Established in 1998 by esteemed designer Maxine Snider, and now helmed by award-winning designer Bridgette Buckley as principal and director of design, the Chicago-based company prides itself on producing “meticulously crafted, highly refined furniture.” What was first inspired by an extended stay in Paris, where Snider “immersed herself in the study library of the Musee D’Orsay” lead to the creation of ten pieces comprising the firm’s first collection, fittingly named, “The Paris Series,” and has grown into an expanding collection of more than seventy elegantly designed tables, desks, sofas, chairs, beds, cabinets and consoles.
An elevated experience is woven throughout Maxine Snider, Inc’s DNA—“From designing and producing heirloom quality pieces to providing finish samples and delivery options for our clients—we want the whole experience to be as effortless and seamless as possible,” explains the brand, which also believes in small scale local manufacturing, and supporting artisans and craftspeople.
Designed and produced in Chicago, the brand is known for its precise details and artisanal fabrication. “Each piece is bench-made, hand-finished and personally inspected upon completion,” explains the brand. With a nod to the past, the brand’s modern classic design is timeless, clean and minimalist—not defined by trends, time periods or styles. “Our reference points come from many sources—Scandinavians, Shakers and French Modernists—which are then woven together in our own distinctive way. By adhering to design principles that ring true for us…we have been fortunate to appeal to the design aesthetics of a wide range of designers over the last two decades,” shares the brand which is also inspired by “the simple beauty of Japanese everyday objects.”
Selecting the finest materials including wood, metal, glass and leather sourced from highest quality suppliers is as paramount to Maxine Snider, Inc as is its standards of craftsmanship and construction. All of the drawers of its casegoods, for example, have dovetailed construction—the drawer boxes match the wood species of the drawer face and are finished to the same high standards. Upholstered pieces feature beautiful solid walnut on all legs and exposed trim. The attention to detail and quality is seen on every level. “The internal structure is made of solid hardwoods with double-doweled stress joints and eight-way hand tied coil springs. Fillings are high-density polyurethane foam wrapped with the finest feathers and down,” shares the brand. Its leathers are also distinctive—premium top grain domestic hides and aniline dyed, “sealed to have the hand of calf but the easy care, durability, and evenness of color that is desirable for furniture use.”
“We are known for incorporating custom made hardware (locks, knobs and metal components) as well as our careful attention to wood species and matching of veneers and precise metalwork,” adds the brand.
Photo by Studio M-87
Among the collection’s captivating qualities is its versatility. “It can go from completely modern to transitional or traditional. There is a variety in sensibilities—some are feminine, some are weighty and gutsy—and scale changes to address an assortment of architectural scenarios. Our collection can be used on an entire project, with enough assortment for it to be really interesting,” explains the brand. Hero designs include the Tokyo Console, City Bench, Collector’s Cabinet, Savannah Side and Arm Chairs, Bauhaus Console, Annika Tray Table, Paris Lounge Chair and the Tansu Table. Pieces such as the Paris Writing Table, Right Bank Semainier, Paris Side Table, Serpentine Bench and the Varenne Writing Desk were some of the first introduced or remain part of the brand’s signature style.
Fully committed to its sales team and clients, the brand aspires to grow with their changing needs. “We aim to provide the tools they need as they evolve, and a level of service that makes their process—whether selling or designing—as smooth as possible….An emphasis on excellent customer service to the showroom representatives and clients is an essential part of the company culture,” shares the brand.
“We take pride in meeting or exceeding expectations on design, craftsmanship and delivery. Custom work is always welcome and we are poised to do it with ease. We encourage variations on our standard pieces and can provide custom quotes within 24-48 hours. Our production lead times for standard and custom are 12-14 weeks and we can will work to accommodate expedited orders when possible,” adds the brand.
Photo by Studio M-87
New products are released once to twice a year, and will be introduced this summer. A new website is also slated for later this year. “With [Maxine] Snider as mentor, and [Bridgette] Buckley as principal, Maxine Snider Inc. is primed for an inventive new chapter in its history,” says the brand. Buckley remarks, “Building on the foundation Maxine has created is energizing and a privilege. Adding pieces that are fresh and modern but rooted in classic eras will align seamlessly with the spirit of the company, which honors the past but looks to the future.”
The brand has been honored with numerous awards and accolades including Elle Decor magazine selecting the Paris Writing Table as “one of the 10 most dreamy dressing tables;” Metropolitan Home magazine choosing the Paris Dressing Stand as “best of the best” in its annual Top 100 Design Awards; The Chicago Athenaeum of architecture and design giving the Paris Side Table their “distinguished furniture award;” and Maxine Snider Inc. inclusion in House Beautiful magazine’s “Top 100 designers.” It also has garnered a loyal following among prestigious architectural firms, hospitality leaders and renowned residential talents including The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Gensler, Tribune Tower Residences and Holabird & Root.
Source Maxine Snider, Inc’s in the StyleRow Marketplace. To find out more, visit their website.