Sourced with intention · Restored by hand · Mid-Century Modern · Art Deco · Industrial · Farmhouse · One-of-a-kind pieces · Frankfort, KY · Sourced with intention · Restored by hand · Mid-Century Modern · Art Deco · Industrial · Farmhouse · One-of-a-kind pieces · Frankfort, KY ·
Our Story

We’re Kate and Alyssa! We’re a wife-and-wife team who love a good “before and after.” We’re less about restoring furniture to what it was, and more about turning it into what it could be.

Our style leans modern, clean, and refreshed—taking pieces that feel dated and making them feel at home again.

Every piece has a story worth keeping.

Formerly Known is a small-batch furniture studio based in Frankfort, Kentucky. We seek out pieces with good bones and give them a fresh start—modernizing and reimagining them for today’s homes.

Each piece is thoughtfully updated by hand. No two items are ever the same, and once they're gone, they're gone.

Current Collection 20 pieces · 2 available
Currently In The Workshop 2 pieces in progress
Cedar Dresser — before restoration Before
In Progress
Cedar Dresser
A beautiful solid cedar dresser with rich, warm grain and great bones. Part of a matching set — a chest is already in the queue. Both pieces will be refinished together for a cohesive look. Stay tuned for the after.
Notify me when available
Nightstand — before restoration Before
In Progress
Nightstand
A solid wood nightstand with carved detail on the top drawer and elegant bracket feet. Part of a matching set — a long dresser is already in the queue. Both pieces will be refinished together. Stay tuned for the after.
Notify me when available
How it works

Made with
care. Sold
with context.

01

The Find

Every piece starts at an estate sale, thrift store, or roadside. We look for quality construction and potential — not perfection.

02

The Restoration

Stripping, sanding, staining, painting — whatever the piece needs, done by hand. We preserve original character wherever possible.

03

The Listing

Each piece is photographed, described, and priced fairly. We document its origins and what was done — full transparency.

04

The Handoff

Local pickup or delivery available within the Central Kentucky area. We want every piece to land somewhere it'll be loved.

Our First Project

Ready to
make it yours?

Interested in a specific piece, want to be notified of new arrivals, or have a custom restoration in mind? Send a note.

I'll reply within 48 hrs