Betsy Wentz Brings Her ‘Design Happy’ Philosophy to a New Furniture Collection

PHOTO COURTESY ABNER HENRY

Award-winning interior designer Betsy Wentz is known for her vibrant use of color and patterns. It’s something that drew Ohio-based furniture manufacturer Abner Henry to the Sewickley resident from the start — and something that can be seen in the pair’s new collaboration.

The collection, which launched on April 25 at the spring High Point Market furnishings trade show in North Carolina, features 16 signature pieces designed by Wentz and custom-crafted by Abner Henry.

PHOTO COURTESY ABNER HENRY

It’s defined by a bold palette and layered materiality, combining grained walnut, cerused white oak and hand-applied finishes for depth and contrast. Sculptural forms, from rounded legs and curved silhouettes to playful spheres, are paired with hammered brass and custom hardware for a sense of warmth, polish and personality.

“For my line, I used a lot of color and paint, but one of the things I love the most about our collection together is that we’re developing these different finishes,” Wentz says. “I actually designed a dog bed in green and white with cerused oak, which is so cool. So, you can really do anything.”

THE LOLO LOUNGE. PHOTO COURTESY ABNER HENRY

The unique and colorful pieces are on display at Wentz’s expansive new Sewickley show room, which officially opened on May 12. They include the Lolo Lounge, a sleek sofa with a low, elongated profile and layered cushions that’s named after Wentz’ daughter, Marlowe; the Campbell Console, a cabinet that blends vibrant color and clean geometry; and the Miller Mirror, which combines a whimsical frame with a soft, organic silhouette to evoke curated comfort.

“All of the pieces will be here from the first drop of the collection,” Wentz says, noting she only had eight of the designs on display at High Point in April.

A mother of four, Wentz adds the furniture line inspired by her family — and the way they’ve influenced her signature style.

“[The pieces are] rooted in my ‘Design Happy’ philosophy and deeply inspired by my mother, Kay, who always believed you should surround yourself with what you love,” Wentz says, alluding to her 2023 book, “Design Happy,” which serves as a practical guide for interior design.

She says that partnering with Abner Henry allowed her to “bring that vision to life through true craftsmanship, creating pieces that feel elevated, but also full of personality and meaning.”

THE PENNY POOF ROUND. PHOTO COURTESY ABNER HENRY

Designing happy, she says, means creating a home that functions for you and your family.

Abner Henry has yet to let her down.

“It’s been really fun to just be able to dream up pretty much anything I want and then work with them to design it,” she says. “The relationship means a lot to me, and there’s a lot of respect there.”

Wentz strives for creating both happy and functional spaces. Her collaboration with Abner Henry highlights both; not only is Abner Henry’s furniture beautiful, especially when decked out with Wentz’ colorful flourishes, but it’s also built to last.

Wentz says she has been using their furniture for quite some time, and has found it to be “high end” and “beautiful.” All of Abner Henry’s pieces are also made in the U.S.

“This is definitely generational furniture,” she says.