By Lindsay Field Penticuff
Austin Bendetson and the Cabot House Furniture & Design team provide comprehensive support to the New England and Palm Beach County interior design community
Austin Bendetson was originally drawn to work in his family’s business because it gave him the opportunity to connect with a rich history, and make innovative and meaningful contributions to his heritage.
Cabot House Furniture & Design is a multigenerational family-owned luxury furniture retailer focusing on design-oriented consumers and a Designer Trade Program. The story began in 1912 with a small furniture store in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The company has since expanded to seven showrooms in four states: Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Florida.
“Over time, my interest in design, especially furniture design, grew as I immersed myself in the creative process,” Bendetson says. “I found a genuine passion for working with designers creating beautiful spaces. Working in design now feels like a perfect fit. It’s about more than maintaining a family tradition—it’s about contributing to a legacy while shaping the future of our business.”
Bendetson joined Cabot House’s rotational program in 2018, spending time in operations, sales and leasing. Today, he is General Sales Manager and Director of The Trade.
“I focus on our consumer business and trade business. Because our trade program is relatively new and evolving, I work to understand the needs of designers and continuously adapt the program to better support their businesses and ensure their success,” he says. “It’s a team effort.”
In his spare time, Bendetson serves on the board at A Bright Future, a nonprofit dedicated to developing excellence in young Black and Latino inner-city boys who have the potential to compete on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) junior tennis circuit.
“I joined the board of A Bright Future because their mission deeply resonates with me,” shares Bendetson, who played on the men’s tennis team at Tufts University. “Having grown up playing tennis and benefiting from a similar program that gave me skills to compete at the college level, I understand the impact these opportunities can provide. I want to support Black and Latino youth with a passion for tennis who can benefit from financial support, mentoring, and group activities.”
To learn more about Bendetson, Cabot House and the work they are doing to offer programs that benefit interior design professionals, check out the Q&A below.
Can you tell us more about the Designer Trade Program at Cabot House and how it specifically benefits interior designers?
“What sets us apart is our bespoke Trade Program that caters to the specific needs of interior designers, design and architectural firms, and construction companies. After submitting an application, one of our designers will personally contact the new trade partner to gain a deeper understanding of her/his business. Our trade program is designed to integrate with the designer’s team, whether they are looking for assistance with a single item, a living room, home, club or hotel. Beyond basic support of quoting prices, ordering samples and tracking orders, our team will assist in researching warranty claims and shipping. Recently, we enhanced our program by providing office space for designers, as well as providing a receiving warehouse to facilitate seamless installations for brands we don’t carry.”
Cabot House has a wide range of luxury brands. How do you curate your selection and what criteria do you use to decide which brands to feature?
“Travel. Aiming to innovate in style and design, our procurement team traverses the globe in pursuit of new luxury collections. We recently returned from Amsterdam and are excited to add Eichholtz furniture, lighting and home accessories to our list of leading industry manufactures. With unmatched buying power, we are dedicated to providing our designers and trade partners access to the best manufacturers in a range of styles and price points. We strive to give each brand an individual voice and statement on our showroom floors.”
Your team offers personalized service for ordering and delivery. Can you walk us through the Cabot House’s process that ensures a seamless experience from initial consultation to final installation?
“Design and seamless execution present a perpetual challenge, as achieving perfect smoothness is often elusive. It’s all in managing the details. From the outset, we strive to offer comprehensive support. Whether assisting with sourcing, completing COM forms or addressing product-related construction queries, our team is dedicated to aiding our trade partners with their projects. Each trade partner is paired with one or two Cabot House design assistants who provide support with pricing, sample requests and status updates. Our design assistants remain involved from the project’s inception to completion, ensuring continuous assistance throughout the process.”
Cabot House is a multigenerational family business. How has this family-oriented approach influenced your company culture and the services you provide?
“Family first, no matter what. While we operate seven locations, we offer the personal touch with our clients, manufacturers and trade partners. Superior customer service is our priority, and building solid relationships is important to us and why we continue to grow. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every customer has a wonderful experience.”
With locations from Maine to Florida, how does Cabot House cater to regional design preferences and ensure local tastes and styles are met?
“Fortunately, we collaborate with more than 60 vendors, offering a range of styles and price points. Consequently, each Cabot House showroom features distinct products. Our buying team curates selections for each showroom, crafting a tailored aesthetic that resonates with its specific market. This approach ensures that every location possesses an atmosphere and vibe that reflects the individuality of its locale.”
You’ve been with Cabot House for a while now. Can you share what you personally appreciate most about the company and how it has influenced your professional growth?
“My favorite aspect of Cabot House, aside from the pride of being part of the fifth generation in the business, is the dynamic nature of our work. No two days are ever the same. Our business fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among our team, allowing each member to cultivate her/his own clientele and address daily challenges to ensure client satisfaction. Each project is custom, which makes our work exciting and fulfilling.”
What is your favorite design trend right now and why?
“At the moment, my favorite design trend is the return of bold and vibrant colors. After years of minimalist, neutral palettes dominating the design scene, it’s refreshing to see color making a strong comeback. This trend is exciting because it allows for personal expression and creativity. Using rich, vibrant colors can transform a space, inject personality and create a more dynamic and engaging environment. It’s great to see how color is being used to make bold statements and bring new energy into interior design.”
Do you have a favorite design event or conference that you attend annually or often? Share why that event.
“One of my favorites is attending the semiannual High Point Furniture Market, the largest furniture industry North American Trade Show, in April and October. It’s an incredible opportunity to see the latest trends and newest introductions in the design world. The event showcases innovative products and features the latest from licensed designers, offering a first look at what’s coming next in furniture, lighting and decor. Additionally, the networking aspect is invaluable. Having the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and exchange ideas is always inspiring and enriching.”
