Actual: Innovative Handbags, Unique Product Design
:: Evolving product line :: Handbags and more :: Design-centric firm ::
Actual is a smallish design firm whose prinicpal, Josh Jakus, uses his Architecture background to create clever products with interesting structure and form. Starting with their shape-shifting handbags, Actual is evolving into other realms, and we look forward to whatever they come out with next.
Their current product line consists of a handful of bags: shoulder, tote, handbags, backpack, media pocket and even smaller zippered accessories. The multi-purpose Shumai can contain or carry small bundles, and have a look at their website where you can see their line evolving into lamps and more.
The wine pocket is an item in which the design was actually “borrowed” by West Elm, a larger catalog company which failed miserably in design execution – so instead, buy the superior version and support the creator of the original! We hope that West Elm pays the price for this flagrant rip-off. Even their product photography was “inspired” by Actual’s photography.
Also check out the tie – it is very unique in that it actually zips up the middle and does not require special tie-knotting. Clever!
MHP: Grills, Built-ins, Parts and Outdoor Gas Lighting
:: Reasonable prices :: Ten mounting and base options :: Infrared and hybrids ::
MHP has been making grills since the 1950s and has several plug-and-play grill systems where you choose your model, then opt for various mountings, head and shelving options. We are big fans of the folding side shelf option to maximize patio space. Now that Americans invest more into outdoor living, the built-ins are designed to fit into your next outdoor kitchen upgrade.
Grill features include propane and natural gas options, stainless or aluminum grids, optional bolt-down or in-ground posts (great for natural gas), heat indicators, infrared burner options (heats up in 3 minutes), and more.
Their outdoor gas lighting has quite a few mounting and design options, so check out their catalog… Brass and Aluminum lamps mount onto posts, or onto your wall, and are perfect for creating a dramatic effect during the holidays. If you are trying to complete your perfect patio experience, have a look at their Polynesian and Flower Luau torch heads! Great for chillin’ with that Tiki vibe.
MHP offers grilling accessories, but many are imported. Let us know if you have discovered great American-made brushes and we will pass the word on to them. They are open to looking for USA manufacturers! 
Barclay Butera: Traditional and Contemporary Furniture
:: High-end craft :: Customizable :: Large selection :: Heirloom quality
Classic, clean, and transitional line of furniture that is defined by casual elegance. Every item is 100% customizable; and with hundreds of fabric selections available, multiple options are available.
Grounded in European, American and Eastern influences, Designer Barclay Butera adds his own twist – and has the pieces manufactured in the US by trained craftspeople. All types of furniture, lamps, carpets, artwork, pillows… something for everyone with a decent budget.
http://barclaybutera.com/default.aspx
Old California Lantern Company: Finely Crafted Lamps
:: Many finishes :: All types of mountings :: Beautiful detail :: Huge selection ::
Inspired by California lighting from Arts and Crafts period, Old California crafts their lamps following classic designs as well as more contemporary evolutions – even elegant Asian collections. Lamps have many different rustic patinas and materials, and most lamps have a plethora of mounting hardware options. Most have ceiling mount, chain mount, column mount, metal post mount, stem mount, wall mount, bath bar, chandelier or wooden post mount options.
With outdoor and indoor models, various chandeliers configurations with dozens of glass shade options, there are seemingly endless design combinations – and the variations work perfect from the garden, to the front porch, to the dining room, kitchen or bathroom.
http://www.oldcalifornia.com/
https://www.oldcalifornia.com/ShadeChooserSAll.asp
https://www.oldcalifornia.com/Finishes.asp
Barn Light Electric: Retro Industrial Modern Lighting
:: TONS of selection and options :: Vintage and modern design permutations
Barn Light makes those cool metal gooseneck, wall-mount lighting that you see on barns and high up on storefronts, also illuminating signs. With a timeless modern industrial look, they fit in many different environments. They also make the stylish vapor light fixtures, which you may see in mine shafts or other industrial space- and hanging metal pendant restaurant lighting (also looks great above a pool table)… and have ventured into minimalist and crisp modern designs.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, their surprisingly large stock continues with slight profile variations and galvanized or modern brushed metal finishes… all with pretty amazing prices! I really like their term “atomic era lighting” – describing futuristic, yet retro forms. Lamps range from barn lights to wall sconces and gooseneck lighting, to ceiling lighting, chandeliers, bath bars, ceiling fans, outdoor and sign lighting. Brass hardware includes hooks, towel bars, mirrors, drawer pulls, door knockers, soap dishes and more.
Surprisingly, they also have vintage industrial furniture with steel framing and wood-block table tops. Very rectangular, solid and built from locally salvaged materials for use as workbenches, utility carts, or kitchen islands.
Mio: Origami Inspired Modern Furniture
::Talented designers ::Great prices :: Modular and responsible ::Custom printing
Mioculture.com: great furniture design using responsible materials with super-flexible options for the modular lifestyle, using cool origami-style furniture and forms as their inspiration. Since my last check-in with Mio, they have blown me away with their new offerings! Not only have they introduced awesome new interchangeable hanging lamps, but their new “Custom Cabinets” are highly configurable Maple plywood cabinets, lightly finished – and can be customized by uploading a design of your own, or your favorite Ansel Adams photo. Single-wide or double-wide options, with or without doors or drawers.
http://mioculture.com/furniture/custom-naked-single.html
Mio puts their heart into everything they do, choosing manufacturing locations for their proximity to their studio as well as for their practices and labor conditions. Their designs allow for maximum efficiency in the use of materials, for example their origami side-table, bent into form using two simple sheets of metal. Almost all products are made in the USA, however some of the paper wall tiles are mixed US and Mexico sourcing.
Read More»Rejuvenation: Period Lighting and Hardware Designer
*Grade A quality *Unbelievable selection *Categorized by style *Huge photos
Lighting and hardware designer and manufacturer with special eye for design and proportion, and with TONS of options– all product is assembled and finished in Portland, OR. Lighting, handles, hardware, cabinet pulls are all broken categorized by design style, from Victorian, to Art Deco, to Mid-Century Modern. They admit not all their parts are easy to find in the USA, but try to use as many American-made parts as they can. Fair enough!
Here is their online catalog with pricing, as well as options to sort by fixture types or lighting collections.
http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/lighting_and_shades.html?iqg=16b1c23645501e7b778278b3550e3a8b405f209e
Example of their wall lighting selection, of more than 100 items at reasonable prices, and available with different finishes:
http://www.rejuvenation.com/types/Wall_Lighting.html
Sorry, not available at Amazon! (lol)
Room And Board: Modern Furniture Mostly US Sourced
*Fantastic modern selection *Competitive pricing *90% Made in USA *Shop “rooms”
NICE!! Very very impressed with this company that sources 90% of its products domestically. Classic contemporary home furnishings, similar to Crate And Barrel in both price and style. Historic modern designs from Charles Eames, etc. Their online catalog shows individual products as well as “Inspiration” photos where you can shop entirely within those photos (like a showroom). Since 1980 their focus has been on “bringing you timeless designs made in the USA from the finest natural materials”. I am truly impressed with their design choices and quality of construction. I will start here for our next purchase for the home.
Here is their online showroom, divided into rooms and items, with TONS of selections, all with very reasonable prices listed. There are a few miscellaneous expensive items, but for the most part very affordable.
Chairs: a fantastic selection:
Room and Board: A Great Selection of Chairs
Recliners: if you’re looking for an alternate to LaZboy:
Room and Board: Here’s a cool recliner
The awesome “Shop by room” feature:
Room and Board: Shop by room
Nice map of their sourcing:
I will stop here.. just go there and browse the left column for what you’re looking for and you will not be let down.
Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co: Design-Inspired Lamps
*Retro-sexy *Sophisticated *Reasonable prices *Mix and match lamps and shades
Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.: design-inspired lamps that are cross-bred between scientific lab equipment and Deco commercial lighting from the early 20th century… in the craftsmanship and pricing similar to Resoration Hardware Co. This makes for some exciting pieces – and at reasonable prices, all posted on their online store. I usually yawn when I see a chandelier category, but their Orbit 7 model is about as modern and hip as you can get, with a tinge of a sense of humor within. This is real artwork, and you can get it without breaking the bank.
Check out their “Hardware” products for cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, hinges, hooks and more. They have a few metal stamped door signs for restroom, number signs that interestingly have a non-painted option that looks swanky.
Go here to see their stock and pricing, and be sure to look at the four major “Ready To Ship” categories.
http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting-and-hardware/ready-to-ship.html
Here is the Orbit 8 model that is both fun and high-design. It even comes with custom cord length option and a few cord and shade color options.
http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting-and-hardware/fixtures/chandelier/orbit-8.html