer of vintage, antique, or otherwise rustic furniture and decor. The trio, comprising a public relations and marketing professional, an entrepreneur in consumer packaged goods, and a former interior designer, harnessed their vision and swiftly caught the attention of A-list celebrities like Kristen Bell.
The story began in 2021 on Instagram, where the trio started marketing small collections of one-of-a-kind or found items. It gained momentum quickly and led to in-person pop-ups. (Their first pop-up nearly sold out.) Within six months, Olive Ateliers opened its flagship storefront in Culver City, California.
Sourcing products from all over the world, the lifestyle brand seeks unique pieces that are a bit rough around the edges. In addition to worn and weathered imported goods, Olive Ateliers recently launched a collection called Vestige, a French-inspired outdoor furniture line.
Scout Design Studio
Situated in the Dallas Design District, Scout Design Studio is a curated furniture store with ever-changing inventory, encompassing vintage finds, niche decor, Texas-made custom furniture, and Scout label designs. With a flair for the eclectic and eccentric, the small business proudly proclaims, “We’re not for everyone. Neither are you.”
Owner Tiffany Taylor, who frequented flea markets as a child, attributes her love of “scouting” to her parents.
“I am always on the hunt for the next treasure; it’s in my DNA,” Taylor said.
After running her store for a year, Taylor invited her childhood friend Flann Harris to join her.
"Best decision I ever made," Harris said.
The two have worked together for 12 years now, expanding their homegrown label and catering to their customers by upgrading vintage pieces to their specifications.
Pieces
Established in 2017 in Brooklyn, New York, by creative agency An Aesthetic Pursuit, Pieces pursues home design worthy of discussion. Whether boldly using color and geometry or designing thematically, like with the Court Series that emulates sports aesthetics and playing fields, Pieces separates itself from other textile and furniture manufacturers by taking risks.
Jenny Kaplan, her husband Chris Corrado, and their business partner Taisha Coombs originally ideated Pieces to serve the clientele through their interior design agency, however, it has evolved into a stand-alone brand. The team recently created an immersive experience for potential customers, outfitting an entire Airbnb with Pieces furnishings.
Built in 1878, the Pieces Home is located in Kennebunk, Maine, and is completely shoppable. A Swiss furniture company Vitra is also featured, along with designs by Jasper Morrison and Alvar Aalto.
“Designing and furnishing the first Pieces Home was the perfect progression and gave us an opportunity to showcase our point of view in one livable space,” the Pieces team said.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Your hard work deserves to be rewarded! Apply for our premier small business awards program, the CO—100, to earn national media attention, get VIP access to premium networking events, and potentially be awarded $25,000! Apply and learn more, here.
Interested in a small business membership?
Find out how the U.S. Chamber of Commerce can help your company grow and thrive in today's rapidly-evolving business environment. Connect with our team to learn how a small business membership can benefit your bottom line and help you achieve your goals.
