Plaidsmith's Artisanal Approach to Custom Furniture and Woodworking
Plaidsmith is a local woodworking business that creates made-to-order furniture, combining elegance and functionality. Our team consists of two passionate individuals, Lyle and Jamie, who bring their unique expertise and dedication to every project.
Lyle, our master craftsman, is passionate about furniture design and incorporates this into every piece he creates. The principles of Bauhaus inspire him, and he strives to seamlessly blend form and function, creating furniture that not only looks beautiful but also serves a purpose. Lyle’s attention to detail and commitment to being a craftsman shine through in every creation, from minimalist chairs to sleek coffee tables.
On the other hand, Jamie's passion lies in uncovering the rich history behind the mid-century modern (MCM) furniture movement. With a keen eye for research and a deep appreciation for the artistry of furniture makers from the past, Jamie delves into archives and historical records to unearth fascinating stories about iconic pieces and the artisans who crafted them. This dedication to preserving the heritage of MCM furniture adds an extra layer of authenticity to our custom pieces.
At Plaidsmith, custom-made furniture is extraordinary because it's designed according to your needs and preferences. Unlike mass-produced furniture, customized furniture offers creativity and personalization, which makes each piece unique. Whether you're looking for custom stools, elegant dining chairs, or stylish planters, our team collaborates with you to understand your vision and bring it to life.
Custom furniture is functional and a powerful tool for complementing your unique style and space. Whether aiming for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic or a sleek, modern look, custom furniture lets you tailor different ideas and pieces to fit your taste and look seamlessly in your home. With endless options for materials, finishes, and designs, you can build sets based on pieces that reflect your unique style. Plus, custom furniture is designed with your specific dimensions and layout in mind, ensuring a perfect fit and maximizing the use of your space. By investing in custom furniture from Plaidsmith, you're adding beauty and functionality to your home and making a statement that reflects your individuality and unique sense of style.
At Plaidsmith, we take immense pride in the quality craftsmanship that defines every custom piece of furniture we create. At the helm of our operation is Lyle, a master artisan whose journey to becoming a furniture maker began at a young age. Starting as a welder as a teenager, Lyle discovered a passion for working with his hands and creating art from raw materials. This passion only grew stronger as he pursued a degree in sculpture and fine arts in college, honing his skills and refining his craft.
In 2016, Lyle realized his dream of opening his furniture studio, Plaidsmith, where he could channel his creativity and expertise into crafting beautiful and authentic pieces. From the outset, Lyle's work garnered rave reviews on platforms like Etsy, earning him a reputation for excellence and craftsmanship. However, despite his early success, Lyle took a brief hiatus to develop his skills further and explore new techniques.
Lyle has returned to Plaidsmith with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. Drawing on his background in sculpture and years of experience as a welder, he approaches each project with attention to detail and a commitment to quality that sets his work apart. True craftsmanship lies in mastering traditional woodworking techniques. Lyle's dedication to his craft is evident in every joint, every curve, and every finish.
What sets Lyle's custom furniture apart is not just the superior quality of the materials he uses or the precision of his construction—it's the thoughtfulness that goes into every part of the design and creation process. From the initial concept sketches to the last finishing touches, Lyle works closely with each client to ensure their vision is brought to life that exceeds their expectations. Each piece is a testament to his skill as an artisan and his commitment to creating beautiful and functional furniturartisan skill ande that quality craftsmanship is timeless. That's why we're dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in everything we do, from the materials we source to the techniques we use. When you choose Plaidsmith for your custom furniture needs, you're investing in a piece that is built to last and crafted with passion, skill, and integrity.
Custom woodworking refers to creating unique wooden pieces tailored to specific customer requirements. Unlike mass-produced furniture, custom woodworking involves designing and crafting individualized items that meet the client's specifications. This process often begins with a consultation between the woodworker and the client to discuss design preferences, functionality, and desired features.
Custom woodworking encompasses various projects, including furniture, cabinetry, built-in shelving, and decorative woodwork. Skilled woodworkers use traditional hand tools and modern equipment to shape, join, and finish wood to create high-quality, personalized pieces.
One of the critical aspects of custom woodworking is the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each project. Woodworkers take pride in their artistry, ensuring that every joint is precise, every surface is smooth, and every detail is meticulously executed.
Additionally, custom woodworking allows for creative expression and innovation. Woodworkers can experiment with different wood species, finishes, and design elements to achieve your specific look and feel for the final product. Whether it's a rustic farmhouse table, a sleek modern bookshelf, or an ornate wooden sculpture, custom woodworking offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful and functional pieces that reflect the client's unique style and personality.
Jamie is the driving force behind our passion for mid-century modern (MCM) design at Plaidsmith. As a devoted enthusiast of the era, Jamie's love for all things MCM extends beyond the mainstream icons to uncovering the stories of lesser-known figures, such as Ruth Richmond, whose talent for MCM homes and designs deserves recognition. Jamie's dedication to her craft knows no bounds. She scours eBay for vintage catalogs, delves into dusty old books like Bradbury, and flips through weathered Better Homes and Gardens magazines, searching for hidden gems from the MCM era.
With her trusty library card, Jamie has built an extensive repository of knowledge about mid-century modern furniture makers, designers, and trends. Her research goes beyond the surface, unearthing fascinating anecdotes and insights that bring the history of MCM design to life.
Whether she's writing blog posts, curating content, helping friends identify a piece’s maker, or engaging with fellow enthusiasts, Jamie's enthusiasm for MCM design shines through, inspiring others to appreciate the timeless elegance and innovation of the era.
Sourcing locally whenever possible. By prioritizing local materials and resources, we support our community and ensure the highest quality and sustainability in our custom furniture creations. Local sourcing allows us to forge strong relationships with suppliers and artisans in our area, fostering a sense of collaboration and trust reflected in our pieces' craftsmanship.
We offer our customers unparalleled freedom and flexibility regarding customization options. From the moment you envision your ideal piece of furniture, we work closely with you to turn that vision into a reality. One of the highlights of buying custom furniture, especially from your local furniture maker, is the ability to choose every aspect of the design. At Plaidsmith, the possibilities are endless.
We love a challenge and work with a variety of materials. Whether you prefer solid wood's warmth and character or metal and glass's sleek modernity, we have options to match your aesthetic. We carefully select materials for their quality, durability, and sustainability, ensuring that your custom piece will stand the test of time.
In addition to materials, we offer an extensive selection of finishes to enhance the beauty and longevity of your furniture. From rich stains and lacquers to hand-applied distressing and aging techniques, we craft expert finishes to complement your chosen material and style. Each finish is applied with precision and care, resulting in a flawless and distinctive look that is uniquely yours.
We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, involving you in every step of the process. From initial concept sketches to the final finishing touches, we communicate openly and transparently, ensuring that we bring your vision to life. We aim to create furniture that reflects your unique style and enhances your living space, bringing joy and comfort for years to come.
With our passion for design, dedication to craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Plaidsmith stands out as an excellent choice for custom furniture and woodworking. Experience the difference of handcrafted elegance with Plaidsmith today.
About the Authors
Jamie and Lyle, MCM enthusiasts at Plaidsmith.com, offer hands-on experience and expert insights into mid-century modern design. They curate authentic pieces, share historical context, and guide clients to make informed choices. Their expertise spans iconic designers, restoration techniques, and trends. Trusted authorities in the field continually expand their knowledge to stay at the forefront of MCM. Beyond work, they explore auctions, learn restoration techniques, and enjoy vintage catalogs, embodying their passion for mid-century modern design.
