Us & Coutumes, a designer and manufacturer of handmade furniture and accessories for urban living, continues to innovate within its niche of products tailored to living spaces measuring 1,000 square feet or less. With the addition of new configurations and web-based customization, the Montreal, Canada based company has established a new benchmark with its flexibly-designed B3 storage bench.

“Traditionally, furniture and accessories have been designed for larger spaces, and trying to adapt them to the realities of smaller urban living often results in something far less elegant,” says Vincent Cloutier, industrial designer and co-founder of Us & Coutumes, along with Jean Darveau. “From conception, our products are designed specifically to fit into smaller spaces, with ideal proportions that eliminate the need for compromise.”

Versatility and flexibility

With the addition of new materials and customization options for its B3 bench, Us & Coutumes is enabling its popular urban living design to be adapted to new spaces. Originally conceived as an entryway unit, the B3 has evolved into the ultimate storage bench and is now available in four standard sizes to accommodate a variety of configurations, including multi-level shelving. Us & Coutumes’ B3 customization options also extend to colors, finishes and materials ranging from Baltic plywood construction to a new high end model featuring 100% solid walnut legs. With its light and sleek design, the easily movable B3 storage bench can serve many different purposes as a TV stand, a bedroom end table or even an extra seat for unexpected guests.

“With trends leaning towards small entryways in urban condos, we wanted to create a product that was light in terms of visuals, but well-designed in order to last in your living space,” explains Cloutier. “Essentially, we wanted to develop something that we would purchase ourselves.”

Customizable B3 storage bench

From adjustable bookstands to iPad and iPhone accessories, wall-mounted key holders and much more, Us & Coutumes distinguishes itself by providing its customers with the flexibility to configure a variety of products to their own environments. Using the company’s new B3 storage bench configuration tool, found on its website at www.usetcoutumes.com, customers can design their own B3 visually by choosing the size, color and configuration that is best suited to their living space. Once complete, customers can purchase their self-tailored product directly online. The lightweight, easily assembled B3 storage bench ships in flat packaging that can be delivered anywhere in the Canadian, U.S. and international markets.

Us & Coutumes: Usage and Customs

Unconventional, open to change and affordable for all…design pledges that Us & Coutumes adhere to. The company focuses on designs that are practical for its customers, moving above and beyond aesthetics to ensure that every product has a purposeful use. Additionally, by selling directly to its customers, Us & Coutumes removes the retail middleman in order to ensure favorable pricing. All of Us & Coutumes’ products are designed and handmade in the company’s own workshop in Montreal, where the company will also be opening a new showroom in the near future.