Vendor in Focus: Maria Yee’s Down-to-Earth Furniture Designs
Discover sustainable, traditional craftsmanship
How do you infuse your designs with California energy?
It’s inspired by a multicultural approach: California sun, water, air, landscape and locals. We draw on the beautiful, peaceful surroundings and try to bring that energy into the home. We believe in holistic design, the idea that every step in the making process — the craft, the people, the environment and the living — all matter. Our furniture is warm and reassuring.
Featured Products*: Cayo Leather Armless Sectional, Kent Side Chair, Kent 72” Dining Table
It’s inspired by a multicultural approach: California sun, water, air, landscape and locals. We draw on the beautiful, peaceful surroundings and try to bring that energy into the home. We believe in holistic design, the idea that every step in the making process — the craft, the people, the environment and the living — all matter. Our furniture is warm and reassuring.
Featured Products*: Cayo Leather Armless Sectional, Kent Side Chair, Kent 72” Dining Table
You also consider sustainability?
I care deeply for the impact of our activities on the environment. We’ve developed specialized kiln-drying techniques to prepare wood, specific to the species and changing climates. For select products, we use reclaimed wood from end cuts at our factory to prevent waste and to promote environmental activism. We’ve developed our own sustainable water-based finish, adhesive and proprietary Nicia oil finish. Every step of the way, we ask: How can we improve? How can we make it more sustainable? How can we offer the best value of product to our customers?
Material sourcing?
We start with responsibly grown hardwoods and pioneer new materials such as BambooTimbre [pressed moso bamboo] and LUX [made of flax, jute, hemp, kenaf and sisal]. Our leather is sourced responsibly, from responsible farming methods to an innovative sustainable leather tannery that uses far less water than traditional methods and runs largely on solar power. We even experiment with locally available underutilized plants to push the boundaries of design and sustainability.
I care deeply for the impact of our activities on the environment. We’ve developed specialized kiln-drying techniques to prepare wood, specific to the species and changing climates. For select products, we use reclaimed wood from end cuts at our factory to prevent waste and to promote environmental activism. We’ve developed our own sustainable water-based finish, adhesive and proprietary Nicia oil finish. Every step of the way, we ask: How can we improve? How can we make it more sustainable? How can we offer the best value of product to our customers?
Material sourcing?
We start with responsibly grown hardwoods and pioneer new materials such as BambooTimbre [pressed moso bamboo] and LUX [made of flax, jute, hemp, kenaf and sisal]. Our leather is sourced responsibly, from responsible farming methods to an innovative sustainable leather tannery that uses far less water than traditional methods and runs largely on solar power. We even experiment with locally available underutilized plants to push the boundaries of design and sustainability.
Can you tell me about your BreathingJoinery system?
It was surmised that traditional joinery systems evolved from the desire to make easily transportable furniture. In the past, not many would venture to ship furniture from Palo Alto [in California] to Denver or Miami or Dubai, since the drastic changes in environment would result in warping and cracking of the treasured hardwood. Our system fixes this and enables the hardwood to expand and contract effortlessly, just like breathing, with the changes in temperature and humidity.
Featured Products*: Rhine 38” Entryway Cabinet, Sierra Rise Queen Platform Bed, Metro 16” Reel Table,
It was surmised that traditional joinery systems evolved from the desire to make easily transportable furniture. In the past, not many would venture to ship furniture from Palo Alto [in California] to Denver or Miami or Dubai, since the drastic changes in environment would result in warping and cracking of the treasured hardwood. Our system fixes this and enables the hardwood to expand and contract effortlessly, just like breathing, with the changes in temperature and humidity.
Featured Products*: Rhine 38” Entryway Cabinet, Sierra Rise Queen Platform Bed, Metro 16” Reel Table,
Design inspirations?
I observe the surrounding environment and learn to live harmoniously with nature, be it planting my garden or planning a houseful of furniture. I like to pull inspiration from unexpected places. I might look to the way a tree branch bends or be inspired by a drawer pull when designing a table leg. It’s important for me to draw inspiration from diverse sources to generate new ideas beyond trends.
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I observe the surrounding environment and learn to live harmoniously with nature, be it planting my garden or planning a houseful of furniture. I like to pull inspiration from unexpected places. I might look to the way a tree branch bends or be inspired by a drawer pull when designing a table leg. It’s important for me to draw inspiration from diverse sources to generate new ideas beyond trends.
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What was the impetus behind your company?
I started the company with an interest in antique Chinese furniture and an eye toward historical Chinese joinery and the techniques and history behind the craft. The company began in Scotts Valley, California, with a showroom in San Francisco. At first, we were a specialty maker of high-quality Chinese antique reproduction furniture, and it grew organically as I added modern ergonomics to my work. Furniture of my own designs followed quickly.