It’s hard to please everyone, but Four Hands seems to have cracked the code. For interior designers and industry peers alike, Four Hands’ continued growth offers a case study in how thoughtful design can scale without losing its distinctive point of view. In a conversation with DNN, Adam Dunn, senior vice president of design, explains how Four Hands approaches large-scale product launches, guided by research into functionality, aesthetics and consumer behavior, drawing on favorite pieces from the collections to illustrate the process.
From adaptable workplace solutions and seasonal color stories to strategic partnerships and recent expansions into hospitality and custom upholstery, Dunn outlines how Four Hands aligns their creative vision with real-world application — and how those decisions resonate in both residential and commercial environments.
On large-scale product launches
DNN: Four Hands’ most recent product launch featured over 500 new pieces. How do you balance being creative and innovative with a larger market appeal?
AD: At Four Hands, we are constantly researching and seeking inspiration, both in design and in the way in which people live. Our Product Design and Development teams strive to blend form and function in all we do.
Sometimes that shows up in physical functionality. The Weston Rotating Desk (pictured below), for example, is the ultimate shape-shifter. It can morph from a classic L-shaped executive desk to a long, slender partner desk, to a tight reading setup with one seamless rotation.
The Denton Standing Desk (pictured below) lets users move from sitting to standing without losing the clean, elevated design that defines our work and the elegance of a soft touch. Our design stories also change seasonally to include new materials and color. This season, we introduced a plum on multiple textured and lacquered linen in green as fresh, modern neutrals, giving designers new ways to layer and experiment.
Each season, we aim to create a portfolio that offers designers true freedom in how they work. Balancing creativity with innovation is what makes that possible.
Expanding into hospitality design
DNN: How do you see hospitality design influencing your broader product strategy and long-term growth?
AD: Hospitality has always been part of our design DNA. Our pieces are created with both entertaining and restorative living in mind, so expanding into hospitality was a natural next step.
We have always prioritized durability, longevity, and thoughtful construction, so most of our existing pieces passed hospitality testing with minimal modifications. Our move into the space was simply responding to our design customers who were already using our pieces in their hospitality projects. We will continue to listen to our customers and respond to them as it makes sense to our business and design ethos.
We are excited to see how the hospitality market shapes our growth and how our products extend into new environments.
Finding the perfect brand partner in Amber Lewis
DNN: Your continued partnership with Amber Lewis has become an important pillar for the brand. How has that collaboration evolved in both creative and strategic terms?
AD: Creatively, each collection with Amber builds on the foundation we’ve developed together. We continue to explore richer textures, new materials, and layered combinations that keep the collaboration fresh and inspiring. Amber was the ideal partner—she lives the Four Hands values and makes collaboration effortless. Her camaraderie played a key role in our success.
Strategically, the partnership gives us a larger story to tell across multiple launches. It reflects our evolution in craft and reinforces our commitment to the design community. It has also introduced us to Amber’s loyal audience and produced some of our top-selling pieces.
Custom upholstery
DNN: There is an increasing consumer appetite for made-to-order upholstery. How are you meeting that demand operationally while maintaining efficiency and brand consistency?
AD: Customization has always played an important role in the market. At the same time, there will always be a strong demand for in-stock and ready-to-ship options. Our Austin warehouses, which hold a significant amount of inventory, are a major competitive advantage and will remain central to our offering. This allows us to meet the need for customization without compromising speed, reliability, or the consistency of our brand.
Connecting with art and culture
DNN: The Four Hands Art Studio continues to grow, particularly with the new Wallpaper series. How do these initiatives expand upon the brand’s connection to art and culture?
AD: These initiatives strengthen our connection to art and culture by supporting the artists themselves. By reproducing their work, we help give artists the financial stability to continue growing creatively.
A great example is Aileen Fitzgerald. She spent many years working as a nurse and is now able to work as a full-time artist due to her partnership with Four Hands. For this collection, we transformed one of her pieces into a large-scale mural wallpaper that has already been very well received. We did something similar with Paul Meyer, another best-selling artist. His well-known burro painting became a fun wallpaper design that quickly became a favorite during our Fall launch.
These projects celebrate artistic voices and bring fresh cultural perspectives into the spaces our customers create.
By listening closely to designers, building products suitable for both residential and hospitality settings, and investing in partnerships — from established designers like Amber Lewis to emerging artists like Fitzgerald — Four Hands demonstrates how a strong design ethos can support both creative expression and operational scale.
