In the race to create more sustainable, environmentally friendly products, the value of the human element is forgotten. I would venture to guess that without mass production, the excess in our society would decrease dramatically. Craftsmanship has been put to the side as machines can do more accurate work at an accelerated pace, but at what price? As the green movement progresses, handcrafted products are reemerging as a highly valued part of the market.

Beam Bench. Designed by Palo Samko.

Palo Samko, a woodworker born in Czechoslovakia and now living in Brooklyn, NY is creating furniture that is handcrafted with soul. The pieces are reminiscent of 1920’s style craftsmanship but with a playful, modern twist. As an example, his dining tables often have hidden drawers or recessed niches that hold miniature art pieces, like a flock of sheep carved out of wood. Mr. Samko uses reclaimed and sustainable materials such as reused railroad ties, construction beams and other discarded materials to create authentic urban designs.

The designs of Palo Samko all contain little treasures to be discovered, but my favorite for today is the Beam bench. Constructed from a reclaimed beam of douglas fir, the bench is a 72″ long slab of wood at first glance. Unlike the pure forms of Uhuru design, another sustainable Brooklyn company, the Beam bench has added character. The legs are solid brass in a traditional turned style, giving an air of elegance to the rustic beam. A hand carved red leather inset has pastoral writing, referencing Mr. Samko’s own history. On the face of the bench there are a series of oak round pencil drawers, providing both storage and visual interest to an already rich piece of furniture.