Chair No.66 by The New Traditionalists. “Artisan upholstered with a Rye Wool flannel body and crimson leather welt and piping accents. Toggle details are shown in wood. Exposed wood frame features a hand applied smoked grey finish on maple.”

Like ordering a custom made bespoke suit from the finest tailor in town,The New Traditionalists of NYC have made an art of exquisitely crafted handmade furniture. The character of their pieces is very old world New York Americana with a modern twist. Think The Great Gatsby, Al Capone, Lucille Ball. With pieces uniquely inspired by monuments of old America such as Grand Central station.

Bed No.1040 by The New Traditionalists. “Bed made from North American Black Walnut. Shown in a hand applied bleached Walnut finish with Pale Pony upholstered head and footboard.”

Bar Stool No.40 by The New Traditionalists. “Shown with a Tomato Leather tufted seat and rounded, Chesterfield upholstery. The base and legs are hand finished with a Silver Solid Color Glaze on Oak.”

The art of custom furniture is a mix of human ergonomics, fill quality (springs, straps, foam, down etc.), upholstery detailing and hardware quality. Think of the difference between the standard IKEA allen key and hardwood dovetailed joints. Simple details like self closing hardware, cabinet lighting, suede lined drawers and expressed joints can all make a piece of furniture come to life.

Cabinet No.270 from The New Traditionalists. “Made from Black Walnut sourced from New England and the Mid Atlantic. Shown in Stained Walnut with Italian black leather cabinet and drawer faces and satin nickel hardware.”

Barcart No.1 by The New Traditionalists “made from Black Walnut sourced from New England and the Mid Atlantic. Shown in hand applied Natural Oil Rubbed Walnut.”

The New Traditionalists have managed to be very niche with a range of classic furniture items of an era and making them contemporary with new manufacturing techniques that make them timeless pieces capable of being handed down from generation to generation. A designer should strive to have pieces like these within their projects. Unique items that allow the user to interact and appreciate the space they are observing, living or working in. The charm of luxury is the ability to be wowed by an item from every angle and distance. To appreciate a piece of furniture inside and out in use and beauty is the true sign of a crafted and timeless piece.

Side Table No.33 by The New Traditionalists. “Side table made from Maple sourced from New England and the Mid Atlantic. Shown in a hand applied Worn Lacquer Silver and Onyx with Kelly Green Laser Cut Leather accent.”

Chair No.180 by The New Traditionalists, “Artisan upholstered with Tomato Leather and Limestone Leather piping. The leather is English bull hide produced in northern Italy with a soft oil tannage. The soft tannage provides a beautiful drape that allows the hides to be easily tailored. This leather will continue to burnish with time and everyday wear will continue to enhance its appearance. Handmade Natural Walnut base.”

The New Traditionalists have made themselves valued members of their New York community. The have sustainable initiatives, participate in volunteering and charity events, and manufacture and design locally to ensure quality and craftsmanship. It is great to see companies like this sticking true to the values and responsibilities that businesses have on society. It is companies like these that must be encouraged and showcased to lead the way for the next generation of sustainable and globally minded youth.

Sofa No.222 by The New Traditionalists. “Wood wrapped in North American Walnut with a hand rubbed Walnut Fog finish. Artisan upholstered with a quilted Natural Linen and contrasting Chocolate Brown stitch.”

~Laura of Arabia~