Timber & Tulip founder Brianne Rasmussen launched her custom woodworking business in 2016 after leaving a corporate accounting role at Best Buy. The company, located in the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis, expanded to a retail space in Wayzata in 2023 before closing that outlet to return to its original location. The move reflects a shift in strategy toward a design-focused environment rather than a retail one.
Rasmussen described the new setup to Midwest Design as a space designed for two distinct purposes. The front portion functions as a showroom, allowing visitors to browse the Timber & Tulip collection in an open environment. The back section serves as a larger, appointment-only design studio where clients and trade partners collaborate on projects.
The separation of the front and back areas is intentional. While the showroom invites exploration, the studio prioritizes the creative process. Clients who visit the back room receive the team’s full attention for real-time collaboration, focusing on custom capabilities rather than browsing.
For Rasmussen, creativity thrives when she has time and freedom. She finds her best work comes from setting aside time to imagine and explore new designs without a strict agenda. This approach allows her to work with homeowners and designers to create pieces that feel unique rather than generic. The use of natural, organic materials also remains central to her design philosophy.
Client Preferences and Craftsmanship
Rasmussen observed that woodworking trends are shifting in response to a broader cultural backdrop. In a world that feels increasingly artificial, there is a growing appreciation for the story behind a piece. Clients are drawn to knowing where inspiration came from, where materials were sourced, and who made the item. This focus on authenticity and human connection is rare, but Rasmussen said it is what people are actively responding to.