Making Spaces Feel Like Stories—One Piece at a Time.
At MasayaCo, we believe that furniture is more than form and function—it’s a reflection of identity, culture, and intention. That belief came to life at Puerta Restaurant, a bold and beautiful dining experience in Charlotte, North Carolina, designed by Christen Taylor, founder of Taylor Trade Interior Design.
This spotlight celebrates our collaboration on Puerta, a space that blends Oaxacan heritage with contemporary elegance. With custom dining chairs and hospitality furniture sourced and designed for both beauty and endurance, Puerta embodies what happens when storytelling meets sustainable craftsmanship.
We sat down with Christen to talk about her creative process, her values as a designer, and why MasayaCo was the right fit for this custom hospitality project.
Inside the Vision: A Q&A with Designer Christen Taylor.
How would you define creativity, based on your experience?
Christen: Creativity is the ability to transform an abstract idea into something with purpose. It’s about trusting yourself, taking risks, and using your personal experiences and inspiration to guide the process. Creating something with a goal in mind can solve problems and open up opportunities. Other times, it’s pure, unrestrained imagination—bringing something magical to life.
How did you express yourself creatively growing up?
Christen: My family still tells stories about my imaginary friend, “Christy,” who came with me everywhere—I think I must have been self-reflecting! I loved disappearing into my room for hours, only to reemerge after completely rearranging my furniture or bookshelves, totally inspired and rejuvenated.
In high school, I must have painted my room at least five times and even made wallpaper out of magazine ads from Cosmopolitan and Vogue—it was the late ’80s, early ’90s! Music also played a huge role. I’d figure out movie scores by ear on the piano, sing harmonies to classic rock legends, and memorize every word to songs by powerful female artists of the ’90s.
But one of the most formative experiences was decorating for Christmas with my mom. We’d drink eggnog, listen to Johnny Mathis, and unwrap the same ornaments year after year—each one tied to a family story. It was magical. That’s when I first realized how visual design could create emotional experiences and elevate everyday life.
What is the most beautiful characteristic of Latin American culture that inspires your work?
Christen: I’m inspired by the way tradition and family are expressed through design—how a story can be proudly communicated through an ancient art form. There’s a deep respect for natural elements and intentional colorways, each carrying meaning and history.
The artisan craft passed down through generations holds a kind of beauty through mastery that machines can’t replicate. When you witness it being made in person, you see the human touch—the imperfections that make it real.
For Puerta, a traditional Mexican restaurant, I sourced most of the fabrics, tile, and décor directly from Latin American vendors. Why not use the real stuff? It gave the local artistry a chance to shine alongside Scandinavian lighting and high-end finishes—and that kind of authenticity can’t be manufactured.
You mentioned the concept ‘real furniture’—what does that mean to you, and what do you look for?
Christen: Function plays a major role in how I approach design. A chair, whether in a home or a restaurant, should be comfortable and structurally sound. “Real furniture” is meant to be used, not just seen.
I first noticed MasayaCo furniture while staying at a resort in Costa Rica. I sat in one of their chairs, loved it, and made a mental note after checking the brand plate. When I started designing Puerta, their dining chairs and barstools were my starting point. They hit all the marks—function, style, and authenticity.
Can you walk us through your creative process? What is the core of your inspiration?
Christen: My creative process always starts from a story. I do a LOT of listening, observing, and asking provoking questions about the intention behind the space we will transform together with the client. I pay attention to the structural bones of the space—what can we uncover or bring back to life in the name of sustainability and history?
But it is the client who is always at the CORE of my creative process. I gather clues in hopes of translating their unique story into a visual interpretation. I thrive in collaboration with other artists and design contributors, and I love creating custom pieces. There’s no right or wrong in design—that uncertainty can overwhelm some, but I find it liberating.
Why were MasayaCo furniture pieces a key element in your design process?
Christen: Function, style, and authenticity. Puerta is a high-end, Oaxacan-inspired dining experience with an impressive cocktail menu, so I knew the barstools had to be comfortable, durable, and visually striking—especially in a high-traffic hospitality setting.
The woven feature and the mid-century, organic structure of the Monimbo Bar Stool hit the mark on every level. It was also important to me that the pieces came from Latin America, aligning with my commitment to authenticity. The ability to customize the woven pattern with MasayaCo’s team gave me the freedom to create something truly unique and meaningful to the space.
How do your values as a designer align with MasayaCo’s values as your main sustainable furniture provider?
Christen: I value authenticity and good intention when creating something. There’s so much opportunity to do good—why not let that guide the building process?
What inspired me about MasayaCo is their reforestation work. They’ve restored wildlife to the very forests that supply their teak wood, and that kind of purpose-driven approach is rare. You can feel the life and values in the furniture itself. Nothing is without meaning.
You’ve been all around the world – How does MasayaCo stand out as a furniture studio compared to others you’ve seen in the industry?
Christen: I am in awe of how MasayaCo creates such authentic designs that still translate beautifully to a global market. The wood tones and thread colorways offer so much flexibility for a designer to create something truly custom for any space.
The furniture is structurally sound and reliable—they source their own wood, so you know exactly what you’re getting in terms of quality. The price point is reasonable, and the customer service is excellent. I always know that when I reach out, someone who genuinely cares about my project—and takes pride in the product—is going to respond. That makes a significant difference in the design and ordering process.
As an interior designer, could you share your top three learnings when it comes to intentionally decorating a space? Based on using MasayaCo as part of your experience.
Christen:
1. Color Matching: MasayaCo offers so many options, which gave us a strong foundation. We had samples of the thread colors and teak finishes in hand, and those guided the rest of our fabric, paint, and furniture selections. Even the mural on the wall was painted within the parameters of our custom pattern. The end result was cohesive because we started from such an intentional, well-crafted base.
2. Trust: The MasayaCo team brought so much enthusiasm and pride to the project. I knew the quality would be excellent, and I could count on their support throughout the custom process. We had a tight deadline, and they met it—something that’s rare and incredibly valuable when working with vendors.
3. Function: The barstools and dining chairs will stand the test of time, both structurally and stylistically. They’ve become one of the most recognizable elements of the space. The “Puerta Bar Stools” are often admired by guests who come in to enjoy the full experience.
How do you include sustainability practices within your design process?
Christen: In residential projects, I often start with what already exists—family heirlooms or secondhand pieces with a story. They bring history into the home and offer a thoughtful, sustainable foundation to design around.
When I do purchase new furniture, I look for vendors committed to keeping their carbon footprint small. Not only is that better for the environment, but I’ve found that companies with a sustainability mission take more pride in their product—and they’re just better to work with because they care.
With MasayaCo, I know exactly where the wood is coming from—directly from their own forests. That level of transparency and quality control is rare. When I work with other brands, I can’t always be sure of that.
Designing with Purpose: Custom Hospitality Furniture That Tells a Story.
Christen’s creative process is rooted in listening deeply, honoring her client’s story, and designing with impact. For Puerta Restaurant, that meant aligning every detail—from the bold colors and textiles to the custom-crafted dining chairs—with cultural authenticity and high-end experience.
MasayaCo’s sustainable craftsmanship gave the Taylor Trade Co. team the flexibility to tailor the furniture to the space, ensuring both visual harmony and long-term durability. The Monimbo Bar Stool, with its mid-century shape and Latin American artistry, was more than a seating choice—it was a centerpiece of the room.
A Collaboration Worth Celebrating.
This project is a shining example of what’s possible when a designer’s vision is met with collaborative resources and purpose-driven products. At MasayaCo, we’re honored to support creatives like Christen Taylor—offering furniture that doesn’t just fill a room but elevates the story within it.
Whether you’re designing a restaurant, boutique hotel, or private home, MasayaCo offers more than beautiful furniture. We offer a creative partnership—grounded in sustainability, functionality, and soul.
Interested in collaborating? Let’s build something unforgettable together.
Author: Paola Luconi G. & MasayaCo Editorial Team