Meet Maison Madeleine! Founded by Leah Cumming, Maison Madeleine is a fine furniture brand based in Los Angeles. Their collection consists of thirteen meticulously hand-crafted pieces meant to withstand the test of time. Maison Madeleine was founded on the premise that furniture has the ability to tell a story. Each piece is steeped in rich history, drawing inspiration from iconic French design with subtle nods to the art deco period. Their pieces are not only inspired by history, but are made to be centerpieces throughout history. They appreciate an old-meets-new-world aesthetic, merging the charm of antique furniture with contemporary accents, to create a one of a kind collection handcrafted by skilled artisans in Los Angeles.

Maison Madeleine is incredibly stunning and Pinterest worthy. Equal parts elegant and functional, I adore the brand’s European aesthetic and inspiration. Learn more about Leah, Maison Madeleine, and some LA hotspots below!

1. Tell me about yourself, your work, and Maison Madeleine. What does your process from start to finish look like?

I spent much of my childhood in Paris, which piqued my interest in design and antiques at an early age. My parents were also obsessed with anything and everything French, which meant frequent trips to Parisian flea markets. I ultimately pursued my passion for design at the Savannah College of Art and Design where I studied interior design. I then moved to Los Angeles, gaining professional experience at Nickey Kehoe and other design firms before starting Maison Madeleine. Many of my pieces are inspired by antique and vintage furniture, but I also love looking through contemporary design magazines, which, together, influence my designs. Once I have an idea for a piece though, a crucial part of my process is collaborating with local artisans in Los Angeles to bring my designs to life. My initial collection consisted of ten pieces, which has now grown to thirteen, but I am constantly working on new designs.

2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Maison Madeleine?

The Maison Madeleine collection is whimsical yet classic, rustic yet refined, playful yet functional. Although all of the pieces are tied to my own experiences and memories, I try to create furniture that evokes emotion and feeling for anyone who orders. Our pieces are made to be timeless, while remaining versatile enough for both classic and contemporary settings.

3. What inspires you? What is the ethos of Maison Madeleine?

Given my upbringing, I am largely inspired by iconic French designs, with nods to the Art Deco period. I also spent time traveling in Asia, which greatly influenced my work. The idea of wabi sabi, in particular, is key to my work, as I want the collection to exude minimalism with elements of imperfection, but also function as centerpieces in any space. The ethos of Maison Madeleine centers on creating furniture that is both beautiful and functional, with a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and using the highest quality materials handmade in Los Angeles.

4. What are your favorite pieces to design? What has been your favorite piece(s) to date and why?

I particularly enjoy the custom furniture component of design, and we often work with designers to craft custom pieces that seamlessly fit into unique spaces. Although all of the pieces hold a special meaning, my favorite piece is the Seaside Shell Stool, which was inspired by an old Venetian Grotto Stool, and served as the foundation for the rest of my collection. I am also particularly fond of the Vosges Sofa, named after the square where I lived in Paris.

5. Describe the style of Maison Madeleine in three words.

Timeless
Sophisticated
Chic

6. What’s next for Maison Madeleine?

I'm excited to share that I'm in the process of creating a new collection for Maison Madeleine. While I can't reveal all the details just yet, this new line will continue to embody our commitment to timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and functional beauty. I'm looking forward to exploring new ideas and materials while staying true to the aesthetic and values that define Maison Madeleine. This expansion represents the next chapter in our journey, and I can't wait to share it with our clients and the design community.