Custom Furniture Builders in Washington D.C.

“These people are more than fabulous. The product is excellent, but so is the customer service. They jumped right into my project, met with the client and got it done!! The closets are gorgeous, and the entire process was so easy. And I am very particular! But they made it very fun and enjoyable. Most importantly, my clients are extremely happy. They really are the best........”

“I've known Ruth Olbrych for a long time. Not only is she a business woman who is dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about her field and her beautiful antique Chinese furniture, but over the years she has become a good friend. The first time I met Ruth was when looking for an antique Chinese armoire to hide our TV and other things. We had been to a well known location in NY, and were inspired about the idea but not enough inspired by the items there to purchase. Somehow (!) I "found" Ruth and saw pieces on her web site. Connecting with her, we went to see her warehouse in Maine, driving there from MA and seeing family on the way. OK, just 5 minutes at her place left us breathless! Never mind the super-plain cabinet we went there for. Seeing the amazing armoire with an entire family story carved on the front was like stepping into another world. Whether in New York or even in San Francisco, we had not seen anything like it. The beautifully deep, rich red color and dark, somewhat worn metal hardware was brought to life by the softly highlighted figures embellishing the piece. The short story: Ruth has beautiful, high quality pieces and customer service to match. This was the first experience. A few years later I bought a pair of lovely Elm tables with wicker centers that we used together as a coffee table. Again, a very positive shopping experience. We didn't go to Maine that time but the whole experience was 100% great. As a designer and colorist, I have always had the greatest confidence in working with Ruth professionally and recommending Antiques by Zaar and Ruth as often as possible.”

“Hardwood Artisan Purchases We are the proud owners of four fine pieces of furniture built by Hardware Artisans. They are: a dining table and set of six chairs; a formal writing desk; a computer table with storage cupboards; and a tall-back bungalow rocking chair. The computer table and cupboards were specially designed for us by Steve Doyle of the Bethesda store, who came to our house to discuss our requirements and make careful measurements, which were then used to build the furniture according to our specifications. All the pieces were handcrafted using carefully selected hardwood and were finely finished with natural stains. The dining table is masterfully handcrafted so that the pedestal legs do not get in the way of the chairs or guests. The table leaf is imaginatively concealed and opens up without any difficulty on its well-designed rack and pinion mechanism. The furniture artisans and shop personnel at Hardwood Artisans are to be commended for their fine workmanship and care for their customers’ interests. We are always proud to show our guests the wooden label attached to our furniture that states: “Bespoke furniture made for [our names] by Hardwood Artisans, spring/or fall ___year.” We have been completely delighted by our furniture and our pieces have always been admired by friends who have come to our house. We would have no hesitation in recommending Hardwood Artisan to anyone considering buying the finest hand-made furniture. The Bethesda store is conveniently located and the staff is invariably pleasant and most helpful. Crispina and Ian McDonald Chevy Chase, Maryland”