Not too long ago, I was researching non-toxic cribs made in the United States of FSC-certified wood. The list, as you may imagine, is short. Even companies that claim to be “American,” “sustainable,” and “family-owned” ship off their manufacturing to China. But not Kalon Studios. Based dually in Los Angeles, California and Berlin, Germany, the company keeps its production close to home: their FSC-certified wood furniture is made by traditional furniture makers in New England.

Stump. Designed by Kalon Studios.

Sustainable Sitting Stool

But I won’t be focusing on their cribs in this post (if you’re interested, check out their website). Instead, I’ll focus on a simple piece of furniture “inspired by the original sitting stool: a tree stump.” The raw, unfinished Stump pays tribute to the beauty of tree trunks. Made of FSC-certified domestic Ash or Maple, Stump is sanded into shape and given a smooth finish. As the wood ages, the surface will split, which gives every Stump its own unique fingerprint.

The solid stool is fully sustainable and pairs with other Kalon Studios pieces like Trunk, which is a footstool or bench. Stump measures 8.5″W x 12″H x 8.5″D. The simplicity of Stump is what gives it such appeal. Like the protagonist in The Giving Tree, Stump provides a perfect perch, giving you the physical and emotional support you need.

Via Inhabitat.

About the Designer: Kalon Studios focuses on designing sustainable products “that hold a lasting, intrinsic beauty.” Unlike other companies, who outsource their manufacturing to countries across the globe, Kalon manufactures their furniture domestically in New England. From cribs to chairs to blocks and tables, Kalon offers simple forms for people of every age.