Store

McKinnon Furniture began as a one-woman operation 1989, and has since expanded so that co-owners Sheila McKinnon and Theresa Schneider keep a bustling workshop in south Seattle and a gracious Western Avenue showroom. You can't get much homier than this - warm-toned hardwood furniture (mostly from the Kane Forest in Pennsylvania) is upholstered with plush chenille and sumptuous leather. The wood makes its way into rockers, blanket chests, shelves and even entire home-office systems and beds that make sleep more of a luxury than it already is. There's a little something here for everyone's taste, whether you're mad for Mission, aching for Arts-and-Crafts, or panting for Pacific Rim-inspired pieces. The owners have also made it a point to stay local, and have added, for example, metalwork from Magnolia's Gilman Smith, upholstered furniture from Mukilteo's Kaas Tailored and wooden lamps from Mitchell Woodworking in Seattle.

Each piece is made to order and takes months to complete, so while those seeking instant gratification may end up gnashing their teeth in frustration, those who can wait will be able to get furniture that finally fits in that funny corner of the living room.

Tips: If you simply must have that aubergine chenille couch on the showroom floor and it's two inches too wide for its intended nook, banish all thoughts of taking a chain saw to it. The furniture is made-to-order and the folks at McKinnon have no problem giving or taking an inch or three here and there.

By Vanessa McGrady
Special to NWsource