Osmo Artisan Spotlight – Simon Barrie of Colwell Studios
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, furniture maker Simon Barrie is quietly preserving the art of traditional craftsmanship through his studio, Colwell Studios. Specializing in hand-crafted hardwood furniture built with classic joinery techniques, Simon creates pieces that embody warmth, permanence, and purpose in a fast-paced city.
A lifelong maker influenced by his architect father and years spent in construction and landscape design, Simon approaches woodworking with deep respect for materials and time-honoured process. His work draws inspiration from Shaker design, New York’s creative energy, and the belief that furniture should feel both timeless and deeply personal.
For Simon, finishing wood is about more than protection—it’s about connection. His preferred oil-and-wax finishes, like Osmo Polyx®-Oil 3054 Clear Satin, highlight the grain’s natural character while providing durable, eco-friendly protection that stands the test of time.
In this Q&A, Simon shares his path to woodworking, his design philosophy, and the story behind The Crib for Cleo—a handcrafted heirloom built to be passed through generations of friends.
📖 Read on to discover how Simon blends tradition, sustainability, and artistry to create furniture built to last a lifetime.
Who are you and what do you specialize in?
My name is Simon Barrie and I am a furniture maker based in Brooklyn, NY. I specialize in hand-crafted hardwood furniture with a focus on traditional joinery.
How long have you been practicing? How did you get started?
I began making furniture in earnest 3 years ago when I created Colwell Studios. My father is an architect, so as a kid I was always helping him build projects. I worked in construction in throughout my teenage years and ended up working for a Brooklyn based landscape architecture firm for four years before I made the jump to furniture making. All of those experiences taught me the value of quality materials and exacting craftsmanship in creating pieces that will last for generations.
What inspires your designs and choice of materials?
Living in New York City inspires me greatly. This city is a hub for culture and art but can be a bit cold and fast paced at times; there is a need for permanence and warmth here and I try to design pieces that will bring those values to people’s homes and apartments. I’m also a shaker fanatic and draw heavily from their influence.
How do you choose the finishes or treatments for your wood?
I almost always use oil and wax as a finish. It’s been used for centuries to finish furniture and there’s good reason for that. It ages beautifully, is long-lasting and is non-toxic.
What’s your biggest frustration when finishing wood?
My biggest frustration with finishing wood is waiting for finish to dry. I can’t wait to see the piece completed!
What do you value most in a finish: durability, ease of use, eco-friendliness, appearance, repairability?
I value eco-friendliness, durability and finishes that I don’t need to wear a respirator to apply.
How do you choose the finishes or treatments for your wood?
I almost always use oil and wax as a finish. It’s been used for centuries to finish furniture and there’s good reason for that. It ages beautifully, is long-lasting and is non-toxic.
What’s your biggest frustration when finishing wood?
My biggest frustration with finishing wood is waiting for finish to dry. I can’t wait to see the piece completed!
What do you value most in a finish: durability, ease of use, eco-friendliness, appearance, repairability?
I value eco-friendliness, durability and finishes that I don’t need to wear a respirator to apply.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to enter your field?
Build everything you can and trust your gut instinct. Throughout many projects I have thought that some element of design should be changed, and throughout these design changes I almost inevitably end up realizing that my initial choices and idea was the best.
We’ve asked you to share some of your favourite pieces finished with Osmo, can you tell us what makes them special to you?
The Crib for Cleo is my favourite piece I’ve made. I built it for two of my good friends for their new baby with the agreement that it will be passed down to the next couple in our friend group who have a baby. To be able to create something so personal, functional and beautiful really checks all the boxes and it’s the highlight of my furniture making career so far.
How do you feel about the upkeep and maintenance of your finished pieces?
I tell all my clients when I drop off the pieces I have made for them that this is worst the furniture will ever look. As it ages and develops a patina of use and history it will only become more beautiful.
What do you value most in a finish: durability, ease of use, eco-friendliness, appearance, repairability?
I value eco-friendliness, durability and finishes that I don’t need to wear a respirator to apply.
What are you the most excited about this year?
I’m excited to keep expanding my horizons as far as furniture is concerned. I have a lot of interesting and challenging projects coming up and am looking forward to keeping learning and growing in this craft.
“Do your work as though you had a thousand years to live, and as if you were to die tomorrow.”
– Mother Ann
Where do you usually shop for finishes and materials?
I got to Tools for Working Wood, a Brooklyn based woodworking shop that is an incredible resource for woodworkers in this city.
Do you follow makers or brands online for inspiration? If yes, which ones?
I love Andres Pfister (@andres_pfister), Tasushige Nakamura, Brian Persico and of course the great Christian Becksvoort.
What is your favourite Osmo product?
Osmo Wood Wax Finish, 3054 Clear Satin
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