Bob Brown’s Pieces fit into Rustic Décor, Cowboy Décor or any home that has a hint of Western Design or wants one.

Near a small Indiana town where the rivers Eel and Wabash meet, is a man who auctioned off his construction equipment to become a furniture maker.

On land that’s been in his family for more than 20 years, and where arrowheads and other remnants of the Miami Indians are found, Bob Brown harvests and mills his own beautiful hardwood. He’s known around Cass County for his work and is frequently called when nuisance trees are felled so he can recover the lumber. A self-proclaimed scavenger of beautiful wood, Bob finds wood where tree trimmers work and utility companies clear branches to keep lines open.

Bob has a unique take on furniture made from hardwoods. He says, he doesn’t want it to be too perfect, but to reflect its natural beauty. Most furniture made of hardwood is planed, sanded and polished to perfection.

“To me that’s institutionalized, I like to see its natural expression, the beauty of the sapwood and its rough edges.”

Where does his inspiration come from? “ Montana. I love Montana,” he says.

Five boys later, he’s still in Indiana, but hoping the family can find their way out West someday. He and his wife Julie, a fourth grade teacher, both enjoy the outdoors and spend their free time camping, hiking and working on their property.

Bob’s grandfather clocks, dining room tables and beds are seen in homes from the Midwest to New England. Some of his most specialized pieces are found in beautiful resort homes in Colorado. To see more of Bob’s work go to ContemporaryWesternDesign.com.