Who We Are
Hi, we’re the family behind 1409 Design.
Whilst I, Ryan, might be the maker behind the brand, it’s definitely not a one-man show. In fact, most things you see, read and hopefully love about 1409 Design have had a helping hand from my wife, Becky, who keeps me on track, helps with the ideas, and makes sure that whatever I put out into the world does our little family business justice.
There are currently three of us at 1409 Design — Ryan, Becky and our beautiful son, Freddie — although we’re very soon to become four, as Becky is busy growing another little (and probably equally feral) boy to join the family business!
So, who does what?
Well, I’m Ryan. I’m usually the person you’ll be chatting to, answering your messages, discussing your orders and, most importantly, making your products.
Everything we create is made right here at home, in our very own back garden, in the workshop I built myself. It was originally supposed to include half an office for Becky too… although I’m not entirely sure she’d agree that promise was ever properly fulfilled. Sorry, Becky!
Then there’s Becky.
Without her constant encouragement, support, ideas and belief in me, 1409 Design probably wouldn’t exist in the way it does today. She’s the person who encouraged me to have the courage to do something I love, and who reminds me that the things we create can become part of your homes, your families and your special moments.
And finally, there’s Freddie.
Our beautiful boy is the reason behind the name 1409 Design. He’s at the heart of everything we do, and he’s a pretty big part of why building something that belongs to our family means so much to us.
And if you happen to follow us on social media, you’ll probably meet the fourth member of the team too — Lottie, our beautiful fox-red Labrador. She can often be found lying beside me in the workshop, supervising the making process, occasionally looking for attention, and generally reminding me that I should probably take a break.
More than just a business…
For us, 1409 Design is about more than making and selling things.
It’s our family business. It’s something we’ve built from our own home, with our own hands, and something that allows us to create things we genuinely love.
So when you order from us, you’re not dealing with a big company or a faceless warehouse. You’re supporting a little family, working together from our back garden, trying our very best to make something that you’ll love just as much as we loved making it.
We’re incredibly grateful that you’ve found us, and even more grateful that you’ve chosen to bring something made by our family into your home.
From our family to yours, thank you for supporting 1409 Design.
Our Story
Looking for a piece with character, crafted by hand and made just for your home? You’re in the right place.
The story behind 1409 Design is, without a doubt, built around my passion for reclaimed materials. For me, sustainability has never simply been a business decision or a trend. It’s something that has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember.
A lot of that comes from my dad.
Growing up, I spent countless hours alongside him, and he had a real knack for seeing potential in things that other people might have simply thrown away. Old timber, discarded materials and forgotten objects could all become something useful, practical and beautifully handcrafted in his hands.
Where other people saw waste, my dad saw possibility.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visiting reclamation yards together. I loved wandering around stacks of old timber, salvaged fixtures and reclaimed materials, never really knowing what we might find. Those trips taught me to appreciate the character, history and craftsmanship that comes with using something that has already had a life of its own.
I think that’s where my fascination with reclaimed materials really began.
Those early experiences have stayed with me and have shaped the way I approach 1409 Design today. I genuinely love working with reclaimed and sustainable materials wherever possible, choosing them not only because of how they look or the quality they offer, but because of the story behind them and the opportunity to give them a new purpose.
There’s something incredibly special about taking a piece of old, forgotten material and creating something new from it. I love the idea that I’m not simply making something from scratch, but preserving a little bit of its character and history while giving it another chapter.
In many ways, what started as a childhood spent exploring reclamation yards with my dad has become a huge part of the business I’ve built today.
It’s a belief that good materials deserve to be used thoughtfully. That craftsmanship should be appreciated. And that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromising on beauty, quality or individuality.
For me, every reclaimed piece has a story to tell.
And when I get the opportunity to turn that piece into something new for your home, I’m simply helping that story continue.
