Celebrity Style

Leading Millwork Artisans for High-End Interior Design

This feature showcases a selection of premier millwork companies acclaimed by Architectural Digest Pro for their exquisite skill and significant contributions to luxury interior design. These artisans are celebrated for their ability to transform living spaces through meticulously crafted, custom architectural details.

Mastering the Art of Interior Finishes: The Elite Millworkers' Guide

Northeastern Excellence in Custom Woodwork

Structure NYC stands out in the bustling New York design scene, renowned for its intricate, bespoke millwork that adorns high-end residences. Beyond their artistic craftsmanship, their expertise as general contractors provides a seamless integration of design and construction. Bradley Stephens, founder of Stephens Design Group, praises their reliability and collaborative spirit, highlighting them as an essential partner for discerning clients.

Woodmeister Master Builders, a family-owned firm operating for over four decades in Massachusetts, is synonymous with superior architectural millwork. They undertake projects ranging from new home constructions to historical renovations, consistently delivering exceptional quality. Henry Boyle of HB Studio commends Woodmeister's deep understanding of high-end residential requirements and their collaborative approach from concept to completion.

Southern Craftsmanship: Restoring and Innovating

Kerns-Wilcheck, based in Memphis, Tennessee, began its journey over 40 years ago by importing antique European millwork. Today, it is a leading studio dedicated to restoring and reproducing these historical elements, with all fabrication meticulously done in-house. Brad Shapiro, CEO of Shapiro & Company Architects, describes their artisans as "wood surgeons," emphasizing their passion, precision, and profound knowledge of wood and architectural detail.

Despite its name, Mevers Custom Kitchens in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, offers comprehensive custom millwork for entire Lowcountry estates. Their projects span from sophisticated kitchens and luxurious baths to elegant wine cellars and butler's pantries. Emily Sanford of Sanford Design Collective values their ability to customize designs, colors, and profiles, especially for historical homes, appreciating their understanding of responsible stewardship.

Midwestern Mastery: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Gillpatrick Woodworks in Overland Park, Kansas, crafts custom cabinetry that harmonizes with diverse home styles, from contemporary to classic. Their hallmark is the consistent artistry evident in every piece. Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co commend Gillpatrick for their solid-wood cabinetry's material integrity and substance, with their meticulous attention to detail truly setting them apart.

Merritt Woodwork, situated in Mentor, Ohio, is a trusted name among prestigious firms like Foster + Partners and Peter Marino Architect. Their team of skilled craftsmen produces intricate millwork and hand-carved architectural elements for luxury homes and yachts. Suzanne Tucker, cofounder of Tucker & Marks, relies on Merritt for the most beautiful and challenging projects, noting their grasp of how true luxury resides in the details.

O’Brien Harris, with locations in Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Petoskey, Michigan, is celebrated for bespoke cabinetry that beautifully marries the charm of unfitted British kitchens with Midwestern heritage. Their designs are forward-thinking, utilizing renewable materials in a circular production system. Sasha Adler of Sasha Adler Design admires their exceptional quality, organized process, and ability to create timeless, custom pieces.

Parenti & Raffaelli in Mount Prospect, Illinois, combines time-honored craftsmanship with cutting-edge fabrication technology. Committed to sustainable design, their team of LEED Green associates provides invaluable expertise on certification processes to architects and designers. Joan Craig, founder of Craig & Company, frequently collaborates with the family-owned firm, valuing their adherence to European craftsmanship traditions.

Western Innovators: Crafting Contemporary and Historic Spaces

Cabinet Shop US, located in San Francisco, specializes in creating bespoke millwork that supports modern living with elegance. Whether it's a dream kitchen or a cozy reading nook, their creations enhance contemporary spaces. Ansley Majit, founding principal of Lark + Palm Interiors, describes them as highly collaborative and thoughtful problem-solvers, always ready to tackle new challenges.

Willamette Carpentry in Vancouver, Washington, offers custom designs that go beyond conventional expectations, including unique saunas, hidden doors, and even rock-climbing walls. They also apply their delicate precision to historic renovations. Holly Freres of JHL Design values Willamette's ability to construct complex paneling profiles with extreme accuracy, especially crucial for historic properties, making them a superb partner for precise architectural detailing.

Transformative Home Renovations: A Guide to Modern Living

This comprehensive report delves into the evolving landscape of home renovations, highlighting the current priorities of homeowners and the innovative approaches designers are adopting. From creating spaces that endure for generations to integrating features that promote well-being and adapt to environmental changes, the focus is squarely on intentional, future-forward design.

Reimagine Your Home: Innovations for Enduring Design and Modern Comfort

The Shift Towards Purposeful Home Remodeling

Today's homeowners are seeking more than just aesthetic upgrades; they desire transformations that offer lasting value, enhance well-being, and cater to changing lifestyles. This renewed emphasis on intentional design is shaping renovation projects across the board, from minor updates to comprehensive overhauls.

Balancing Openness and Personal Space in Contemporary Layouts

The traditional open-plan concept is being re-evaluated. While connectivity remains a desire, there's a growing need for distinct zones that offer both shared experiences and private retreats. Designers are now crafting floor plans that artfully blend these seemingly opposing requirements, creating dynamic and versatile living environments.

Designing for a Lifetime: Innovations for Aging in Place

As individuals plan to reside in their homes for longer, the demand for age-friendly design solutions is surging. Architects and designers are incorporating thoughtful innovations that ensure comfort, accessibility, and safety without compromising on style, allowing clients to enjoy their cherished spaces for years to come.

Challenging Conventional Renovation Wisdom

Leading design professionals are critically assessing outdated renovation practices and proposing fresh perspectives. This involves identifying common pitfalls and offering inventive alternatives that align with modern sensibilities and practical needs, pushing the boundaries of traditional home improvement.

Preserving Heritage: A Masterclass in Historic Property Restoration

Restoring older properties presents a unique opportunity to blend historical charm with contemporary functionality. A recent project showcased how a 1920s apartment was meticulously updated to meet the demands of 21st-century living, all while preserving its original character and architectural integrity.

Debating the Modernization of Classic Bathrooms

The decision to renovate a vintage bathroom often sparks a discussion between maintaining historical authenticity and embracing modern amenities. Design experts weigh in on which elements to retain and which to update, offering insights into striking the perfect balance and sourcing appropriate fixtures.

The Art of Craftsmanship: Elevating Interiors with Custom Millwork

Custom millwork plays a crucial role in adding sophistication and bespoke functionality to any design project. Renowned artisans are celebrated for their meticulous skill and artistic approach, crafting built-ins and architectural details with an old-world precision that transforms interiors.

Building Resilience: Climate-Responsive Home Renovations

In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, creating homes that can withstand environmental challenges is paramount. This section explores how to implement climate-responsive renovations across various U.S. regions, from flood mitigation strategies to designs that cope with extreme temperatures, ensuring long-term resilience.

The Enduring Appeal of the "Dirty Kitchen" Concept

The "dirty kitchen," or a secondary, functional kitchen space, continues to be a popular request in modern home design. Experienced professionals share their expertise on designing these workhorse areas effectively, ensuring they are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Instant Style Update: Top Paint Colors for a Quick Home Refresh

Sometimes, a dramatic transformation can be achieved with a simple change. Discover the most recommended paint colors from leading designers that can instantly revitalize any home, offering a low-effort yet high-impact solution for both interior and exterior spaces.

See More

Sarah Sherman Samuel's Latest Collection for Lulu and Georgia: A Fusion of Surrealism and Nature

Sarah Sherman Samuel, a distinguished product and interior designer, unveils her latest collaboration with Lulu and Georgia, presenting a collection that marries imaginative surrealism with organic inspiration. This new offering signifies a significant progression in her artistic journey, pushing the boundaries of conventional home furnishings.

Embrace the Unexpected: Where Fantasy Meets Functionality

The Visionary's Newest Creations for Lulu and Georgia

Leveraging her dual expertise, Sarah Sherman Samuel has meticulously crafted a collection for Lulu and Georgia that fills perceived gaps in interior design. This innovative line features a grand 66-inch chandelier, a distinctive tiger-patterned rug, and a meticulously proportioned accent chair. Each piece stems from her creative 'vision board,' now brought to life with a whimsical, almost fantastical quality, reminiscent of objects that might magically animate in a classic fairy tale.

An Evolved Aesthetic: Blending Past and Present

This collection marks a notable evolution from Samuel's initial rug designs for Lulu and Georgia a decade prior. It introduces a rich palette of new materials, more daring and experimental shapes, and intricate hand-drawn floral motifs. The designer masterfully explores the interplay of contrasting elements – the vintage with the modern, the delicate with the robust, and soft textures alongside stark metallic accents – creating a dynamic and engaging aesthetic.

Metallic Wonders: From Austere to Animated

Samuel's profound appreciation for metallic finishes is evident throughout the collection. Wavy iron, polished chrome, and simulated verdigris adorn a variety of items, from elegant floor lamps to intricate mirrors and stylish dining chairs. Yet, she infuses these metallic elements with a playful lightness, incorporating ruffled chrome lampshades and charming looped designs in the verdigris pieces, transforming potentially heavy forms into lively, less serious expressions.

Nature's Enduring Influence on Design

Her Michigan roots serve as a constant wellspring of inspiration for Samuel's creations. She believes a designer's eye is perpetually refining itself, always observing and reinterpreting the world around them. This deep connection to nature is beautifully illustrated in her faux-verdigris metalwork. This mint-green patina, typically a result of natural oxidation over time, is now artfully replicated on her looping lighting fixtures, giving them an especially vibrant and animated feel. Samuel's goal was to make this naturally aged look instantly accessible, circumventing the decades usually required for such chemical reactions to occur.

Personal Touches: Design Elements in Her Own Abode

Several cherished items from her latest collection have already found a home in Samuel's personal living space. Her living room now proudly displays the Calliope linear chandelier and the Ala rug, while the Tiikeri rug graces her bedroom. These pieces, with their captivating floral prints and unique irregular stripes, have seamlessly transitioned from concept in her sketchbook to tangible reality, enriching her home environment.

See More