Andrew and Brianna Boonstra were looking for a change, but not because they weren’t already busy.
Both had established careers and were new parents, having just welcomed a daughter, Lillian. Andrew had 14 years experience in HR technology sales while Brianna had spent the last 10 years working in healthcare as an occupational therapist. But they were itching for more. “We’ve always talked about different ways we can exit our corporate jobs and start something that’s a little bit more of our own,” Andrew explains.
After a search for the perfect fit that involved a thorough exploration of their combined strengths, the Boonstras felt pulled to one company in particular: Art of Drawers.
Andrew was no stranger to smaller, startup companies, and he was intrigued by the idea of a venture connected to a larger, established organization. He also appreciated the wealth of experience Art of Drawers CEO Allan Young brought to the table. It was clear the products were elevated and high quality. In October 2024, they made the leap and brought Art of Drawers to the Omaha Metro.
Art of Drawers creates elegant, custom storage solutions that transform everyday spaces, proudly crafted in partnership with American manufacturers. Based in Omaha, the Boonstras serve the greater Omaha and Council Bluffs region. The company focuses on custom pull-out drawers and storage solutions for kitchens, pantries, bathrooms and laundry rooms, using proprietary design software and aiming to maximize existing space without a full remodel. What sets Art of Drawers apart is their selection of more than 10 wood species, solid wood drawer boxes with dovetail joinery, soft-close undermount rails that hold up to 150 pounds, and a lifetime warranty. Brianna says, “We can usually give you about 50 percent more storage in lower cabinets, and typically double your pantry space. Plus, we make it easy to access the back of cabinets that used to be hard to get to.”
Even family heirlooms and antiques can be incorporated into designs. Customizing armoires or desks to maximize storage is a creative way to hang on to beloved pieces. Brianna emphasizes, “Those items can’t be replaced or replicated, so it’s fun to make them more functional. I always enjoy a challenge and coming up with unique designs for awkward spaces.”
Both Brianna and Andrew found Art of Drawers to be a great use of the skills they honed in the corporate world. Putting her occupational therapy training to good use was an easy transition, Brianna says.
“I love that this gives me a new way to use my occupational therapy knowledge and experience. When I walk into a home, I naturally think about accessibility, ergonomics and safety, so I look at spaces a little differently than a typical designer might. Our customers really appreciate knowing my background and it gives them confidence in the solutions I design,” explaines Brianna.
As a complement to her occupational therapy work, Brianna is completing an Aging in Place certification, allowing her to further support customers in creating spaces that are not only functional but also safe and accessible as their needs change over time.
Andrew also found his strengths to be beneficial. He explains his upbringing and career prepared him for “being able to understand the basics of what goes into a job and the sales process and communicating with customers. Both of my parents were small business owners growing up too.”
The couple sees a future full of innovation and possibilities, with 3D rendering software being rolled out soon, as well as cabinet refacing services in the next year. The cabinet refacing process is low mess, using thermofoil material to wrap the client’s current cabinetry. All this expansion has the Boonstras looking to grow their team to manage demand.
They have also infused their business with heart. Andrew’s close friend Jake Dawson has spent the last five years battling stage-four neuroendocrine cancer. In 2021, Jake and his wife Taylor started Good Scan Cans, an organization focused on celebrating small victories and raising money for neuroendocrine cancer research. The Boonstras knew they wanted to include Good Scan Cans in their business plan. Brianna says, “We really want to bring awareness to neuroendocrine cancer and their nonprofit.” A portion of all their profits goes to Good Scan Cans.
Home show season kicks off in the fall, creating a chance to connect with the Boonstras face-to-face and explore design possibilities. Initial appointments are complimentary, with a full end-to-end design consultation usually taking around 90 minutes. Visit the Art of Drawers social media pages for more information on upcoming shows.
The Boonstras may have been looking for a change, but they are still surprised by how passionate they have become about the Art of Drawers adventure. Brianna says, “ We feel so lucky we found a business we truly love and enjoy.”
To schedule a consultation with Art of Drawers, visit artofdrawers.com. For more information on Good Scan Cans, visit goodscancans.org.
"When I walk into a home, I naturally think about accessibility, ergonomics and safety, so I look at spaces a little differently than a typical designer might. Our customers really appreciate knowing my background and it gives them confidence in the solutions we design.”