Grain Turns 15
Today marks our 15th year in business. As the date has drawn closer, we’ve been reflecting on what we have learned, what we will be taking with us into the future and most of all, what we need to let go.
Growth isn’t always linear and it can often be painful. This has been true for us in our business as well as in our personal lives. Seeing our children grow is such a good example. Each morning they are bigger. We have to say goodbye to who they were the day before to make space for who they are becoming.
These past few years, we have been focused on building out our new shop to improve our capabilities while at the same time creating a structure around how we measure and deepen our commitment to social and environmental responsibility via our B Corp certification.
These two focuses have added a lot of value to the work that we do, and at the same time, we know everything is fueled by the connections folks have with the objects we create.
In a recent interview with Sam Altman (right before he was fired and then reinstated), when asked where we should focus our energies with these emerging AI tools, he predicted that the high ground will be getting to know and use these tools well.
When challenged by the idea that some of us may not engage, he agreed that there will always be a desire and a value for things made by the human hand. It was an imperative before the industrial revolution and it will continue to be in our shared future together.
In that spirit, we thought that it would be fun to get reflections from our team on their favorite Grain pieces right now. We asked for both the what and the why and below is what we received.
Chelsea on the Clover Side Table:
“I am all in on cork right now. The material itself has been used for ages and still, it provides clues for how we might envision a future relationship with all types of natural materials - take a little, not too much - and the ecosystems around the material will stay in balance.
This particular table is a favorite of mine because of how it changes as you circumnavigate it. Each view offers a new composition that makes it feel very architectural even though its original point of inspiration came from the plant world. I also can’t get over the soft hand of unfinished cork. It feels like velvet. As our environments become more and more virtual and frictionless, I crave being around objects that call to be touched.”
Charlie on the Circlet Chandelier:
“The combination of the handblown glass diffusers suspended by the cylindrical wooden cups make up a product that is elegant, minimal and modest all at the same time. One of my favorite aspects of ‘good’ design is the clever use of material and craftpersonship. The many different pieces that go into making this product are a perfect example of this.
It is also my favorite product to build since I get to make the wooden parts by hand. For the 18 wooden parts to securely fit, precision woodworking is needed and let me tell you, I love precision woodworking!”
James on the Off-Grid Credenza:
“There are just so many great details that make this such a unique piece. My favorite detail is how the thick wood door is captured at the top and bottom with a hidden bearing set. It was sourced from the mountain bike industry for its high strength and long lifespan. This allows the doors to pivot almost to the floor. It feels like the whole leg is moving when you open it.
Another small detail (that some don't notice) is that the grid pattern changes on each panel. Six unique panels make up the outer surfaces of the credenza. It's a lot of work to make, but it's worth it!”
Eleanor on the Quilt Rug:
”I grew up in a home with lots of handmade quilts that had been passed down through generations. Each one had a story and hinted at the person who made it. The irregular borders and different-sized blocks on the Quilt Rug remind me of the handmade quality of the blankets I grew up with. They feel so personal and heirloom.
Beyond the nostalgia they bring, the design elements of the Quilt Rug are an excellent example of the thought and care that go into creating each piece in the Grain collection. Like the quilts I grew up with, these pieces are made to be used and loved and will still stand the test of time.”
Thank you for following along with us on this journey and for helping us mark this milestone. If you have a favorite Grain product (thinking of all of you recyclable shower curtain fans) or a suggestion for our next 15 years, we’d love to hear from you.