I grew up in Los Angeles in what you could call an “outdoorsy” family. My father was responsible for this, having been raised in the natural splendors of Montana and Idaho. On our summer weekend trips to Big Bear he took us on strenuous educational hikes through the forest.

I remember the pine trees most: huge, monstrous and stoic. It also saddened me to see many of them decayed and rotting. "It's the natural course of things," my dad explained. So we jumped over and through them, made forts in them and gathered their wood for kindling.

I was reminded of this when I read about Hudson Furniture, a New York company that uses salvaged and wind- or storm-damaged trees to make beautiful and functional pieces for the home. Hudson creates art out of wood from trees that otherwise would be left to decay and possibly upset the surrounding living environment.

Hudson's furniture respects the natural and organic beauty of the wood - its curves and knots and raw form. One of my favorites is the walnut Knight Base Table with its undulating edges, depth and texture. And those legs. They're perfectly proportioned against the solidity of the tabletop.

Call or email Hudson Furniture for prices and details. They supply wood samples upon request. 212.645.7800 or sales@hudsonfurnitureinc.com