A Collaboration Rooted in Innovation & Craftsmanship
A continuation of previous KBIS shows, the partnership between Keeler Brass Company and Grothouse is built on a shared commitment to many things, mainly an eye for detail, quality materials, craftsmanship, and innovation. According to Keeler Brass Company’s Creative Director, Knikki Kennedy Grantham, this year’s collaboration was particularly special because of Grothouse’s fearless approach to design and execution. “Grothouse seems to embrace the idea of innovation and creativity, pushing boundaries to create designs that stand out and leave a lasting impact. From a design perspective, this approach of charting into unknown territory is what often distinguishes legendary works. It’s all about going beyond the conventional, taking risks, and creating something that hasn’t been seen before,” says Grantham.
This ethos was fully embodied in the Pastore™ Waterfall tactile table , where natural Red Oak was elevated through bold finishing techniques and an unexpected, edgy aesthetic that challenged traditional design norms.
The Inspiration
The concept for this year’s Touch Table display was deeply personal to Grantham. To display the company’s stunning collections of pulls and knobs, along with their exclusive Designer Toolkit, Grantham wanted to merge her edgy, creative style with her background in interior design, resulting in a piece that was both visually striking and sensorially engaging. David Warmenhoven, Belwith Products’ Director of Product Innovation, worked closely with Grothouse founder Paul Grothouse to help bring Grantham’s vision to life through collaborative efforts and thoughtful engineering. The design process required communication and trust between the parties, as the inspiration for the Touch Table came from an unexpected source. True to her bold style and her eye for detail, Grantham had spotted a 1970’s vintage red cerused guitar in an antique shop one day and knew she wanted to reimagine it.
“Cerused wood has that beautiful, textured finish that adds depth and character, so translating that aesthetic into a table feels like a natural but bold step. In the culinary world, they say you eat with your eyes—well, this is food for the design soul. The visual appeal of a design is just as important as its function—people interact with it emotionally before they ever use it.”
Through handcrafted details like wire-brushing and applying a deep black stain with a red glaze, the “Touch Table” was impossible to ignore. The cerused effect enhanced the natural grain of the Red Oak , giving it an aged, high-end patina that resonated with both modern and vintage design influences.
Pushing Boundaries in Wood Design
The design was not an easy one! Turning a bold creative vision into reality requires a team willing to embrace challenges head-on. Grantham credited Paul Grothouse and the Grothouse team for their shared approach to craftsmanship, engineering, and execution, “A ‘can do’ attitude is so crucial in design, especially when pushing boundaries or creating something unconventional. Paul and the Grothouse team really embraced my vision for the 14′ table and didn’t let any challenges get in the way. The fact that there was no pushback, just a collaborative approach to engineering and execution—shows how committed they are to making ideas come to life, no matter how bold or unconventional. It’s always exciting when the final product exceeds expectations.”
For designers and architects who may be hesitant to specify wood in their projects, the Pastore™ Waterfall tactile table served as a testament to wood’s limitless potential when paired with expert craftsmanship and innovative finishing techniques.
Why Wood? The Emotional Connection to Natural Materials
Leaving the Keeler Brass Company exhibit, there was no question as to the emotional power of natural materials in luxury design. Wood is not just a surface—it’s a story, a sensory experience, and a connection to nature. Grantham explained, “The visceral reaction to beauty is a powerful force—it’s what elevates a design from being functional to being truly meaningful. It’s incredible how something as natural as wood can be transformed by a designer’s touch, melding the raw essence of nature with human creativity to create something completely new yet deeply connected to its origins.”
For designers seeking to add warmth, texture, and a sense of authenticity to their spaces, wood remains an unparalleled choice. Whether through custom finishing techniques, bold stain applications, or innovative engineering, the possibilities for wood surfacing in high-end interiors are truly endless.
A New Era of Design Freedom
The Pastore™ Waterfall Touch Table at KBIS demonstrated that the future of luxury design is all about pushing boundaries, experimenting with materials, and creating pieces that evoke emotion. For designers and architects, this display was a reminder that wood is not just a traditional material—it is a canvas for bold, artistic expression.
Through a cultivated partnership, Grothouse and Keeler Brass Company collaborated to demonstrate how craftsmanship, creativity, and a willingness to experiment can transform wood into a design-forward, tactile, and emotionally resonant experience. Are you ready to embrace the future of wood design? Explore how Grothouse can bring your vision to life with unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative finishes.
