Photography by Werner Segarra

Owners: Julie (left) and John Taber with Director of Sales and Marketing Beth Bon (right)
Opened: November 2008
Location: Scottsdale Design District, 2732 N. 68th St., Suite 1, Scottsdale
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and by appointment (open to trade professionals only)
Phone: (480) 946-0610
Web site: taberandcompany.net
History: Julie and John Taber fondly recall the first piece of furniture they made—a dining table that the Tucson-based couple says easily could have been sanded to a pile of sawdust in their quest for perfection. The pair quickly realized that crafting mesquite furniture was their passion and launched Taber & Co. in 1995. Over the last 13 years, the firm has been honored with numerous accolades; in 2003, John was named a Phoenix Home & Garden Master of the Southwest. The Tabers opened their showroom in Scottsdale last year to provide clients a place to see the breadth of their hand-carved pieces firsthand.
Philosophy: John explains that the company’s creations, which also include millwork, cabinetry and ironwork, start with hand-drawn designs and are manufactured using craftsman-made moldings and tools. Julie adds that this attention to detail results in items that are built to last a lifetime. “People aren’t just buying a piece, they are buying an heirloom,” she says.
What’s in store: Taber & Co. employs around 20 craftsmen who specialize in custom hand-produced mesquite wood furniture and hand-forged ironwork. Find everything from dining tables with hefty Old World-style carved legs, to a side table based on the design of an old-fashioned radiator, to one-of-a-kind kitchen islands with such elements as edge detailing and knife holders built into the wood top. Hand-forged iron chandeliers feature scrolling embellishments and French wiring, a vintage style in which wires are exposed. All stains and waxes are proprietary, and furniture pieces display such touches as dovetail joinery and custom hardware. Mirrors, beds, vanities, range hoods and solid-wood doors round out the offerings.
Don’t miss: The oversize, intricately carved mesquite armoire in the showroom’s display kitchen. Don’t be fooled, though—the armoire-like design actually houses a Sub-Zero refrigerator.