Behind Cuff Studio's New L.A. Gallery And What's Next

With their recently opened Melrose Hill gallery and ready-to-order designs (which include an Art Deco-style folding screen and a bistro set with Fornasetti-meets-Haring vibes), Kristi Bender and Wendy Schwartz, the founders of Cuff Studio, share a fresh view of Los Angeles.

Why Melrose Hill for the gallery? Kristi Bender: For the local community. The neighborhood aligns with our own approach: accessible, friendly and hardworking.

What local perks do you most enjoy? Wendy Schwartz: It’s all ground-up talent here. Restaurant Kuya Lord—a James Beard winner—is a great example. And the art galleries are incredible: we love Southern Guild, Emma Fernberger, James Fuentes and David Zwirner.

How has daily life changed? KB: We’re out and about more. It helps break up the day when you pause, walk, share a “hello” and get some sunshine in. It’s the perfect blend of heads down to work and then heads up for inspiration.

And what’s to come? WS: Geometry, architecture and lifestyle inspire us. New designs will include hand-roped lighting, our first coffee table and a daybed iteration of our popular Block Bench.