Maturing is realizing that your home's interior is an extension of your personal style. As a self-proclaimed it-girl who moved to New York City to work in fashion and run my trendy magazine, I knew that my apartment had to reflect my taste. When Teak New York's Teddy Sofa was delivered to my place, I immediately knew that I acquired a sofa that would last me forever.
Teak New York is redefining modern living with its acclaimed TEDDY Sofa, a retro-inspired, multifunctional centerpiece rooted in Scandinavian design principles. Founded by a former art teacher turned entrepreneur, Caitlin Maestrini, Teak reflects a passion for simplicity, functionality, and timeless beauty. Inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics discovered during a pivotal semester abroad, Maestrini launched Teak to bring these designs stateside, creating a brand that celebrates versatility and thoughtful craftsmanship.
In partnership with Danish brand OMHU, the TEDDY Sofa combines vintage charm with modern upgrades, offering a cozy, adaptable seating option that embodies the Danish concept of "hygge." It can open to a cozy bed/conversation pit, which is perfect for hosting, or close back up into a perfectly compact sofa. From small apartments to eclectic homes, the TEDDY is designed to fit seamlessly into any space, making it an ideal choice for my fellow young people who value practicality, longevity, and style. We spoke with Maestrini about the sofa's roots and more.
Could you tell me about your personal background and what inspired you to build Teak?
I grew up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania, where I began my career as a high school art teacher. After a few years in education, I pursued my Master’s in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A semester abroad in London was a pivotal moment for me; I traveled to Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and was immediately struck by the Scandinavian design aesthetic. The simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty of the interiors I encountered left a lasting impression.
When I returned to New York in 2019, I wanted to bring that same sensibility into my own apartment. However, I quickly realized that the contemporary Scandinavian designs I admired abroad weren’t readily available in the U.S. That’s when I decided to start Teak—a brand dedicated to introducing these designs to an American audience. At the same time, I was incorporating vintage Danish teak furniture into my space, which is where the name “Teak” comes from. My Scandinavian roots on my father’s side made me feel especially connected to this design language. What began as a small passion project during my time in the design industry quickly blossomed into something much bigger. Today, Teak has a 4,000-square-foot store in Brooklyn and a growing team of fifteen.
That is absolutely amazing! How did the partnership with OMHU come about?
The partnership with OMHU emerged quite serendipitously through Instagram. As we were preparing to open our first brick-and-mortar store, I realized we needed a unique sofa for our space—something that was both stylish and functional for our customers to sit on while they browsed. But, after exploring several brands, none of them offered exactly what I had in mind. That’s when one of my employees, who was following a Danish vintage furniture account, discovered a vintage 1970s sofa that caught the attention of their followers.
Jonas and Frederik, the founders of OMHU, had found this same sofa through their vintage sourcing. They were producing a refined version in Europe, and I reached out to see if they would be interested in bringing it to the U.S. That initial conversation sparked our partnership, and by June 2023, we were proud to debut the TEDDY Sofa in our store. It was an instant hit, and we’ve been thrilled by the response ever since.
Sounds like it was super meant to be, wow! Could you dive deeper into the story behind the TEDDY Sofa?
The TEDDY Sofa has a fascinating origin. As I said, Jonas and Frederik discovered the design through their vintage sourcing as part of a broader European furniture tradition where pieces often don’t have a designer or strong provenance attached to them. This particular sofa had all the charm of the ‘70s but with a few limitations—it lacked a back bar, meaning it needed to be placed against a wall, and the upholstery would often sag over time.
OMHU has taken this vintage piece and refined it for modern use. By adding a metal support bar and straps that help the sofa maintain its structure, they’ve improved the overall durability and functionality. The foam used in the TEDDY is also a significant upgrade—it’s designed to maintain its shape for years, unlike some of the older, more fragile vintage versions. It’s a beautiful example of taking something old and making it timeless.
Were there original color options at launch?
Yes, we launched with all 21 colors right from the start. We’ve been in close collaboration with OMHU, and for 2025, we’re adding even more colors to the range—some will be limited editions, while others may become permanent additions. We’re also expanding the metal bar finishes, introducing a few new options to complement the color palette.
If you had to describe the TEDDY in three words, what would they be?
Versatile, cozy, and retro. The TEDDY is incredibly versatile; it can easily transform from a sofa to a bed, a movie lounger, or even a conversation pit. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves to change up their space. The “cozy” factor is undeniable; with its ultra-soft microfiber covers, it’s the ideal place to unwind, curl up with blankets, or simply relax. And “retro” is an apt description, thanks to its unmistakable ‘70s-inspired design and stylish chrome accents.
What kind of home is the TEDDY suited for?
The TEDDY is truly adaptable, making it perfect for a variety of home styles. I see it fitting especially well in smaller spaces – think apartments or compact homes, where every piece of furniture needs to serve multiple functions. Its minimalist design allows it to integrate seamlessly with modern, eclectic, or even more traditional interiors. Plus, with its ability to transform into a guest bed or lounge area, it’s ideal for those who appreciate both form and function in their home.
How do you hope customers feel after purchasing a TEDDY Sofa?
I hope customers experience what the Danish call "hygge"—a concept that embodies coziness, warmth, and contentment. It’s about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, whether that’s savoring a cup of coffee in the morning or cuddling up with a blanket in the evening. The TEDDY is more than just a sofa; it’s a sanctuary. It’s the place where you can relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. At Teak, we strive to introduce Americans to this philosophy and help them create homes that offer a sense of peace and well-being.
What would you say to Gen Z and young millennials buying their first piece of furniture?
The TEDDY is an ideal choice for first-time furniture buyers. It’s not only versatile, able to convert from a sofa to a bed or movie lounger, but also durable and easy to care for. With machine-washable covers, it’s perfect for those with pets or young children. It’s also modular, so you can buy individual pieces to replace if something wears out or gets damaged, making it a more sustainable option than traditional sofas that need to be completely replaced. The TEDDY is designed to last with high-quality foam that retains its shape over time. It’s the kind of investment piece that will adapt to your needs as your lifestyle evolves.
Any final thoughts?
The TEDDY Sofa is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s an experience. It’s about creating a space where you can feel truly at home, whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying quiet moments alone.
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