THE SPEC'd LIST : Inspiration and Conversation
- SPEC'd
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
SUMMER | 2025
THE BIG CHILL
Summer is the perfect time to celebrate American-made furniture and textiles that bring a relaxed yet vibrant energy to both outdoor and indoor spaces. Think textiles with breezy patterns, woven rugs, and weather-resistant upholstery in sun-washed tones—soft terracottas, ocean blues, citrusy yellows, and crisp whites.
Brands across the U.S. are blending craftsmanship with sustainability, offering furniture made from reclaimed wood, rust resistant powder-coated aluminum & steel, and
rot-resistant hardwoods like Kebony. These pieces are built to withstand summer sun and rain, while adding a cool, laid-back elegance to patios, decks, or breezy cafes.
Indoors, the same spirit of summer can carry through with light, airy silhouettes and touchable textures. American furniture makers are experimenting with elegant curves, vibrant colors, and retro-inspired shapes—bringing a nostalgic but fresh energy to banquettes, lounge furniture and tables for any occasion.
Designs from Emblem and RAD featured in Metropolis Magazine's Summer Issue - big props to two amazing brand partners! Meanwhile, Chilewich is a launching a deep collection of woven patterns that will charm you into finding as many places as you can to cover with these gorgeous textiles.
Enjoy the Summer reading below!
Check this out - the Canasta Collection - a new series of collaborations with world-class product, furniture, and industrial designers. CANASTA is a suite of upholstered lounge seating developed in collaboration with Paris-born, London-taught, Guadalajara-residing Fabien Cappello.
Inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s 1928 reinvention of the armchair with Le Corbusier, CANASTA brings new energy to a classic typology—available in lounge chair, ottoman, and multiple sofa sizes.
From the playful fleece like blues and browns to classic beiges and vibrant pinks and oranges, this is lounge seating built to both stand out and belong, wherever it lives.
CLICK HERE for pretty pictures!
CLICK HERE if you have already found the perfect project and are ready to get down to business!
Made in the USA.
The Axis Banquette captures attention with its curved, half-cylinder backrest and expertly crafted wood frame. Its bold silhouette pairs tailored comfort with architectural sophistication, making it a standout choice for commercial and hospitality interiors.
Fully customizable in width, it adapts effortlessly to both intimate and large-scale environments.
Thoughtfully designed for easy cleanability with separated seat and back cushions. Striking profile works beautifully as a single installation or arranged back-to-back for dynamic layouts.
Versatile material options allow bold design statements with contrasting seat and back upholstery or light and dark wood finishes.
Fully customizable in width to fit seamlessly into intimate nooks or expansive commercial spaces
CLICK HERE if you have already found the perfect project and are ready to get down to business! Made in the USA.
WHAT A TRIP! Introducing WARP. The geometry, symmetry, and contrast of a checkerboard pattern are playfully softened in pattern.
Squares break free of the grid, stretching and bending to form rows of undulating organic lines in natural tones.
Materials: Phthalate-free TerraStrand yarns and synthetic latex; rug contains a minimum of 18% recycled content and a minimum of 8% rapidly renewable content.
Backing: Mat is latex backed and slip resistant.
Size: 72'' Rolls, or max 18' rugs with seams
Lead times: 2-3 weeks
Made in the USA. No tariffs.
SERVING CHILL VIBES...
August 19 is National Soft Ice Cream - that tracks - August is hot AF, which makes ice cream a nice treat and also makes ice cream melt faster, which is how soft serve ice cream came to be...
Did you know? The first Dairy Queen opened in Joliet, IL in 1940 marking it as the first to place to server soft ice cream. Despite the Great Depression the DQ family was successful and went on to open several more DQ's throughout IL. Just goes to show you, know matter how bad things are a little sweet treat can make people smile.
If you're looking for a little more adventure in your flavor profile and color palette may we suggest a local Chicago favorite, Kurimu!?
With flavors like Black Sesame, Purple Yam, and Green Thai Tea you are sure to be inspired into creating a gorgeous Summer palette!
Both brands are made in the USA. .