2014 NICHE Awards Showcase Crafty Home Furnishings

Since its inception in 1989 the NICHE Awards have honored the innovations of American and Canadian artists. Created by NICHE Magazine, the awards showcase the craftsmanship of both professionals and students in several different categories including home furnishings and furniture. The finalists for these categories have truly created amazing pieces of art. Here’s a look at some of our favorite pieces from the professional finalists.

Danny Kamerath of Dallas, TX, created this work of art called Debbi. Abstract shapes, friends and family members inspire each piece of his collection. This specific cabinet is made from 13 different types of wood—from light tiger maple to dark Gabon ebony.

Brian Boggs of Ashville, NC, is an expert chair maker who designs both indoor and outdoor furniture. This year he is a finalist in the furniture category for this piece, which he calls the Lily Chair because of its soft petal like shape. This chair is actually part of a whole Lily collection, which includes a glass top table, coffee table, barstool and wooden table.

SethRolland of Port Townsend, WA, creates drama with nesting tables that are both stackable space savers and artistic. When combined the three tables add drama the room, when pulled apart each piece has its own character and can easily stand alone. The tables are made of ash, walnut and mahogany. The two tallest end tables feature glass insets.

Richard Laufer, a craftsman from Maryland, is dedicated to creating beautiful designs from otherwise unappealing pieces of wood while maintaining their essence. While most of his designs are wooden chairs and tables, Richard was recognized this year for his kitchen accessory, the Cook’s Tablet Stand. It’s an elegant and modern configuration for the home cook who frequently uses a tablet for recipes, music and more while in the kitchen.

Lisa Schallert of Philadelphia, PA, is known for her use of silver and gold. Recently the artist has taken to molding different metals together like silver and brass, brass and copper, and stainless and brass, to create kitchen utensils like her Simple Servers Condiment Set, a finalist in the Home Furnishings category this year.

Meryl Ruth from Cumberland, ME, is more on the wild side with her craft. A finalist in the Teapot category under Home Furnishings, Meryl caught the eye of judges with this creative spin on the standard teapot. Called "Fit To A Tea, A Ceramic Teapot," it's both stunning and functional.

To see more finalists of the 2014 NICHE Awards visit, www.nicheawards.com.