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Written By Alex Clarkson
Merrill Woodworking & Design believes homes should reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their people. Whether dreaming up a second home getaway, working on a luxury residence, or tackling a signature project as an architect, designer, or contractor, Merrill’s family-run workshop brings creativity, innovation, and a craftsman’s eye for detail to every project.
“Our job is to listen–really listen–and then build something that lasts and that feels like it truly belongs to you.”
– Kris Merrill, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Clever & Clean
Two decades ago, Kent and Kris Merrill started the business with a simple passion: creating spaces that felt timeless and personal. “Every home is a blank canvas, and every client brings a new perspective,” Kris, a third-generation woodworking craftsman, says. “Our job is to listen – really listen – and then build something that lasts and that feels like it truly belongs to you.”
“We’re always looking for ways to do things better.”
– Kris Merrill, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Merrill has worked across a vast range of projects from peaceful libraries and organized craft rooms to mudrooms that balance beauty with everyday functionality. Their favorite projects are the ones that solve real problems for real families. They design clever storage for open floor plans and add thoughtful touches to utility spaces such as pull-out ironing boards and custom kitchen drawers. “No two families live the same way, so no two homes should look or work the same,” Kris adds. “We love the challenge of making each space fit the people who use it.”
“We give every piece a story and a sense of history and that translates into us being able to offer original finishes that you may not have ever seen before.”
–Kris Merrill, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Their showroom has a handpicked selection of woods that offer clients a chance to understand the look and feel of the materials for their homes. Walnut, white oak, cherry, and other woods chosen for their character and durability are on display. Merrill’s expanded workshop and joinery enables them to design and build everything on site. That translates to exceedingly high quality control and an ability to manage shorter delivery times.
“Imagine a butler’s pantry that keeps your kitchen clean, a bathroom with a built-in hot tools drawer, or a closet where every accessory has its place… When everything has a home, your space feels calm and effortless.”
–Janae Stewart, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Textures and finishes are the hallmark of Merrill’s signature style. Their proprietary texturing process enables them to create sawmill, lineal brush, and weathered finishes that add depth and character to beams, mantels, barn doors, and cabinets. Kris explains, “We give every piece a story and a sense of history and that translates into us being able to offer original finishes that you may not have ever seen before.”
“No two families live the same way, so no two homes should look or work the same. We love the challenge of making each space fit the people who use it.”
–Kris Merrill, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Collaboration is at the core of Merrill’s work. Their design team, led by Janae Stewart, is known for balancing style with practical solutions. “Imagine a butler’s pantry that keeps your kitchen clean, a bathroom with a built-in hot tools drawer, or a closet where every accessory has its place. We can organize just about anything,” Janae says. “When everything has a home, your space feels calm and effortless.”
People come to us expecting the best, and we love rising to that challenge…We are passionate about craftsmanship and thoughtful design and are driven by our desire to turn your vision into a reality that is livable and lovely.”
–Kris Merrill, Merrill Woodworking & Design
Innovation is part of Merrill’s culture. UltraShelf, their patented floating shelf system, is built with hidden brackets and can hold up to 150 pounds, offering both strength and style. UltraShelf was inspired and developed out of the desire to offer a strong, beautiful, and easy-to-install product. “We’re always looking for ways to do things better,” Kris says.
Merrill is a trusted partner for discerning clients in the Snake River region, from Jackson Hole to Driggs, Palisades, Pocatello, and Island Park. “People come to us expecting the best, and we love rising to that challenge,” Kris says. “We create spaces that are both stunning and comfortable. We are passionate about craftsmanship and thoughtful design and are driven by our desire to turn your vision into a reality that is livable and lovely.”
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