- Other
The story of Tom and Sabine Verellen began in 1990 in their hometown of Antwerp. Today, Verellen Studio thrives in the international furniture scene, with a branch in High Point, North Carolina; the heart of the American furniture industry. Yet, the duo remains deeply rooted in their European origins, blending them with a local craftsmanship that has been refined over generations.
The studio fuses Belgian design with American production. This transatlantic combination results in pieces with a clear design language, finished with great attention to detail and built to last a lifetime… or longer. Each creation begins its journey in Belgium and is brought to life with precision in the United States. The production process is largely manual, combining traditional upholstery techniques with modern manufacturing methods.
At its core is a material philosophy based on sustainability, quality, and transparency. The wood is sourced from responsibly managed local forests and meets strict environmental standards. The steel springs are made from recycled metal. Even the cushion fillings are made from ethically sourced down or recycled foam. When it comes to fabrics, Verellen Studio works with a mix of Belgian linen, cotton, wool, and recycled yarns. The leather, prominently featured in the collection, is carefully tanned and is derived from food industry by-products.
Each creation begins its journey in Belgium and is brought to life with precision in the United States
This attention to materials and process reflects a company vision rooted in sustainability and social responsibility. More than 175 people now work in the North Carolina workshop, giving form to the designs of the Verellen family, a family that now proudly welcomes its second generation into the business. The close involvement of both family members and artisans, spread across two continents, gives Verellen Studio a unique position in the design world. This is not mass production, nor is it a marketing concept with a designer label. It is a process dedicated to tangible quality. Every piece that leaves the studio bears not only the signature of its maker but also the traces of a journey driven by intuition, precision, and patience.
Verellen Studio demonstrates that international growth need not come at the cost of authenticity. On the contrary: by remaining true to its values, the brand continues to build a story in which design and craftsmanship merge, with a clear focus on the long term.
Curious about the book ‘Belgian Craftsmanship III’? It is available via shop.imagicasa.be
Photography Grégoire Moulin, Kenton Robertson and Verellen
Text by Carolien Depamelaere