Over the years, Philadelphia-based studio Edgewood Made has carved out a niche in modern design that we’re thrilled to support. So far, we’ve been charmed by their work in wood, from minimally geometric wall mirrors to nature-inspired serving boards. But as you’ll soon see, this studio is capable of so much more.
Never confined to any one process or material, Edgewood Made carries their unique organic aesthetic and contemporary designs across mediums and into more and more people’s lives. And we’re excited to bring some of their ceramic goods to the table.
From Woods To Workshop
Since 2012, Edgewood Made has been a labor of love for founders David Short and George Dubinsky. They first met as students at the School for American Crafts at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where they bonded over a shared propensity for humble designs featuring clean and natural lines.
As fate would have it, their partnership was further crystalized when an organized trek into the woods was nearly cancelled due to freezing weather and David and George were the only two who showed. It’s that willingness to show up, respect the elements, and find beauty in the journey that guides their work and makes them a natural pair. Ever since, they’ve applied their craftsmanship across a wide spectrum of furniture and home goods — and the world has taken notice. Moved by the belief that well-made, modern designs belong every aspect of life in the home, they’ve made a name for themselves where natural patterns and simple function collide.
These days, they’re working with a small team of artists and makers out of a new, spacious studio in Philly’s historic Germantown. They earned a sought-after spot in last year’s Architectural Digest’s Design Show, and recently completed a large commission for custom furniture and serveware at a local contemporary restaurant. But as they continue to grow, one thing that hasn’t changed is Edgewood Made’s attention and commitment to craftsmanship, textural detail, naturally-derived patterns and shapes.
Earthy, Elemental Design
When we spoke with David and George back in 2017 (in an article titled The Natural Artistry of Edgewood Made), they started by sharing their philosophy with us. Simply put, they trace “nature as inspiration and manufacturing as medium.”
At once open-ended and deeply instructive, it’s this vital intersection that drives their design and reverberates throughout their process, which always begins with a sketch. Next, high-quality, low impact materials are selected to best suit the design. In the case of their furniture, that means sourcing locally grown and sustainably harvested hardwoods like walnut, cherry, white oak, and ash from western Pennsylvania. When it comes to their ceramic home goods, it means finding premium porcelain clay that’s durable, versatile, and looks equally polished glazed as it does unfinished.
Eventually, designs are carved into wood by hand or by way of a computer-controlled milling machine. And for their tableware and other ceramic creations, they save time on production by making molds from those carvings and slip-casting each piece—the most efficient way to scale without losing any elemental human-made intimacy.
So much of Edgewood Made’s aesthetic language relies on that process, and it’s clear they take pride in the kind of technical precision that’s applied to the raw materials that pass through their studio. It’s a perfect reflection of that interplay between nature and manufacturing, objects made by hand and technology. And the result is their trademark small-batch, thoughtfully-crafted, organic beauty.
Edgewood Made Ceramics
We’ve already mentioned those modern wood-framed mirrors and uniquely angled cutting boards that caught our attention in the first place, but we’re happy to announce that the folks at Edgewood Made also want to bring a little artistry to our tabletops.
Introducing the understated and endlessly versatile Marcy Charcoal Nesting Bowls. This functional and thoughtfully tidy five-piece set is a stellar example of what can happen when high-quality, durable materials are combined with truly timeless design.
Thoughtfully proportioned and artful in balance, these ceramic nesting bowls look just as beautiful scattered as they do when they’re gathered. They offer ample space and somehow still feel airy. They almost seem to float, thanks to their wide circular rims and minimal foot detail, effortlessly woven into the whole.
Each piece is made in porcelain with a raw, but neatly finished matte exterior and an inner glaze that’s lovely in contrast and makes the full set shine. And, because function is just as essential as form, we’re grateful for the glossy interior—it’s food-safe, easy to clean, and feels equally suited to formal occasions and casual kitchen use.
Versatile By Nature
In these ceramic nesting bowls, Edgewood Made has given us a vessel for just about anything. With 14.5-inch diameter, the largest size invites you to dream big. Fill it with a hearty, hand-tossed salad or family-style main dish.
Use the next few for pasta, dinner rolls, or a colorful vegetable side. The smallest of the bunch are perfect for pre-dinner snacks from olives and nuts to oils and dips, and make for truly lovely mise-en-place with grated parm or fresh-cut herbs. Then, think beyond mealtime. Grab your largest and let fresh produce swim in that deep and glossy charcoal sea. Or park a smaller bowl by the door for change and keys. No matter how you use them, these versatile beauties are ready to become a functional part of your everyday life.
For a while, we’ve carried these ceramic nesting bowls in Charcoal, a color that feels both dusky and warm, soft and refined. And now, we’re happy to introduce a few additional colors, including the clean and classic Ivory White, and more earthy Sage Gray and Woodland Beige. It’s safe to say that the organic ease of these designs resonates in every color and are bound to last a lifetime.
This five-piece set feels practical, timeless, and inspired by something greater. It’s a combination we’ve learned to expect from our friends at Edgewood Made, whose furniture and home goods alike are a testament to their earth-inspired, process-driven philosophy. And in the same way that nature can be a much-needed reprieve from everyday life, their quiet designs cut through the noise and bring a little calm inside.
Shop all of our Edgewood Made pieces.