When the world slowed down in 2020, many of us turned inward, rethinking our spaces and what they meant to us. For Ethos Furniture founder and craftsman Ross Beard, that reflection became a catalyst. “I had already spent years helping to establish another furniture company,” he says. “But I felt a pull to create something that was more personal, more intentional, and something that reflected my own design values and vision for what handcrafted furniture could be.”
That vision became Ethos Furniture, a Colorado Springs-based brand grounded in old-world craftsmanship yet shaped by modern design sensibilities. Each piece is made “one by one,” a term that defines the company’s ethos as much as its name. “When I started Ethos, I was inspired by the old tradition of a cabinetmaker in a small European village,” Ross says. “Each piece was crafted by hand for the people in their community. That personal connection to the work is something I wanted to replicate.”
“The connection between design, material, and person is what Ethos is really about. It’s our namesake, and it guides everything we do.” – Ross Beard
Inside the workshop, the process begins with the material itself. Carefully selected wood guides the design, with grain and tone dictating the story each piece will tell. “We embrace the ‘less is more’ philosophy,” he explains. “The natural beauty of the materials should speak for themselves.” Over time, even the finish evolves. “I used to use a polyurethane finish, but now I use natural oil and wax. It patinas and ages with the wood. I see the finish as a living element, one that evolves with time—just like the furniture itself.”
Colorado’s sweeping landscapes provide constant inspiration, influencing both residential and commercial projects that feel grounded in place. The brand’s clean, sculptural lines nod to Sam Maloof’s human-centered craftsmanship and Frank Lloyd Wright’s integration with nature, yet every curve remains distinctly Ethos.
Growth has brought its own challenges, but the company’s roots remain strong. “It’s not enough to bring in skilled workers; they have to be passionate about the craft,” Ross says. “We’ve learned to pass on projects that don’t align with our vision. Staying true to our values has allowed us to grow without losing what makes Ethos special.”
Looking ahead, Ross sees expansion through refinement, not scale. “I want to keep improving every day,” he says. “It’s about continuing to create furniture that transforms a space and tells a story.”
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