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 4 pieces · 2 available
Currently In The Workshop 4 pieces in progress
Coffee Table & 2 End Tables — before restoration Before
In Progress
Coffee Table & 2 End Tables
A matching set — one coffee table plus two coordinating end tables. Being refreshed in the workshop for a cohesive, updated look.
Notify me when available
Thomasville 9 Drawer Dresser — before restoration Before
In Progress
Thomasville 9 Drawer Dresser
A quality Thomasville 9-drawer dresser with excellent bones, currently getting the Formerly Known treatment. Solid construction and serious storage.
Notify me when available
4 Drawer Chest — before restoration Before
In Progress
4 Drawer Chest
A sturdy 4-drawer chest with great proportions and solid construction. Being worked on in the studio — perfect for a bedroom, entryway, or living space.
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Buffet — before restoration Before
In Progress
Buffet
A classic buffet with ample storage and a beautiful silhouette. Being carefully restored and styled for a dining room or entryway statement piece.
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