Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Occupation: Founders of Cuff Studio
Instagram: @cuff_studio
Home Town: California
Studio Location: Los Angeles (Melrose Hill) and New York (NoMad)
Describe what you make: Furniture and lighting
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The C Back Chairs and the Rope Wrapped Globes are our top sellers, but perhaps it was Kristi’s house (that is the reason we became business partners, 18 years ago).
Describe the problem your work solves: While our Rope Wrapped Globes are our top sellers, they give texture, volume, distinct style more than light. Our furniture though—yes, it’s luxurious but it’s also very approachable and comfortable.
Share the project you are working on now: We introduced our latest collection of furniture and lighting ‘Petal Promenade’ at NYCxDESIGN. This collection is our love letter to NY, and to us looking back (historical references and our archives) to bring new pieces to life. And then on the heels of the collection launch, we get right back on the court! The Pickleball Project, more to come in the fall but it’s definitely a first for Cuff Studio.
What you absolutely have to have in your studio: Vibes. If you have met us, or anybody on our team, you know that we are all our guests, our clients, our partners, our peers. Curious, welcoming, some big, some reserved but never any egos. Our studio always starts with nice vibes, then comes the candles, playlists, a haul from one of our yummy food neighbors.
What you do when you’re not working: We share some non-working interests which include walking/hiking, lifting heavy weights (because that’s what women in their 50s are doing), spending time with our husbands and our kids (we will both be empty nesters next fall), and watching bad TV. Wendy is more guilty of that than Kristi though!
Sources of creative envy (dead or alive): Curious about so many creatives, but I’ll start (Kristi) with my Mom and her best friend, Judy. Both teachers when I was young, they came up with a weekend business (party decorating) so that our family and Judy’s could travel. If that isn’t creative—isn’t the best example of resourcefulness and confidence—I don’t know what is.
The distraction you want to eliminate: We are really hard workers… to the core. Distractions are typically a good thing for both of us! Gets us out of our heads, our laptops and usually into nature, good conversations, discovering something or somebody inspiring.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-Rise Or Townhouse? Brookstone.
Remember or Forget? Remember.
Aliens or Ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark Or Light? Light.
