Hang in there
When Carson and Cindi Rembert needed extra space in their small two-bedroom house for a new baby and guests, they designed and created a hanging bed. Then Carson built a second one for the backyard. Friends and family were intrigued and wanted hanging beds too. Within months, the Remberts were growing their new hanging bed business.
The company: Custom Carolina Hanging Beds was founded in 2013 in Charleston, S.C.
The founders and background: Carson, a master carpenter for 20 years, is from Beaufort. Cindi, who has a hospitality degree from the University of South Carolina, grew up in Nicholls, Ga.
The goods: Custom, handmade hanging bed in several different designs and two sizes: twin and crib. Hanging beds come fully assembled.
What's popular: The more traditional "Historic Hilton Head Hanging Bed" (starting at $1,450) and "The Beaufort Hanging Bed" with its simple, more modern feel (starting at $1,350). Cushion packages start at $750. Bed prices include shipping.
Fun (or unusual) request: A trapezoid hanging bed designed by a customer.
Claim to fame: Designed and built a hanging bed for the TV show "Treehouse Masters."
Where to buy: Carolinahangingbeds.com
Up in the air
Not satisfied with made-in-China hammocks, North Carolina’s Kemp Dunbar decided to design and make his own.
The founder and background: Dunbar graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and no cut and sew experience. After working several technical engineering design jobs as an independent contractor, he taught himself to sew and was soon running industrial sewing machines out of his small apartment in Raleigh. Dunbar has since moved the operation to a new commercial sewing facility in Raleigh.
The company: Sluice Hammocks started in 2014 in Raleigh, where the camping-style hammocks are designed, tested and manufactured.
The main goods: Handcrafted hammocks in single and double sizes that are made of 100 percent nylon that has been texturized and laundered to give it a soft, cottony feel.
What's popular: The Infinity Single Hammock, available in six colors ($69.95), which comes with built-in buckles and no-fuss tree straps.
Make it your own: Add monograms, limited edition embellishments and private label branding. Custom hammocks have been a hit with Cub Scouts, craft breweries and wedding parties.
Where to buy: www.sluicehammocks.com. Use coupon code "HammockTownATL" to save 15 percent at checkout.
Sleep in it
Andrew Reid is a third-generation woodworker and owner of Alabama-based Reid Classics, which specializes in antique reproductions of four-poster beds.
The company: Reid Classics was started in Mobile in 1938 by Reid's grandfather (Robert Reid). The custom furniture workshop is now based in Dothan and ships all over the world.
The craftsman and background: Reid's training and love of woodworking started as a child, learning from his father Hamp Reid and grandfather Robert Reid.
The goods: Handcrafted four-poster beds (starting at $3,000) in styles, including Victorian, Federal and contemporary.
Materials: Mainly genuine mahogany. Walnut, maple and cherry are also available. Beds are finished with a hand-rubbed lacquer finish.
What's popular: Pencil post beds. The 7000 post style to be exact. The "D" post style.
As seen in: The March/April issue of Veranda (Page 148). Also Garden & Gun and Coastal Living in 2015.
What's next: Constructing a master bedroom bed for the 2016 Coastal Living Showhouse in the Hamptons (N.Y.). Also will be included in the 2016 Cashiers Designer Showhouse in North Carolina.
Where to buy: www.ReidClassics.com. For information, follow @reidclassics in Instagram.
