Holidays often evoke memories tied to particular places, perhaps a childhood home, a beachfront retreat, or a snug woodland cabin. However, timeless furniture, such as a cherished grandparent’s rocking chair or a treasured old armoire, can equally bear the weight of memories and a profound sense of home.
We sat down with renowned furniture designer Taylor Ross, CEO and Founder of Chronicle Home, to discuss how his yearning to make furniture that plays a pivotal role in the lives of others, especially during special holiday gatherings, continues to inspire his whole catalog.
Crafting Furniture Meant to Carry a Rich Family History
Chronicle Home is dedicated to offering timeless furniture pieces that become the story that tells a family’s history. Ross eloquently expressed this sentiment, “A great piece of furniture is like a book, passed on from one generation to the next, as it holds countless memories. That’s precisely what we create: Exquisite bathtubs, sinks, and fine furniture made to last and chronicle the passage of time.”
At the heart of Chronicle Home’s philosophy lies a profound dedication to infusing every furniture piece with love and care. 21 years ago, Ross embarked on his journey into furniture craftsmanship by creating his very first piece: A wooden bathtub. This bathtub’s remarkable design earned it the prestigious Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup. What’s even more remarkable is that this tub still resides in Ross’ former home today.
It has served as a faithful companion, bearing witness to the bathing of four of his six children and enduring years of use, yet remaining in impeccable condition. Ross and his family hope to share that enduring legacy of their furniture with others.
“I have no doubt I’ll be passing bathtubs on to my children after I die,” said Ross. “That’s the beauty of furniture that’s useful and beautiful. When these two combine, the resulting piece can become a part of your legacy, a small treasure you leave behind for future generations.”
A Family-Run Company Steeped in Old Traditions
At the core of Chronicle Home is a profound commitment to family values and the celebration of each individual’s unique gifts, creating a warm, close-knit operation. Cheyne Ross, Ross’ son, has made notable contributions to the company as a designer and prototype builder. Cheyne’s design prowess shines in the creation of the Cone Fireplace, a standout piece featured prominently in the company’s catalog.
Ross proudly notes, “Cheyne also played a pivotal role in the development of the Makhabat Table, drawing inspiration from the skylines of Kathmandu and Ulaanbaatar, where he spent significant time. His design ethos reflects a rich blend of resourcefulness and innovation, and we take great pride in his role as both our son and an indispensable member of the Chronicle Home team.”
What further sets Chronicle Home apart is its remarkable ability to collaborate with renowned artisans from around the world, curating a collection of exceptional items for its cosmopolitan clientele. A standout example includes the antique Kazakh wall hangings showcased in Chronicle Home’s extensive catalog.
“These are authentic hand-sewn tapestries dating back a century, each woven with the stories of families on the Mongolian and Siberian steppe,” Ross explained. “As nomadic communities journey with their herds of yak, camel, goat, sheep, cattle, and horse, these hangings journey with them, adorning the walls of their yurts, preserving the essence and spirit of nomadic life.”
These same artisan families are now actively developing Chronicle Home furniture in the Mongolian market. For example, the Triune chair uses square bar stock which is extremely heavy and lends quality. It can’t be found yet in predictable qualities in Mongolia.
Ross commented, “As we sought sustainability and local solutions, we were browsing the markets one day. We found this one quality pipe was always available. Soon it was clear why — it was radiator pipe. The locals knew we could always get it, since warmth is essential in the -50 degree winters. We laughed and redesigned the whole chair around the round radiator pipe. They are stunning.”
These Kazakh and Mongolian families Ross walks the streets with are the same nomads whose families embroidered the wall hangings in the 1920s.
Building Furniture That Transcends Time And Space
As Ross shared, his family’s journey has taken them to various corners of the globe, from Arkansas to Russia, Mongolia, and most recently Turkey. Reflecting on this diverse journey, Ross remarked, “Defining home has been a unique challenge for us. For our family, the idea of ‘home’ transcends borders. It’s the essence we carry with us everywhere we go, along with our cherished belongings.”
Likewise, Ross expressed his hope that Chronicle Home’s furniture becomes an enduring companion for people, regardless of where their paths lead.
He mused, “Even when moving often, I’ve looked down periodically and realized some piece of our life has seemingly ‘stuck’ with us across continents. If someone can look at one piece of our furniture and say, ‘But this has always been with me,’ viewing it as an enduring part of their history, we will have succeeded in some way.”
Moreover, a spirit of generosity underpins Chronicle Home’s mission. Right from the outset, Ross made the compassionate decision to turn the company into a benefit partnership, with profits dedicated to noble causes. This commitment to giving back is part of the company’s ethos.
As the holiday season approaches, Chronicle Home offers a unique perspective on gift-giving. Their furniture is not merely a present. It’s an investment. “The holidays are a time when we exchange more than gifts; we exchange love, memories, and stories,” said Ross, “Chronicle Home’s furniture is designed to be a part of those stories.”
About Taylor Ross
With 4 shops on 4 continents, Founder of Chronicle Home, Taylor Ross, is the furniture designer with capabilities to provide the bridge between elite interior designers and craft artisans at volume. Ross’ claim to fame are his wooden bathtubs and sinks; his pieces have been featured by ICFF Miami, ICFF NYC, Wall Street Journal, KBB, and At Home Arkansas. For more information and to get help with a project, please visit https://thechroniclehome.com/contact
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