When we first began sketching ideas for our dining room, the goal wasn’t just to make it look beautiful—it was to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and lived in. A dining room, after all, is more than a set of chairs and a table. It’s where we gather at the end of a long day, where holidays are celebrated, and where messy pancake breakfasts happen on Saturday mornings. We wanted a space that could handle all of it—family life, hosting, and everything in between—without losing its charm.
Sustainability has been at the heart of this entire renovation. From the materials we’ve chosen to the brands we’ve partnered with, the goal has always been to build a home that’s not only beautiful but also thoughtful. The dining room was no exception. With three animals, a toddler, and plenty of guests passing through, our furniture needed to be sturdy, responsibly made, and designed to last.
Discovering What We Make
Years ago, while working on a bathroom project in our Rhode Island house, we stumbled across a small family-owned furniture company on Etsy: What We Make. The name stuck with me, not just because of the simple charm but because of what they stand for.
Every piece they create is built by hand in the USA, using reclaimed wood, eco-friendly finishes, and sustainable materials. At a time when fast furniture dominates the market—items that look good for a season but rarely hold up—it felt refreshing to see a brand so committed to craft and longevity. Their ethos aligned perfectly with how we want to live: investing in fewer, better things that hold stories within them.
Furniture With Flexibility
One of the most appealing things about What We Make is how customizable their pieces are. No two homes are exactly the same, and they understand that. Whether it’s the dimensions of your table, the type of wood, or the stain finish, you can shape their designs into something that feels uniquely yours.
For us, that level of customization was key. We knew we wanted a dining table that could serve as the anchor of the room—a piece big enough for gatherings but versatile enough for everyday meals. We worked with them to select the size and finish that suited our space best. The result is a table that feels tailor-made for our home, seamlessly fitting into the flow of the room while also standing strong as a statement piece.
And for anyone who doesn’t have time to wait on custom furniture, they also offer a quick-ship collection that includes tables and benches. That mix of flexibility and convenience makes them a rare find in today’s furniture market.
Form Meets Function
When you live with kids and pets, “pretty but delicate” furniture just doesn’t cut it. Our dining room needed a table that could handle the realities of life—scratches from a curious cat, sippy cups knocked over, crayons accidentally left on the surface. With What We Make, we knew we weren’t just investing in something sustainable—we were investing in something sturdy enough to weather real family living.
There’s a beauty in that, too. Reclaimed wood isn’t pristine by nature, and that’s part of its appeal. Each plank carries history, small imperfections, and natural character that only deepen with use. Instead of worrying about keeping it flawless, we can embrace the fact that this table is meant to be lived at.
Gathering Season
As we look ahead to the holidays, I’m especially grateful for this space we’ve created. A dining table becomes the backdrop for so many memories—laughter shared over dinner, late-night conversations, kids sneaking extra dessert. With our new furniture in place, the room feels ready to hold all those moments.
The chairs, sturdy and comfortable, encourage lingering around the table a little longer. The table itself feels like an open invitation to gather. And with the warm tones of reclaimed wood, the whole room radiates that cozy, inviting energy we hoped to achieve from the start.
Sustainable Choices That Last
What I love most about this project is that it feels aligned with our values. Choosing furniture that’s thoughtfully made—by people who care about the process, the planet, and the customer—feels good. It’s a reminder that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. Quite the opposite: it often results in pieces that hold more meaning, more character, and more longevity.
For anyone looking to update their space, whether starting from scratch or simply refreshing a room, I can’t recommend What We Make enough. Their designs are timeless, their quality speaks for itself, and the fact that every piece is made-to-order makes it feel special from the moment it arrives in your home.
A Little Gift For You
As a thank-you to my readers, What We Make is generously offering 10% off when you order any two or more products from their site using the code JESS10. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring something meaningful into your home—a piece that’s made to last, that’s kind to the environment, and that’s designed just for you.
In the end, our dining room is more than just a space to eat. It’s a space to connect. To pause. To celebrate. And now, thanks to the care and craftsmanship of What We Make, it’s also a reflection of the values we hold dear: sustainability, beauty, and family living.
