Studio Talk by KHEM Studios is a design podcast that explores the world of small-batch furniture and handcrafted cutting boards made in the USA. Hosted by Kari and Erik, each episode takes listeners inside the studio to uncover how timeless design, sustainable American hardwoods, and real customer feedback shape their work. From dining tables to statement cutting boards, Studio Talk blends craftsmanship, design inspiration, and the behind-the-scenes process of running a modern design studio. Whether you’re passionate about home design, entertaining, or learning how thoughtful products are made, Studio Talk offers authentic conversations that connect creativity with everyday living.

Visit khemstudios.com to see all our work from furniture to cutting board and bean bags.

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In this episode of By Design, Kari and Erik from KHEM Studios take you behind the design process of the Sparrow Collection—a series of chairs that balance function, form, and timeless style. From the compact Small Sparrow, perfect for slipping on shoes or adding an accent to a bedroom, to the Sparrow Dining Chair built for comfort during long gatherings, we explore why “a chair is not just a chair.”

We dive into the details that shape each piece:

• How leg design and scale create unique seating experiences.
• The role of caning, Danish cording, and textiles in blending tradition with modern living.
• Why classic tweeds, herringbones, and quilted fabrics offer both sophistication and versatility.
• The introduction of custom color finishes using Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore paints.
• How furniture designed in the Hudson Valley resonates from coast to coast—whether in historic farmhouses or modern California homes.

This conversation highlights the deep consideration behind every Sparrow chair, merging craftsmanship, comfort, and customization into designs that feel at home anywhere.

Discover why the Sparrow Collection is more than furniture—it’s a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and modern life.

👉 Explore the Sparrow Collection: khemstudios.com

Welcome to Episode 1 of our new podcast series from KHEM Studios — where we talk openly about design, craft, business, and the everyday decisions that shape what we make and how we live. In this episode, Kari and Erik dive deep into the philosophy and practicality behind our table designs, offering insights into how we balance form, function, and the real-world needs of our customers.

We explore the core question: why design more than one table style? From the clean presence of a fixed tabletop to the flexibility of an extension table, we break down why each serves a distinct purpose in how people live and gather. We also talk about the flat-pack table — a format we’ve refined over time — and why we sometimes recommend it for clients who need ease of delivery, shipping flexibility, or a tighter install plan.

But it’s not just about form — materials matter, and in this episode, we get into the weeds of wood selection. Kari shares when a custom-sourced slab makes sense and when it doesn’t. Erik talks about why kiln-dried furniture-grade hardwoods offer stability that raw, sentimental pieces can’t always guarantee — and how we walk the line between honoring personal requests and delivering something that’s engineered to last a lifetime.

Whether you're a design lover, a fellow maker, or someone thinking about commissioning a piece from us, this episode gives you a look inside how decisions are made at KHEM Studios — where every design is intentional, every curve considered, and every piece built to belong in someone’s real, lived-in home.

🔨 What We Cover in This Episode:

• The difference between fixed-leg tables, extension tables, and flat-pack formats
• Why we offer multiple table options for different lifestyle and space needs
• When flat-pack design is ideal (and when it's not)
• Our approach to custom wood sourcing requests — and what makes wood usable or risky
• How we balance emotional value vs. structural integrity in our material choices
• The connection between design thinking and customer experience

🪵 About KHEM Studios

KHEM Studios is a design-driven studio based in the Hudson Valley, crafting heirloom furniture, cutting boards, and objects from sustainably sourced American hardwoods. Our work has been featured in Oprah Daily’s O-List, Real Simple, Architectural Digest, Food52, and other publications. Everything we make is built in-house in New York — no outsourcing, no imported materials, just honest craftsmanship and intentional design.

🎧 New episodes coming soon — where we’ll talk about the evolution of our business, our design language, and the many small decisions that make a piece of a KHEM Studios collection not just functional, but meaningful.

📍 Follow us here for behind-the-scenes studio updates, design deep-dives, and unfiltered thoughts on craft, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

👇 Have a question about our tables or process? Drop it in the comments — we may cover it in an upcoming episode.

Visit khemstudios.com to see all our work from furniture to cutting board and bean bags.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Youtube