Durame: Blending Past & Future

In 1933, a small artisanal workshop dedicated to furniture making was founded in Cantù, a picturesque town nestled between Milan and Como, renowned worldwide for its rich tradition in furniture craftsmanship. Nearly a century later, this workshop has flourished into a legacy now spanning three generations. Throughout the decades, their commitment to tradition, exceptional craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality has only deepened, making these values the cornerstone of their creations.

Durame, the culmination of decades of expertise, embodies the seamless fusion of innovation and tradition. This brand represents the passionate artistry of woodworking passed down through generations, combined with a modern drive to bring fresh ideas to life. Each piece of furniture and every design accent they create is imbued with meaning, boasting a distinct and unique personality. Through meticulous research, thoughtful design, and a deep appreciation for materials, their products embody the essence of Italian craftsmanship at its finest, celebrating the enduring values that define true artisanal excellence.

Durame blends past and future: the art of woodworking handed down for generations and the ambition to give the material a new form. How do you reconcile these two approaches?

Thanks to the know-how acquired over many decades and the ability to marry innovation and tradition, we can provide a comprehensive service that ranges from project development to material selection, from realization to installation. The highly specialized expertise of our artisans, together with design and technical management, state-of-the-art machinery and technology, culture, and experience, have all led to the synthesis of what can be seen as “old-school craftsmanship” with that of the new generation. Artisan workmanship must not only honor the past but also be able to renew itself and embrace the challenge posed by technology, while still preserving and passing down the traditional techniques. In doing so, each product retains its exclusivity and quality.

Your products are "imbued with meaning, each exhibiting a distinct character”. How do you succeed in bestowing this quality onto each product in your collections?

We firmly believe that respect for tradition, “doing things well”, and high-quality standards are the fundamental qualities that set our creations apart. As such, the notable components in the design and realization of our products are: great attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship that combines age-old techniques with state-of-the-art machinery, and research and enhancement of the material. Each piece is characterized by a distinctive design, by shapes revealed by the handcrafting process where a human touch is still visible and dominant. This begins with materials selection and product development. The synergy between design and production is at its peak when that special chemistry is created, whereby the product is unique and recognizable, meaning that the company philosophy is clearly expressed and conveyed.

What motivated you to embrace collaborations with important designers?

Collaborating with designers is key to develop fresh ideas and keep up with the times while still adhering to our philosophy and design concepts. The designer always provides an innovative push whereby we can pursue new goals that allow us to grow and develop as a company. In this way, we can create products that often represent new challenges posed by the research that goes into these special designs. A company needs to have designers who, in identifying with the company's philosophy and work ethos, propose innovative products that encapsulate Durham's trademark and identity.