Sawbridge Studios

Very disappointed with both my custom furniture piece and working with one of the owners. I love furniture, have bought many custom pieces over the years and was excited to fill a spot in my home with a piece by one of Sawbridge’s master craftsman.
I think the craftsman’s assistant built my piece. The design is off and awkward, there are drip marks in the finish and rough edges in places.
I haven’t bothered to contact Sawbridge because they had such difficulty with simple things like ensuring the color I selected was communicated correctly to the craftsman (only three colors are available), getting my address right (they sent samples to an address I lived at nine years ago and wanted me to contact FedEx to pay the $ 20 for redirecting the package to my current home (I declined), etc. When the scheduled delivery date came and went, I contacted them (I would have valued them contacting me) to ask when it would be arriving and if there was anything that could speed the process. In response, I was given a new date equating to 30% longer than promised (which was not met) and was LECTURED on how a master craftsman needs his time.
So, like I said, very disappointing.

Home furnishings as art
If you’ve decided that it’s time to buy beautiful furniture (and retire your Crate & Barrel collection), this is the place. You will see all kinds of things you’ve never found anywhere else. The craftsmen of Sawbridge do amazing work. Better yet, Paul and Bill, the owners, have outstanding design sense. They have given us better advice than any decorator. Working with the craftsmen, you can make adjustments to make a piece perfect for the room. Paul and Bill are creative, thoughtful, and patient. There is no pressure, ever. You can take as long as you like to make up your mind, over several visits, and they never rush you. When (or if) you buy something special, they’re delighted. In the meantime, the store is full of elegant touches that can transform a room, like a vase or a lamp. We have recommended them to many friends and they have been as thrilled as we are.

Sadly, this River North icon closed it’s doors in February and consolidated to their north shore location in the Hubbard Woods section of Winnetka. The recession has claimed so many wonderful Chicago Furniture District members. If you haven’t been before, you should probably call for directions to the (newly expanded) remaining location — which is either a nice, leisurely drive up the lake shore or a quick zip up the Edens. It’s located in a converted horse and carriage stable from the turn of the last century. Well worth the trip!

Beautiful high quality super high end furniture and accessories made in the US. Very nice and helpful staff.

How would you find this fabulous handcrafted furnishings gallery if I didn’t Unilocal about it? Hidden behind the main thoroughfare in Hubbard Woods is this wonderful shop full of tiger maple and cherry furniture, burnished copper entry hall tables, Mission style framed art and customizable metal door mats – even some kinetic metal toys that resemble antiques. Parking is in front of the store.
There are some copper enameled dishes in vibrant colors as well as wood photo albums, plus various supplies to condition your wood furniture and keep it beautiful. Anyone who appreciates handmade goods will enjoy their visit and those who are actually ready to purchase a unique bed or table will find possibilities here. There was a fascinating engineered center island with several food preparation surfaces and storage galore. It collapsed into itself in minutes, saving floorspace!
Feel free to ask questions. Custom orders are welcome and the staff is gracious and friendly.
These furnishings enhance all kinds of settings wherever a homeowner wants to express his/​her individualism and appreciation of lovingly transformed natural materials. How fitting that this shop is located in a north suburb with so many architecturally interesting homes. For those of you downtown, they have another store at 153 W. Ohio St.