Welcome to Meraki Customade: Artisanal Custom Woodworking in Crown Point

The Meaning Behind the Maker

Welcome to the official blog of Meraki Customade!

We are Thanos and Vanessa Tzanopoulos, and since 2018, we have been on a mission to bring color and soul to the art of woodworking right here in Crown Point, Indiana.

If you’re new to our community, you might be wondering: What exactly does "Meraki" mean?

Meraki (may-rah-kee) is a Greek word that means to do something with love, passion, creativity, and soul. It is the act of leaving a piece of yourself in everything you create. It’s that exact moment when you look at a finished piece of furniture, and you can see the craftsman's heart in every detail—and somehow, a reflection of yourself looking back.

That is our promise to you. Every piece that leaves our hands carries a part of us, and is made to become a part of your story.

Inside the Meraki Customade woodworking workshop in Crown Point IN

The Heart of Our Custom Woodworking inside our Crown Point Workshop

The philosophy of Meraki lives not just in our business, but in the way we live. We appreciate the little things that make life enjoyable and meaningful—a fresh morning breeze, the first bite of a meal made with love, or the quiet colors of the sky just before sunrise.

We bring that same appreciation for beauty into the shop. We blend time-honored craftsmanship with modern materials and artistic integration to create one-of-a-kind pieces built to last. Our collection includes:

• Unique Tables: From statement dining tables like "The Aegean" to captivating side tables like Viva Primavera, including our beautifully crafted handmade wooden tables that Crown Point clients love to showcase in their homes.

• Rare Jewelry Boxes: Intricately designed to hold your most treasured keepsakes safely.

• One-of-a-Kind Cutting Boards: Functional art, such as our stunning artisan cutting boards Indiana kitchens deserve, that serve as the centerpiece of your culinary space.

Materials Sourced with Intention

Our wood selection is as unique as the pieces we build from it. We don't just pick materials off a shelf. We intentionally source exotic hardwoods from Africa, South America, and Europe, and pair them alongside premium domestics from right here in our beloved Midwest.

Our goal is not to just sell you a product. Our goal is to create something just for you—a soulful piece that carries your favorite memory or feeling. A gift you want to give to a loved one that is as strong in emotion as the relationship you share.

Handmade live edge wood table with epoxy river by Meraki Customade

Let’s Build Something Together

If you're looking for something with soul—a piece crafted with intention, rich in detail, and impossible to ignore—you're in the right place.

We invite you to browse our collection and see if something speaks to you. If you don't see exactly what you're dreaming of, reach out to us! We would love to collaborate and build something made just for you.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our work in action and get inspired by our latest creations in the shop!

Custom woodworking in Crown Point, IN

— Thanos & Vanessa Tzanopoulos