Imagine beautifully handcrafted artisanal furniture made from sustainably grown reforested wood – maker Masaya & Co is one of those unique brands making a difference. Based in the lush Central American country of Nicaragua their furniture products are purposely made with wood grown in reforestation projects coordinated through their sister company Maderas Sostenibles, which has been working diligently to convert deforested land into productive plantations for over 9 years. They have planted more than 1 million trees in that time, working with local farmers and growing trees on deforested cattle lands, capturing carbon and replenishing landscapes.
The Future Looks Bright
Masaya & Co is vertically integrated and believes that wood is the best renewable building material from the nursery to the sawmill to the finished product. Precious hardwoods such as teak, mahogany, pochote, rosewood, and Spanish cedar possess shorter growth cycles and higher market prices than northern timbers, making them a more sustainable option for the future. The company is passionate about its work and committed to reversing the effects of unregulated deforestation. Many times, forests are clear-cut without thought or environmental consideration; cost and profit become the driving factors. Masaya & Co is focused on creating beautiful elements for living while preserving the environment for future generations.
Renewable Prefab Homes
Masaya Homes, a subsidiary of their company focuses on prefabricated dwellings. ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units), art studios, guest houses and work-from-home spaces that are beautifully designed. The homes are completely constructed of teak, a renewable resource that can be cultivated and naturally replenished without damaging the forest. Most of the species of wood used by Masaya & Co can be planted and harvested multiple times during a human life span, making it an ideal building material for prefabricated units. There are currently 6 models available, from the 120-square-foot Studio Uno to the expansive 1200-square-foot Sonoma model. The entire structure including floors, wall cladding, doors and millwork is constructed from sustainably grown teak.
A Beautiful Alternative To Mass-Produced Goods
Masaya & Co’s furniture is purposefully made. The pieces are crafted of quality materials and blend modern design trends with traditional production methods. The Masaya Lounge Chair is our favorite piece. It’s the perfect combination of stylish and casual, with a minimal profile, handwoven seat and backrest on a solid wood frame. We love this eye-catching Vasqueno pattern, a vibrant geometric design in a bright color palette that will artfully liven up your living space. The chair works beautifully in a mid century modern house with a warm bohemian flair, or a Spanish home celebrating all things handcrafted.
Add A Sculptural Element
These artisanal furniture pieces make the perfect pedestals to display books and decorative accessories. From coffee tables to accent tables these handcrafted pieces celebrate the sculptural beauty of Masaya & Co’s heirloom quality offerings. The Batea coffee table is sustainably sourced from 100 % solid teak hardwood and is available in three striking finishes. It also comes in a taller side table version. The Trompo table is inspired by the popular Latin American game and adds a bit of fun and whimsy to your living space.
Sustainable Furniture From Seed To Seat
One of the main things that sets Masaya & Co apart from other furniture makers is their focus on reforestation. They work with local farmers to replant trees that have been cut down for furniture production. This offsets the environmental impact of their business and also helps to preserve the natural beauty of Nicaragua. The result is beautiful, artisanal furniture that is made with care and sustainability in mind, with an overall goal to reduce environmental impact.
Rock On
A rocking chair usually doesn’t bring to mind the most contemporary of designs, however, the Izapa Rocking Chair changes that perception. Both stylish and comfortable, this handcrafted chair with curved wooden legs and armrests makes the perfect accent piece for interiors from modern and bohemian to eclectic and old-world. The bold black and white graphic pattern draws inspiration from Nicaragua’s Spanish Colonial architecture and elevates an interior with its designed complexity. Add a Masaya Ottoman in a solid color to amp up the corner of any room.
Surrounded By Nature
Masaya & Co also offers eye-catching storage solutions and decorative accessories. The Maderas Shelf is available in three teak finishes as well as Walnut and Mahogany wood. And what’s not to love about the beautiful circular mirror with or without an integrated shelf. Additionally, the company manufactures solid teak flooring both finished and unfinished, teak decking, wall cladding, doors, cabinetry and architectural millwork for both residential and commercial projects.
Head Of The Table
Looking to add some artisanal furniture pieces to your dining room? One of the company’s conversation-starting dining chairs creates a unique focal point, adding style and a contemporary touch to your space. The Chontales Chair is available with or without armrests and features a handwoven seat and backrest. Available in three teak finishes plus walnut and mahogany wood, plus additional distinctive patterns, these sculptural beauties offer both comfort and design. The simple yet striking Victoria Stool comes in bar and counter heights and brings to mind the classic shapes of mid century modern designer Arthur Umanoff.
All of Masaya & Co’s artisanal furniture is handcrafted, eco-friendly and made with love. If you are looking for unique, sustainable furniture, be sure to check out their collection, we call their brand culture and beautiful pieces, feel-good furniture!
