Welcome to my shop!

I’m Matt Kruse, the sole artisan and owner of Ingrained Elegance. My business name represents the hidden beauty and complex designs found in unearthed wood. Tons of compression produce mesmerizing grain patterns of a neglected elegance in tree stumps. Located in the Smoky Mountains of far Western North Carolina near Murphy, I have found a perfect setting for rescuing stumps and uncovering their hidden beauty.

I have loved wood working from my youth. After years of experimenting with the challenge of kiln drying tree stumps, I feel I have found my place in working to provide unique and elegant furnishings that are heir loom quality. To understand a little about the process please see my “Process” page.

I delight in working on custom projects. Attention to detail and fully satisfying my customer with a beautiful conversation piece is my objective. Natural oil finishes are my favorite as they reveal the true beauty of the wood. I use a 3 process oiling to protect and produce a piece that will be easy for you to maintain and keep beautiful. No shortcuts. Types of projects? Dining, conference, coffee, and end tables. Breakfast nooks / pedestal sinks / lamps / mantle art / wall art and more.

How does it work?
Use the contact form to inquire about a custom project. I can then send you pictures of kiln dried stumps that fit your dimensions and description. I work to help you in choosing the right piece for your needs. After the start of a project, I send email and photo’s each week to keep you fully on board and for you to enjoy the process of the making of your custom heir loom piece.

Thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Matt Kruse
Ingrained Elegance