Portland Is Illuminated, Thanks To Cedar & Moss

The Insider: Michelle Steinbeck

Cedar & Moss

From the looks of Michelle Steinbeck’s lighting fixtures, you’d never guess her first foray into the business of luminescence arose out of necessity rather than a well-constructed business plan. When Steinbeck couldn’t find the perfect midcentury-modern lighting fixture for her home, she decided to take matters into her own hands and design her own pieces. A hobby quickly morphed into a thriving business, and now in its third year, Steinbeck’s lighting studio, Cedar & Moss, is outgrowing its current space as she expands on her line of “sparely elegant and composed” fixtures.

Below, the artisan shares her perspective on all things design.

Inspirations of the moment: Scandinavian country cottages, 1960s ceramics, Noguchi sculptures and set designer Es Devlin‘s use of light. I also love going to the library to peruse books in the art section and finding obscure art and craft periodicals.

Dream projects: I’m working on two dream collaborations with Ben Klebba of Phloem Studio and Portland’s tile company Pratt & Larson. Each project features ample use of wood, linen and ceramic designs.

Changes ahead: We’re outgrowing our studio building in Oregon City, so a move is around the corner. It’s a bittersweet time. We have an incredible space that we’ll miss but the move to a waterfront property along the Clackamas River will allow us to expand our capabilities for more designs and growth.