Statement lighting
In his downtown Atlanta studio, artist David Adams works with steel, reclaimed wood, glass and other elements to create timeless designs with modern functionality.
The company: Founded in 2010, Atlanta-based Mill and Forge specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces, such as lighting and tables, for homes, offices and restaurants.
The founder: Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Adams struck his first welding arc at the age of 10. He's been hooked on fusing and shaping metal ever since.
Inspiration: The craftsmanship from the post-Industrial Revolution era, specifically 1920s-1940s, and the art deco movement. "I am inspired by purposeful design and functional beauty," Adams said.
The goods: Tables ($1,565 and up), lighting ($345 and up) and fireplace accessories ($1,685 and up).
What's hot: Hand-forged fireplace screens and fireplace tools. Also console tables.
Claim to fame: A pair of steel chandeliers were featured in the 2014 Decorators Show House, Palazzo Rosa in Buckhead.
Unusual or fun request: A marble top was inlaid by hand and took 80 man-days to complete.
Up next: Creating a signature line of art deco/industrial-style home furnishings. Building stools and table bases for restaurants in Florida and Washington, D.C.
Where to buy: www.millandforge.com. For select, one-of-a-kind pieces in the Atlanta area, contact Verde Home, 999 Brady Ave. NW, #4 (www.verdehomeinc.com).
Sitting pretty
Marco Bogazzi once designed products for Tiffany & Co., Hunter Fan and the medical industry. Ten years ago, the industrial designer felt a pull to connect with nature and turned his attention to wood.
The company: Atlanta-based Marco Bogazzi designs and fabricates custom wood furniture with clean, modern lines.
The founder: Born in New Jersey of Italian immigrants, Bogazzi holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in industrial design from the Pratt Institute School of Art and Design (NY). After working in the corporate world, he opened a furniture-making studio in Panama in 2006. Last year, he moved to the Atlanta area. When he is not creating his own furniture, Bogazzi designs products for the Big Green Egg in Atlanta.
The goods: Tractor seat stool in cherry and walnut ($700); Osteria dining chairs in walnut ($750); Hewn barstool in solid maple and mahogany ($300); and folding outdoor chairs in mahogany ($500).
Hot seats: The Hewn barstools, which were developed a few months after he moved to the Atlanta area, have become a best seller. In Panama, Bogazzi sold more than 100 of the Osteria chairs to restaurants and homeowners.
Where to buy: In the Atlanta area, at Atlanta MADE, 1187 Howell Mill Road NW (atlantamade.us). Also at www.bogazzi.com.
Bed heads
When Matt McLean couldn’t find a headboard he liked, the Atlanta native designed and built one. The business and marketing grad thought others might like the design-your-own headboard concept. So in 2008, McLean started BedBoards.
The company: Based in Sandy Springs, BedBoards is a specialty boutique workshop that allows you to design a custom headboard that reflects your taste and style. Choose from a classy selection of sizes, shapes, fabrics and tufting options, such as button size and shape.
Inspiration: McLean's mother is an interior designer. "I learned a lot from her about quality and design," McLean said.
The goods: Custom upholstered headboards start at $199 for a twin. Prices vary depending on what size and chic features you choose.
The materials: Hardwood frames are covered with foam padding, batting and fabric (fabric choices at website or provide your own). If you opt for nailhead trim, individual nails, not strips of nailhead, are used. Nailhead finishes include French bronze, solid brown, silver or chrome.
Size and shape: While the company's standard height is 50 inches (from the ground), customers love the taller, hotel-style headboards, often 70 inches tall. As shapes go, rectangular is No. 1.
Uber-popular: King-size headboards covered with a neutral linen and nailhead trim.
Fun or unusual request: "We get lots of requests for the 'Kim Kardashian's headboard,' which is silk with lots of tufted buttons," McLean said. "It was funny at first, but now it's almost a normal request."
Where to buy: www.mybedboard.com
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or twitter@southernfinds1.
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