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Aesthetic, an original line of furniture, lighting and mirrors by Richard
Johnson, seamlessly integrates elements of traditional design with the
conventions of modern living and was first introduced in 2004. Johnson’s
love of period detailing and discerning eye are made manifest in pieces that strike an original balance between innovation and reproduction. “Using elements of the past, in an edited fashion, allows a piece to have a story, something that sparks the imagination. Every person will have a different experience with each piece as they call on their collective memory with clues given by historic reference.”

A native to California, Johnson is the son of an artist in her own right, and a developer father. With dreams of being an architect, Johnson received a degree in Architecture from USC with additional studies in Rome, and at Cambridge University in England, exposing him to places where art,
architecture and history converge. After school Johnson worked in
architecture, but within years found himself in the world of furniture, working with various high end furniture reproduction companies in Los Angeles.

Rich Johnson

“Every person will have a different experience with each piece as they call on their collective memory with clues given by historic reference.”

Aesthetic Decor Coastal Living Bar Stools

Interior by Mark D. Sikes

With his growing knowledge of furniture details, and buoyed by his valuable experience and his strong desire to create something new, Johnson began plans for Aesthetic.

What makes Aesthetic fresh and original is the stylistic way Johnson
transcribes the details of past works onto modern forms, disconnecting a
specific element from a building or cabinet, or a found object that has
existed for decades even centuries and re-establishing it within a current
context. It is the refined process of transforming a selected element as
opposed to reproducing a piece in its entirety that keeps the item from
being too specific, allowing it to be interpreted rather than identified, the precise era remains ambiguous, timeless. This being said, there are some reproductions included in the line, serving as inspirations and add to the language of the collection.

The Aesthetic collection is all hand-crafted in the USA by California
artisans, some being second and third generation cabinet makes, finishers
and upholsterers; the art of craftsmanship being passed generation to
generation. All of the lumber is hand cut, shaped, planed and assembled locally. All finishes are mixed and applied by hand. The furniture is made
per order therefore each piece is made specifically for the intended
receiver, maybe this is you.