Cedar & Cotton is a new & vintage home furnishings company based in Southwest Baltimore City and Baltimore Magazine’s 2017 Editors Pick for Best Furniture Showroom. The duo expertly curates, refurbishes, and handcrafts an eclectic mix of furniture, accessories & lighting. Their signature style mixes traditional with the unexpected, and often incorporates themes from nature, African prints, and metallic accents.
Nasira and Raina are both originally from Baltimore & have been friends for over a decade, bonding over their shared love of architecture, design, and grilled meats!
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
Baltimore, Circa 1950. Photo by the late I. Henry Phillips, Sr., a pioneering photojournalist for the Baltimore-based Afro-American newspaper.
Black History Month this year is a time to actively celebrate our culture and contributions even more intently than we do everyday. In our lives and design, we work to always pay homage to Black designers who have come before us. We place emphasis on actively shining light on underrepresented Black designers and furniture makers, locally, nationally and internationally. This black history month (and always) we’re honoring black women business owners, both current and those who paved the way.
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Design This Year?
Portrait of Mursi Girl, Omo Valley, Ethiopia by Peter Adams
This oversized print hangs in the entryway of our storefront. Each time we enter we are inspired by the wisdom and resilience in her eyes.
We’re constantly inspired by the people of Baltimore City. The energy of the city is authentic, electric and energizing. There is a renaissance of Black creatives owning businesses, creative hubs and safe spaces and we’re honored to be part of this group. The collaborative, but often unspoken, mission of community growth pushes us to continue to create.
We are also inspired by personal items and ephemera we find in vintage pieces we restore. Finding negatives for vintage wedding photos in a desk or a pair of classic 50’s cat-eye glasses in a sofa reminds us that we’re continuing someone’s personal and family story each time we breathe new life into vintage furniture.
To Learn More About Nasira & Raina Visit:
- Website: cedarandcotton.com
- Instagram: cedarandcotton
- Facebook: Cedar and Cotton