Sturdy. Simple. Dunn.
Tap It!
By Casey Kettleson
in Decor Features
on May 24, 2010
Although we're big fans of bling, our favorite pieces across the board are often the simplest. Time to fall for the clean lines and raw beauty of Studio Dunn.
We saw a lot at the ICFF (see the ICFF in Photos Part I & II), but Studio Dunn definitely stood out – not because the tables were created out of crystallized shark-belly or because the chairs were formed of molten lava, but because the handmade pieces felt so honest, so raw, so absolutely American.
Refreshingly real, the gimmick-free booth of Studio Dunn seemed to have the soul of an 80-year-old farmer from Iowa. No bells, no whistles – just gorgeous hardwood pieces. Made of American hardwoods and the use of laminate hardwood, the seemingly delicate yet sturdy forms are all both graceful and structurally sound. In particular, the Newport table's construction combines the handmade joinery with contemporary manufacturing methods. The design is protected with a hand applied durable oil finish that captures the beauty of the wood's grain.
Aside from the simple design, we love that Rhode Island-based Studio Dunn uses solid American hardwoods sourced from local lumberyards that promote sustainable forestry. Sustainable or managed forests replant the timber that is used to continue the cycle of life, minimizing the impact on the environment.
The studio is led by designer and founder Asher Dunn, his experimental process balances conceptual and functional concerns - combining traditional techniques with advances in manufacturing technologies.
Are you feeling Studio Dunn? Do you favor simpler or more elaborate design in general?