BDDW
5 Crosby St., 212-625-1230
This temple of design on Crosby Street is devoted to exceptionally well-made, good-looking furniture that would be equally at home in a Colorado ski chalet or a TriBeCa loft. At BDDW's Philadelphia wood shop, each piece is made by hand from domestic hardwoods, resulting in furniture with a timeless quality and a modern edge. Every design features at least one unexpected touch: the Lake credenza has a cello-shaped cutout at its back, for cord egress and ventilation; the Mason desk boasts a pencil drawer, so you'll never be at a loss for a writing implement. Painter and sculptor Tyler Hays is the head designer, and the 12-year-old company evolves according to his interests. Recently, Hays has introduced a line of all-leather credenzas and side tables, and he launched Phila Audio Corporation to produce speakers and one-off record players that look more like works of art than audio equipment. Stop in at the 7,500-square-foot space and you might hear classic songs coming from a turntable whose tonearm is made from yew wood. —AS