Thoughtfully Designed Essentials, with Rhythm: Furniture from Riffmade

When Stephanie Betesh, an interior and furniture designer, and Nicholas Steigmann, a designer and researcher, moved into a small Brooklyn apartment together, they brought with them a wealth of design knowledge and a strong aesthetic viewpoint. Outfitting their new home and blending contemporary furniture with antiques, the couple realized that what they needed most—and, paradoxically, what was hardest to find—wasn’t statement pieces but, rather, hardworking daily essentials.

Another challenge? Living in a small space, as they did, everything is on display, not just the good-looking. Often, the couple notes, “there’s nowhere to hide your workday, your clutter, your cables. Our apartment was full of open shelving, so the computer monitor lived in the middle of the living room. Pots and pans that didn’t fit in the kitchen were always out. Our bedroom held electronics and other objects that disrupted the sense of calm we wanted in that space.”

Being builders themselves, Betesh and Steigmann went to work designing their own dream pieces, and Riffmade was born. Based in Brooklyn, the brand offers a capsule collection of home necessities made of sturdy materials and thoughtfully crafted by artisans in North Carolina. For the couple, considered and intentional building is essential, and their collection is built in batches, not to scale, so each small detail is hand-finished. Featuring the recurring motif of a signature curtain, Riffmade furniture introduces warmth and whimsy to a space while cleverly hiding any unsightly mess and transitioning through the rhythms of the day.

Keep reading for a glimpse of the collection:

Above: For so many of us, the kitchen is the center of the home. The Hearth Island is designed to live at the heart of it all: a place to gather, to eat, to cook. Constructed of solid white oak, the Hearth Island measures 55” x 36” x 24” and is outfitted with pro-level shelving and clever features (including towel hangers) that make it as utilitarian as it is cozy. Washable curtains—available in 10 fabric options and patterns—keep clutter hidden while providing classic charm. Above: The clever storage setup (see the tall, narrow outlet for cutting boards) makes the Hearth Island a functional hub for the kitchen. The optional built-in spice rack keeps everything in easy reach. Starting at a base price of $2,640, the Hearth Island is built to bridge all kinds of kitchen needs. Above: The Hearthlet Island is designed for tight spaces that need to do it all. Perfect for apartments or small kitchens, the adjustable shelving provides maximum storage. Keep it open to display dishware, or use one of Riffmade’s curtains to conceal any messes. Starting at $1,940, the Hearthlet Island features a solid butcher-block top and optional spice rack. Above: Working from home provides a level of flexibility that many of us have come to enjoy. The downside? The office bric-a-brac has a way of making its way into the living space. The Veil Desk, starting at $1,570, is designed to provide a helpful, design-conscious separation between “work time” and “life time.” With a solid white oak construction and 11 different curtain options (including an option to forgo a curtain and use your own fabric), the Veil Desk measures 54” x 40” x 24” (the height of the desktop is 29”). Above: Reminiscent of classic Shaker designs in its sturdy wood construction and clutter-fighting solutions, the Nook Curtain Table is ideal for hiding unsightly cords. (Note the clever cutout in the back snaking phone chargers and power cords through.) Starting at $650, it’s available with 11 different fabric options. Above: Plus, the legs from the Nook Curtain Table are removable: Keep it grounded on the floor, or mount it for a whimsical, functional shelf.

Intrigued? Shop all pieces from Riffmade here.