Wood and exotic animal print leather bench with truck storage
The FernandaPhoto: GS Furniture Company

Hidden Beauty, Hand Revealed: GS Furniture Company’s Artful Reimagination of Heirloom Elegance

Founded by lifelong friends Gabriela and Suzanne, GS Furniture Company is redefining heirloom luxury with handcrafted leather pieces that transform antique finds into timeless, personal treasures.

When Friendship Becomes Legacy

Gabriela and Suzanne, Founders of GS Furniture Company
Gabriela and Suzanne Bring Heart and Heritage to Handcrafted Furniture DesignPhoto Courtesy of GS Furniture Company

More than two decades ago, Gabriela and Suzanne first crossed paths as young mothers watching their daughters twirl through preschool ballet. What began as a gentle bond in those early days soon evolved into a friendship rooted in grace, grit, and shared creative vision.

Over the years, as they raised families and pursued individual careers, their connection deepened, fueled by a mutual appreciation for timeless design, heritage craftsmanship, and soulful storytelling. Eventually, the dream that had quietly taken shape between school drop-offs and late-night conversations found its form.

GS Furniture Company was born—a boutique atelier where craftsmanship meets character, and every piece is as personal as the friendship behind it. Like the heirloom vanities, tables and storied desks they lovingly restore, the beauty of their journey reveals itself with time, intention, and an enduring sense of purpose.

Wood and exotic animal print leather bench with truck storage
Inside the Craft of GS Furniture Company: A Conversation with Founders Gabriela and Suzanne

A Signature Style, One Tack at a Time

The Emilia custom wood and leather chest of drawers
The Emilia by GS Furniture CompanyPhoto: GS Furniture Company

"We only choose pieces we really love," Gabriela explains. "We preserve their soul and then add a touch of ourselves."

That blend of reverence and reinvention is what defines GS Furniture Company. Sourcing antique or vintage pieces with strong bones and timeless lines, Gabriela and Suzanne invest over countless hours per piece to restore, reimagine, and refinish with bold leathers, artisanal hardware, and finishes that feel soulful, not showy.

Suzanne says. "We’re creating furniture meant to last for generations."

Their materials are just as considered. Cowhide, lamb, and goat leathers from Mexico, Brazil, and Italy are chosen not for trends, but for texture, durability, and story. Every nail is hammered by hand. Every pattern is custom-cut. Every finish is tested, redone, and refined, to accentuate the soulful character that only handcrafted work can achieve.

The Art of Naming: Where Heritage Meets Heart

crafted from rich teak wood, finished in English chestnut,
The PaulGS Furniture Company

At GS Furniture Company, every piece tells a story—and every name carries meaning. These are not sterile SKUs or catalogue codes; they are personal tributes, etched in wood, leather, and legacy.

"We name our furniture the way you’d name a child," Suzanne explains. “It has to grow into itself first.” From children and lifelong friends to figures that inspire, the names behind each design reflect a deeper connection.

Take The Paul, for example, a striking piece crafted from rich teak wood, finished in English chestnut, and accented with dark brown leather and a bold deer-print cowhide. It embodies rugged charm and boundless energy, much like its namesake: a spirited soul with an adventurous edge and a wide circle of friends.

The Brandon trunk carved from teak stained warm chestnut, deep green
The BrandonGS Furniture Company

In contrast, The Brandon trunk exudes creative introspection. Also carved from teak and stained in warm chestnut with deep green undertones, it’s trimmed in brown and green cowhide, an homage to a different temperament. Brandon is a thinker, a storyteller, someone drawn to history and the art of imagining what could be.

Each name is an invitation, not just to own a piece of furniture, but to connect with the character it was inspired by.

Transforming the Pieces that Matter Most

Beyond their curated collections, GS Furniture Company has become known for its custom restoration work—especially pieces that carry emotional weight.

"We love when someone brings us an heirloom and asks us to bring out its hidden beauty," Gabriela says. The process is thoughtful and collaborative: clients share photos, stories, and style direction. Gabriela and Suzanne then create a vision board with leathers, stains, and finish concepts. Swatches are sent for approval. Sketches may evolve. But one thing never changes: the commitment to honoring both history and home.

Seasonal Collections, Timed with Intention

The Isabela: Vanity Pine wood Stained in English chestnut and dark walnut
The IsabelaGS Furniture Company

With a devotion to artistry over volume, GS Furniture Company unveils just two curated collections each year—Fall and Spring—allowing each piece the time and attention it deserves.

“We never wanted to chase production schedules or dilute the integrity of our work,” says Suzanne. “Our seasonal releases give us space to create thoughtfully—and to offer something truly distinctive.”

Between these debut moments, a more discreet rhythm unfolds: private commissions, bespoke transformations, and quietly offered previews for discerning designers and collectors. It’s a cadence that feels more atelier than showroom—more couture than commercial.

What Luxury Really Means

For Gabriela and Suzanne, luxury isn’t about price tags or polish—it’s about intention.

"Luxury is a one-of-a-kind piece that carries memory, beauty, and soul," Gabriela says. "It’s not mass-produced. It’s made to last and made to be loved."

That, in essence, is the heart of GS Furniture Company: handcrafted legacy pieces that turn everyday interiors into personal sanctuaries.

The Maximilano Storage chest, Oakwood Stained in English chestnut
The MaximilanoGS Furniture Company

For more, visit gsfurniturestore.com
Based in San Diego, California | Custom Commissions Available

Discover more stories and updates—connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Instagram: @gsfurniturecompany

Facebook: GS Furniture Company 

Inspired by what you read?
Get more stories like this—plus exclusive guides and resident recommendations—delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our exclusive newsletter

Related Stories

No stories found.
Resident Magazine
resident.com