International Society of Furniture Designers

06/17/2026

The countdown is on, and the entries are already rolling in.⁠
⁠
Each year, the Pinnacle Awards celebrate the designers, manufacturers, and makers whose work pushes the industry forward through creativity, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship. With submissions already arriving, we're looking forward to another year of remarkable designs and inspiring talent.⁠
⁠
📅 Entry Deadline: July 31, 2026⁠
⁠
Could this be the year your design takes home a Pinnacle Award?

06/15/2026

We are grateful for the continued support of the ISFD Foundation from Catherine and Richard Frinier of Richard Frinier Design Studio. Their generosity helps create opportunities for the next generation of home furnishings designers to learn, grow, and thrive.

06/11/2026

| Jenny Ellis, The Artful Chair⁠
⁠
We asked Jenny what inspired her to get into the furniture field, and her journey began in fashion.⁠
⁠
After earning a degree in dressmaking and spending years designing garments, Jenny developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, textiles, and sculptural form. That passion eventually evolved into designing soft furnishings and window treatments before leading her to the world of furniture design.⁠
⁠
Inspired by the artistry she discovered at High Point Market, Jenny realized that furniture could be approached much like couture fashion. Today, she designs her upholstered pieces the same way she once designed garments—with careful attention to structure, layering, textiles, and storytelling.⁠
⁠
For Jenny, each chair becomes a wearable work of art for the home, where fashion, upholstery, and design intersect.

06/10/2026

ISFD Executive Director David Blair recently served as a judge for a student design competition hosted by Appalachian Hardwood, where he had the opportunity to meet talented young designers and see firsthand the creativity shaping the future of our industry.⁠
⁠
Congratulations to First Place winner Walker Hailey and Second Place winner Ian Demus on their outstanding work.⁠
⁠
A special thank you to Appalachian Hardwood for the invitation and for supporting emerging design talent through opportunities like this. We're always encouraged by the passion, innovation, and fresh perspectives these students bring to furniture design.

06/08/2026

How can we bring more creative young people into home furnishings?⁠
⁠
It starts by showing them what's possible.⁠
⁠
As David Blair notes, there is no shortage of creative young furniture designers. The opportunity for our industry is to help emerging talent discover the many paths available to them and provide opportunities to grow, create, and thrive.⁠
⁠
At ISFD, we're proud to support the next generation through student programs, mentorship, industry connections, and the Student Pinnacle Awards—helping bridge the gap between education and profession.⁠
⁠
The future of furniture design depends on investing in the designers who will shape it.⁠
⁠
Read the full article here https://bit.ly/4g21XJW

06/05/2026

Furniture has the power to be both functional and meaningful.⁠
⁠
In a recent Home Accents Today interview, ISFD member Steve Hodges shares his perspective on furniture as functional art, discussing the creative process, craftsmanship, and the role thoughtful design plays in everyday life.⁠
⁠
Thank you to our friends at Home Accents Today for highlighting conversations like these and helping elevate the value of furniture design within our industry.⁠
⁠
Congratulations to Steve on this well-deserved feature!⁠
⁠
Read the full interview below.

“If you can’t sketch a design on a napkin in a bar,” Hodges told contributor David Blair, “then you probably don’t possess the requisite drawing skills to convey your ideas effectively.”

06/03/2026

Did you know? Entries for the 2026 Pinnacle Awards are now open!⁠
⁠
For 30 years, the Pinnacle Awards have celebrated excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement in furniture design. We invite designers, manufacturers, and makers to showcase their best work and join us in recognizing the talent that continues to shape our industry.⁠
⁠
▫️ Deadline for Entries: July 31, 2026⁠
▫️ Finalists Announced: September 11, 2026⁠
▫️ Pinnacle Awards Gala: October 19, 2026⁠
⁠
Ready to enter? Visit the link in our bio to submit your designs today.

06/01/2026

: John Caldwell ⁠
⁠
This week, we’re spotlighting John Caldwell, founder and designer behind John Caldwell Design. Known for his mastery of classical forms, fine materials, and handcrafted work, John’s lighting designs bring a sense of timeless elegance to interiors around the world. His work reflects a ⁠
thoughtful balance of tradition, artistry, and modern refinement.⁠
⁠
Thank you, John, for your continued involvement in the ISFD community!

05/29/2026

Looking back at a wonderful gathering during High Point Market at the Radio Building for an ISFD Meet & Greet at the Canadian Wood showroom. The event was designed to give ISFD members an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities, while learning about softwoods.

Softwoods offer distinct advantages in furniture making, including strength-to-weight efficiency, design versatility, and a natural material warmth that supports both structural and aesthetic applications.

Attendees saw firsthand the potential of working with Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock while building meaningful relationships with the team at Canadian Wood.

It was a valuable opportunity to engage in conversation and strengthen connections.