Since our founding in 2021, Teak New York has grown and evolved tremendously. We began as a 60-square-foot pop-up in NoHo, Manhattan, and the following year moved to our previous 600-square-foot Greenpoint storefront, where it became clear that we were rapidly outgrowing the space.

In November 2023, we signed a lease for our new space at 34 Norman Avenue—a 4,000-square-foot warehouse with loads of potential. Then, it was little more than a shell—dirt floors and bare brick walls—but we knew it was “the one.” The natural light pouring in through new skylights and the industrial charm of brick walls and wooden beams immediately spoke to the Scandinavian aesthetic we wanted to bring to life.

Plus, Greenpoint—one of the first neighborhoods I was introduced to when I moved to New York—always felt like home. Its casual yet vibrant community, coupled with its growing reputation as a design district, made it the perfect spot for us. Its proximity to our previous Brooklyn location meant we wouldn’t be leaving behind our original supporters, but rather expanding our presence in the neighborhood we already loved.

Inside the showroom

This was our first construction project, and it was a learning experience from start to finish. We were fortunate to work with architect John Senisi who skillfully guided us through each step of the process.

What made the project so successful was that our goal was clear: We needed a space that could house our growing collection of Scandinavian furnishings while also providing a welcoming environment where New Yorkers could experience these designs as they are meant to be—within the context of daily life. The space we inherited had previously been a factory for zipper parts and was later used for storage, leaving us with a blank canvas to create something truly special.

As is often the case with first-time projects, construction was filled with surprises. From managing costs to navigating unexpected challenges with material selection, every step required careful consideration. We started with a large open room, which was transformed with the installation of a brand-new concrete floor and walls reinforced with plywood to easily hang everything from shelving units and fabric samples, to art, decor and furnishings themselves.

While the construction phase was challenging, the result was worth every hurdle. Despite initial plans to retain the natural red color of the brick walls, we had to pivot due to an old sage green paint that couldn’t be removed. Instead, we embraced a clean white wash, adding a touch of modernity while maintaining the space’s industrial roots.

The material choices throughout the space reflect Scandinavian principles of simplicity and functionality. The slightly polished concrete floor and solid, subtly colored walls serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing the quality and craftsmanship of the furniture to shine.

Our team of local carpenters built out the café space for Falu House to bring traditional Nordic pastries and light bites to our customers in a charming setting. Doing so required the careful configuration of all the right hookups and just the right amount of dedicated square footage for the team to work its magic.

With construction complete, we eagerly moved on to styling the space. We worked closely with our partners at Montana Furniture to curate vignettes that mix whimsical décor pieces with high-quality furnishings, creating cozy, home-like environments that still retain the shoppable nature of our previous spaces. Sample swatches and fabrics are displayed like art, and our Teak tags invite visitors to take a little piece of hygge home with them.

Opening a physical retail space in today’s e-commerce-dominated market is not without its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For those feeling discouraged, note that brick-and-mortar stores offer something unique—an opportunity to build a community around your brand.

As for embarking on a renovation project, my advice is simple: make sure you have a good architect and project manager by your side. Construction always takes longer and costs more than expected, but with the right team, the result is a space that truly reflects your brand’s mission and values.

Caitlin Maestrini is founder of Teak New York.

Meet the visionary behind Teak New York

Caitlin Maestrini didn’t set out to revolutionize the way New Yorkers experience Scandinavian design. But today, after just a few short years, the founder of Teak New York’s home decor and furniture store has built more than just a retail space; she’s created a design destination. What started as a modest 60-square-foot pop-up in 2022 has evolved into a thriving flagship that blends retail with hospitality, collaboration and community.

Raised in Western Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, Maestrini initially pursued a career in art education, earning her degree and spending four years teaching high school students. But a deep-seated passion for architecture and design—fueled by her time as a guide at the iconic Fallingwater—led her to New York City. There, she pursued a master’s in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Unlike many of her peers, her focus wasn’t on fine art, but on furniture and interiors—a distinction that would later define her career.

While studying, Maestrini gained hands-on experience in the design world, interning at the Collective Design Art Fair and working at SoHo House, where she admired the seamless integration of hospitality and aesthetics. A transformative semester in London allowed her to explore Europe’s design capitals, deepening her appreciation for Scandinavian craftsmanship. Yet, upon returning to New York, she struggled to find authentic Nordic pieces for her own home.

That realization planted the seed for Teak. With experience at 1stDibs and FLOS, she recognized the market gap and took a leap, launching a pop-up in NoHo. The overwhelming demand proved what she suspected—New Yorkers were hungry for timeless, minimalist, and functional Scandinavian design.

Today, Teak’s flagship store is more than just a retail space. It’s a place where design lovers gather for coffee, events and inspiration—a testament to Maestrini’s vision and the power of risk, resilience and a love for great design.