The Grommet ‘Buys Differently’

The Grommet, a curated online marketplace of products that haven’t hit the mainstream yet, prides itself on the motto, Buy Differently. Deeply embedded in their ethos is a desire to customize the economy around personal buying values. Pretty impressive.

Maker Matt Rink installing the recreated pallet dividers.

With a stance so powerful it’s hard to imagine The Grommet ever decking its offices out in run-of-the-mill decor. So when The Grommet was upgrading from mismatched Lexington, MA home offices to a Somerville, MA brick building, co-founder & CEO, Jules Pieri, turned to CustomMade to find a Maker who could turn her old factory inspiration into a reality and help her to buy differently on a larger scale.

The requirements were straightforward: create and install pallet-like cubicle dividers and a reclaimed wood media backdrop with dimensional specifications, to be both beautiful and functional … in one month’s time.

A couple of The Grommet employees working at their pallet divider stations.

Maker Matt Rink of New Antiquity fit the bill perfectly. Using over 1,500 pieces of wood he built about 34 dividers to break the office into departmental pods. The media backdrop, focused on New Antiquity’s specialty, is made entirely of reclaimed wood cut and pieced together and mounted on a caster supported steel super structure.

The results were stunning and completely one-of-a-kind. The dividers create segmented space while allowing for a free flow of creativity between teams.  The media backdrop is a bespoke focal point of The Grommet studio where daily shoots take place showcasing the products on site.

The media backdrop in the office studio.

By working with Matt, Jules was able to live up to the standard she has set for her company. Not only is she living and breathing The Grommet’s motto, she is filling their everyday space with conversation-starting pieces that support local Makers. 

CustomMade

CustomMade

CustomMade is an online marketplace connecting customers who want one-of-a-kind creations with professional and passionate makers of those goods.
CustomMade
CustomMade

Latest posts by CustomMade (see all)

Join the Insider List!
Stay involved and get updates on the latest in sustainable living.