Wren Valley Studio

Origin & Ethos

Wren Valley Studio was founded on the belief that furniture should be more than functional. It should be meaningful, beautiful, and built to last generations. I've always been drawn to the honesty of wood - the way it carries history in its grain, the way it responds to careful hands. That's what drives my work: creating furniture that honors both the material and the people who'll live with it.My approach blends influences from mid-century modernism, Japanese joinery, and Scandinavian simplicity, but every piece I build is ultimately shaped by you and your space. I'm not interested in imposing a signature style, and I rarely build the same thing twice. I'm interested in understanding how you live, what your home asks for, and translating that into furniture that feels inevitable, like it was always meant to be there.Working alone in my Yamhill studio gives me complete control over every detail, from initial sketches to final finish. It also means I take on a limited number of commissions each year. When you work with me, you're not one of many clients. You're a collaborator in something that will outlast both of us.Dexter A. Payne
Owner & Founding Artist

The Commission Process

Commissioning custom furniture is an investment in craft, but also in partnership.Here's what that looks like:

1. Initial Consultation

We start with conversation, either in person at my studio or virtually. You'll share inspiration images, dimensions, how you use your space. I'll ask questions, share ideas, and help clarify what you're really looking for. If you're local to the Willamette Valley, I invite you to visit the studio to see completed work and pieces in progress. This phase is exploratory and relaxed - there's no commitment yet.

2. Design Development

Based on our conversation, I develop initial design concepts with sketches and 3D renderings. We'll discuss proportions, materials, joinery details, and finish options. I'll show you samples of wood species I typically work with and share examples of grain patterns and figure you might expect.For projects requiring extensive design development, such as cabinetry, built-ins, or complex multi-piece commissions, a design fee of $500 ensures I can invest the necessary time to get the design exactly right. This fee is credited toward your deposit should you move forward with the project.This is collaborative - your feedback shapes the design until it's exactly right. Once we're aligned, I provide a detailed proposal and timeline.

3. Commitment & Material Selection

After you approve the design, a 60% deposit secures your spot in my production schedule. At that point, I source wood specifically for your piece, often from Pacific Northwest mills or specialty lumber yards. I select boards based on the character, figure, and grain that will best serve your design. I send photos of the actual wood that will become your piece, so you can see exactly what I'm working with.

4. Fabrication

Once materials arrive and are acclimated to my shop, I begin building. Depending on the complexity, this takes 8-16 weeks. I send progress photos throughout the process so you can follow along, and I'm always available if questions arise. The remaining balance is due before delivery.

5. Delivery & Installation

For clients within a few hours on McMinnville, I personally deliver and install your piece. For distant commissions, I work with specialized fine art shippers. Either way, the furniture arrives ready to become part of your home.

What Clients Say

"Beautifully designed and constructed custom piece. The owner was great to work with and asked thoughtful design questions to ensure it met my expectations. Would look forward to working with them again!"
- Bonnie H.

Investment & Timeline

Dining tables typically range from $8,000 - $30,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. Smaller pieces like side tables or benches start around $3,500. Lead times are typically 3-4 months from design approval to delivery, though this can vary based on my current project schedule.

Ready to Begin? Let's Talk.

I work with a limited number of clients each year, which means every commission gets my complete attention. If you're considering custom furniture for your home - or if you're a designer or architect working on a project that might benefit from bespoke pieces - I'd love to hear from you.I'm based in Yamhill, Oregon, and work primarily with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest, though I've shipped finished pieces across the country.Reach out and let's start a conversation.