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Saved By Design

Specializing in Artful Restoration Rooted in History

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WHO ARE WE?

We are a dedicated two-woman team passionate about rescuing high-quality furniture through restoration and design. Our focus is on offering timeless restored pieces for sale to our clients. Currently, we are not accepting new client owned pieces for commission orders as we concentrate on providing exceptional items directly to you. Thank you for your understanding and support!

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The Collection

Every heirloom holds a history - and a future in your home.

The Ready Collection

Completed and ready to ship. Local delivery available within approximately one week; nationwide shipping takes approximately 3–6 weeks.

19th Century Gustavian Pine Armoire

Before paint became trendy, it was survival. In 18th and 19th-century Sweden, dark winters and limited daylight made painted furniture a necessity, not just a design choice. Pale paint finishes helped brighten homes by reflecting light instead of absorbing it, and over time, this became a defining feature of the Gustavian style, a Swedish interpretation of French neoclassicism adapted for everyday life. This armoire, dating to the mid-to-late 1800s, reflects a fascinating mix of influences. The exterior is walnut veneer over a pine core, a construction detail often linked to German or Prussian cabinetmakers, while the proportions, floral carvings, and overall structure feel distinctly Swedish Gustavian. Hand-chamfered backboards, dovetail joinery not only in the drawer but throughout the back and casework, and the classic combination of pine and walnut show this wasn’t a mass-produced piece. It was made with care, likely in a region where Swedish and German furniture-making traditions overlapped. When restoring it, I chose to bring it back to its roots with a carefully recreated Gustavian finish — not just a distressed paint job, but a finish designed to look like it’s been aged naturally over generations. Done right, this kind of finish isn’t just about wear; it’s about capturing the way light, use, and time interact with paint over the years. Finishes like these are just as meaningful as any stained wood. They weren’t shortcuts, they were part of the history. Now available for your collection. 47.5w x 21d x 79h $4,750.00 Includes nationwide shipping

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SOLD - 1903 Shapland & Petter English Oak Buffet

The English Arts and Crafts movement (circa 1880–1910) was born out of defiance—an answer to the rise of mass production and the loss of true craftsmanship. In a time when factories were beginning to churn out cheaply made furniture, artisans fought back, determined to prove that beauty and quality could not be sacrificed in the name of convenience. This 1903 buffet, crafted by the renowned Shapland & Petter of Barnstaple, England, is a masterpiece of that philosophy. Made entirely of solid European oak, it was built not just to serve a purpose but to be a statement of artistry. Every detail, from the hand-carved botanical motifs to the original brass hardware, reflects a time when furniture was meant to last for generations, a stark contrast to today’s disposable designs. Shapland & Petter was one of the finest cabinetmakers of the Arts and Crafts era, known for their registered, legally protected designs—including this one, marked with British Registered Design number RD 333888. This stamp, placed on multiple points of the piece, confirms that this was not just any furniture—it was a design so distinct and valuable that it required legal protection to prevent imitation. But even the finest craftsmen could not escape the tide of industrialization. Shapland & Petter, despite decades of producing some of England’s most exquisite furniture, eventually succumbed to the very forces they resisted. In 1932, they closed their doors, unable to compete with the efficiency of mass production. What was once a thriving workshop of skilled artisans was lost to machines, marking the end of an era. Yet, the marks of those craftsmen remain—hidden in small, scrolling letters, measurements, and notes, quietly written inside panels and along drawer edges. Each number and marking tells a story of a craftsman at work, carefully measuring, planning, and shaping each part of the piece by hand. These details, though never meant to be seen, serve as a reminder that furniture like this wasn’t just made—it was created with thought and intention in every stroke of the chisel, every fitted joint, every carved detail. This buffet has traveled across the country to find its next home, carrying with it over a century of history. Its craftsmanship will never be replicated, its details never quite recreated. This is more than furniture; it is a relic of the last great age of handcrafted design, standing in quiet defiance of an era that chose speed over skill. Now available to the next caretaker of its story. 61w x 22.5d x 90h $7,250.00 Includes nationwide shipping

SOLD - 19th Century
Swedish Writing Desk & Balloon Back Chair

An exquisite 19th-century Swedish writing desk and matching balloon back chair, dated 1888, in the style of its Gustavian heritage. Featuring beautifully aged flame birch with a warm, rich patina that has developed over more than a century of use. This desk remains in its original condition, thoughtfully preserved to showcase its history and craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Sweden, circa 1888, as indicated by the faint, hand-scribed marking inside the drawer. Constructed from solid flame birch, a prized Scandinavian hardwood, with pine interior drawers—a signature of quality Swedish furniture from this era. Features hand-cut dovetail joinery, a hallmark of pre-industrial craftsmanship before machine-made techniques became widespread. The center drawer lock is functional and comes with a key. The two side drawers have locks, though they are no longer operational. This desk is structurally sound and fully functional. It does not require delicate handling and is ready for daily use. The surface exhibits beautiful, authentic aged wear, with softened edges and subtle markings that tell its story. This patina enhances its character and makes it a striking statement piece in a clean, modern space. Includes its original balloon-back chair, which remains sturdy and supportive. While the seat fabric could benefit from reupholstering, the webbing and structure are intact, providing reliable comfort. With its Gustavian-influenced design and restrained elegance, this desk and chair set seamlessly blend into a variety of interiors—from classic European-inspired spaces to modern, minimalist settings where its timeworn beauty can take center stage. This is a rare opportunity to own a truly functional antique that carries over 130 years of history while remaining practical and visually captivating. Desk 44.25w x 21.5d x 30h Chair seat 19h $2,680.00 Nationwide shipping included

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18th Century Post Colonial Rope Bed

Circa 1790, this bed is estimated to have been crafted around the end of the Post Colonial period in American furniture. Crafted of solid walnut, its offers an exceptional grain pattern and showcases a full slab cut of walnut as the headboard. The posts are true to the Post Colonial period with minimal ornamentation that focuses on the detail of the wood itself. It was converted from the rope support system to modern rails at some point in its life. It is a true 3/4 bed, which is the same size as an RV mattress in today's world. The headboard and footboard are included. You could have custom rails made or you could use standard metal bolt on rails. This piece has been cleaned and preserved but features its original condition with minor wear that is excellent for its age. Based on its construction, design and type of wood used suggests Pennsylvania origins. HB - 52.5w x 44.5 h FB - 52.5w x 38h Posts - 56.75h Center to center on rails - 49.5w $3,500.00 Nationwide shipping included

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Rosewood American Empire Bed

This exceptionally rare American Empire bed, crafted around 1818, is a testament to over 200 years of craftsmanship, history, and luxury. Retaining its original queen size—an extraordinary feature for the time—it remains completely unaltered in its size, offering both historical significance and modern functionality. Constructed from solid walnut and fully veneered in rare rosewood, this bed exemplifies the height of early 19th-century design. Rosewood, prized for its intricate grain and durability, is now a protected species, making furniture like this impossible to recreate today. Its construction features hand-carved mortise and tenon joints, inset bolts, and rails precisely fitted into carved slots, all indicative of master craftsmanship from the era. This bed has been in the same family for over two centuries, passed down through five generations, and was in continuous use throughout its life—a testament to its quality and enduring strength. Currently, this piece is in progress in the shop, where it is being preserved in its existing finish to honor its originality and historical integrity. The photo shown represents the "before" condition as we begin the process of careful preservation. This is a very high-value, museum-quality piece. Serious inquiries are welcomed. Please reach out via message or email for more details if you are interested in purchasing.

The Restoration Queue

Available for early reservation. Once purchased, your chosen piece moves to the top of our restoration queue and will be completed within three weeks.

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Circa 1810 Butlers Desk

Step back in time with this exquisite circa 1810 butler’s desk, a true gem from the Regency/Federal period, presumed to be crafted in England. A butler’s desk, unlike a traditional secretary desk, combines functionality with compact elegance. Typically used by the household steward, it features a fold-down writing surface and a variety of compartments or drawers for organizing household accounts and correspondence. What sets it apart is its more streamlined design, often with a lower profile and fewer ornate details, making it ideal for efficient use in smaller spaces. This historic piece is currently undergoing careful restoration in our shop to bring it back to its original splendor. Contact us today for more details and to make it yours!

Vintage Barrel Back Armchair
Antique Empire Washstand
Mid Century
Modern Hutch
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Tri-Bond Empire
Deco Dresser

International Shipping
Now Available

International shipping is now available through our storefront on 1st Dibs. This specialty service allows us to serve clients around the globe.

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Want to learn more about antique furniture?

This guide is perfect for beginners who want a strong starting point in the ever-evolving field of antique furniture. While mastering this subject takes years of experience and study, this eBook provides the essential building blocks to set you on the right path.

GET IN TOUCH

Saved By Design is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.

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