There’s something undeniably special about a piece of furniture that’s lived a life before yours. It carries weight, not just in its craftsmanship but in its story. That belief is at the heart of Legacy Restored, the newest member of the River North Design District (RNDD).
Founded by father-son duo John and Bill Sligh, Legacy Restored breathes new life into vintage wood furniture, specializing in pieces from some of West Michigan’s most respected makers. Their studio is rooted in a legacy that dates back to 1880, when John’s great-grandfather, Charles R. Sligh, founded Sligh Furniture in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For generations, the Sligh name became synonymous with fine craftsmanship and enduring quality—an ethos John and Bill now carry forward in an entirely new chapter.
Today, Legacy Restored is much more than a tribute to the past. It is a contemporary refinishing and restoration studio that serves the design trade with an eye toward heritage and customization. They source distinctive vintage pieces, many of them Sligh originals, refinishing and modernizing them to suit today’s interiors without compromising their historical soul.
Legacy Restored has quickly grown from a family passion project into a go-to resource for designers in Chicago, Minneapolis, and beyond. Every piece is hand-selected and restored with care. The pieces are waiting to tell a story—whether through a signature joint, a maker’s mark, or a family memory passed down through generations. For the Slighs, furniture is more than form and function. It’s a tangible piece of legacy, waiting to continue its story in a new home.
As it expands its presence and deepens its connection with the design community, Legacy Restored brings something rare to the trade: a seamless blend of customization, craftsmanship, and character. Their commitment to quality and a personal connection to the furniture’s origins sets them apart in a world of mass production and trend cycles.
At RNDD, we’re thrilled to welcome Legacy Restored into our community of design visionaries. Their work reminds us that the past isn’t something to forget or replicate—it’s something to build on. To learn more about their pieces, visit www.legacy-restored.com.
