The Designer’s Journal: Woodward Throwbacks on Eclectic Design

For Woodward Throwbacks, design isn’t about trends or rules, it’s about honesty, experimentation, and creating pieces with soul. Drawing inspiration from architecture both near and far, from Detroit’s industrial warehouses to timeworn European facades, their work is layered, eclectic, and deeply authentic. “Our ethos is simple,” they share. “Authentic pieces inspire authentic spaces.”

We caught up with Woodward Throwbacks to learn more about their fearless approach to design, the oddball finds that bring unexpected character into their home, and how a favorite Schoolhouse sconce has become the perfect detail in their latest renovation.

Can you describe your design style in three words?

Experimental, textured, eclectic.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from architecture, everything from gritty Detroit warehouses to Eastern European buildings. I love mixing and matching different styles and genres. Architecture possesses an honesty and permanence that I translate into furniture and interiors, creating spaces that feel layered, soulful, and genuine.

What is your design ethos?

Our ethos at Woodward Throwbacks is simple: to create authentic furniture to inspire authentic spaces. Every piece we design carries a story, often through salvaged materials, and those stories give our projects character you just can’t fake.

What does your home say about you?

That we’re not afraid to be ourselves. Our home is pretty trendless; it's a mix of found, salvaged, and vintage pieces, architectural experiments, and bold design choices. It’s funky in places, but that’s what makes it us.

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which was made to be broken?

I don’t believe in strict rules when it comes to design. To me, good design is self-expression. If I had to name one “rule,” it’s to follow your gut and buy the weird piece that makes your heart skip a beat. That oddball item usually ends up becoming the best part of a room.

What are you working on right now?

We’re deep into a few full-home and kitchen renovations that we’re really excited about. On the furniture side, we’re creating pieces for our showroom while also designing custom millwork for these renovation projects. It’s a fun balance between small-batch experimental pieces and large-scale interiors.

Do you have any design mentors?

I’ve never officially asked her to be my mentor, but my friend Leanne Ford is a huge inspiration. The way she sees design and constantly pushes boundaries always motivates me as a designer, artist, and creator.

What’s your favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?

Add an oddball. What’s the one thing that feels a little weird, but you can’t stop staring at? In our living room, it’s a vintage accent chair shaped like a baseball mitt. I’m not even a baseball fan, but the piece was too good to pass up. Now it’s the focal point of the space, totally unexpected, and the most comfortable seat in the house.

Can you share your favorite piece of decor in your own home?

Definitely our vintage glassware collection. We love entertaining, and we designed an oversized bar in our warehouse-turned-home. Guests get to pick their own mug, glass, or stemware from the shelves. It’s eclectic, a little chaotic, and always sparks conversation.

What’s your favorite Schoolhouse product at the moment?

I’m currently obsessed with the Atwood Sconce. I used it in a recent project and fell in love with the way the texture shines through the black finish. I’m currently renovating the second floor of my home and can already see a row of these sconces lining the hallway, adding a perfect moody, modern vibe.