Meet the Maker
Michael Bannett, owner
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Michael’s designs balance form and function, drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of mid-century aesthetics and the sleek lines of contemporary design. Growing up, Michael was surrounded by the work of legendary furniture maker George Nakashima, whose pieces furnished his grandparent’s home. From an early age, he gained an appreciation for fine woodworking and design that he carries into his work today.
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Michael’s woodworking journey began with home renovations and DIY projects, and gradually evolved into crafting custom furniture for friends and family. During the early days of the pandemic his focus turned to fine furniture, and in 2021 he opened the Bannett Woodworks Etsy store to share some of his creations with a wider audience.
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Michael's desire is to reintroduce an appreciation for quality craftsmanship to a culture inundated with cheaply and poorly made goods – to build a piece exactly as you envision it, with the kind of quality and individuality you simply cannot find from a mass-produced furniture retailer. Whether crafting custom pieces or creating his own designs, Michael approaches each project with passion and creativity, striving to exceed his clients' expectations with every finished piece.
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In addition to his growing woodworking business, music has always been a central part of Michael’s life. Originally from San Francisco, Michael moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago to pursue a career in music, and maintains an active career as a professional classical singer. He currently lives in Pasadena with his wife and their Australian Cattle Dog, Nellie.
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We live in an era of disposable goods. Mass-produced furniture is no exception; built as cheaply as possible, with little regard for quality or durability. Cheap furniture is often sprayed with toxic finishes, and commonly ends up in a landfill within a few short years. We can work to combat this trend by investing in high quality, sustainable furniture that will last a lifetime.
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Bannett Woodworks:
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Builds with sustainably sourced domestic hardwoods
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Uses environmentally-friendly, non-toxic wood finishes
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Composts wood shavings
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Creates biochar out of scrap wood​
Sustainability
Bannett Woodworks is a proud partner of One Tree Planted.
For every custom order or product purchased,
Bannett Woodworks will donate the planting of one tree.
“The woodworker has a special intensity, a striving for perfection, a conviction that any task must be executed with all his skill…to create the best object he is capable of creating.”
— George Nakashima