From Our Founder
I am excited that you are here! I was inspired to design our initial collection when my family moved into an Eichler-style house. When I could not find exactly what I wanted for our home renovation, I put my lighting industry experience to work. The modernist designs I came up with for my own home led to more and more ideas, and this process eventually led to the creation of Cedar & Moss in 2013. My designs have always taken cues from the past while forging into the future with unexpected perspectives. My hope is that they feel at once fresh yet familiar, a timeless blend of then and now.
What started as a humble solo venture soon developed into a bustling studio and an empowered “we." While I have never taken outside investment, Cedar & Moss has grown a determined staff who bring with them their confidence and grace. We are sincere in every step we take, constantly gaining momentum and capacity. As we grow, we promise to hold true to our belief in the fine artisan lighting we make and hope you enjoy our creations wherever you may dwell.
Michelle Aaro
Founder/Owner/Designer
Authentic Originals
Michelle's signature aesthetic has influenced lighting trends for decades. Over the last twenty years, her design portfolio has grown extensively, while the throughline of her refined sensibility, thoughtful use of materials, and attention to detail remain immediately recognizable. Here at Cedar & Moss, we offer authentic original designs made to exacting standards. In addition to our studio collection, Rejuvenation sells licensed Aaro designs they produce as their Palo Alto, Conifer, and Cypress Collections. Before the launch of her studio, Michelle's design work was sold at another Portland lighting company she managed for ten years.
Learn more about Michelle and the Cedar & Moss origin story:
Handmade to Order
Every Cedar & Moss light fixture is designed, engineered, and handcrafted at our studio in the Pacific Northwest. We source our premium custom parts from artisans and small family-owned businesses across the country and then handmake every light to order. As a result, our process allows for a wide variety of customizations and minimizes waste. By selling directly from our studio, we offer premium lighting with direct-to-consumer pricing. Our well-organized studio offers quick lead times and our in-person customer service team works directly with our production team to answer client questions. We are thoughtful about using sustainable materials, fostering a progressive work culture, and always strive to exceed expectations.
An Empowered We
Our long-tenured team is a devoted group of designers, artisans, and innovators who care deeply about our clients and the integrity of our work. We combine diverse talents and expertise, ensuring every light we make reflects our uncompromising commitment to quality and sustainability. Our studio culture prioritizes collaboration, thoughtfulness, and continuous improvement, cultivating an environment where craftsmanship and care are at the heart of everything we do.
In addition to our studio team, we partner with small family-owned and multi-generational businesses, primarily in the United States and a few internationally, to make our custom metal, glass, ceramic, wood, linen, and concrete parts. Collaborating with these artisans helps preserve heritage craftsmanship and supports people, families, and dreams. In today's fast-paced, hyper-commercial world, family businesses face more pressure than ever. But they also offer something the world desperately needs—authenticity, continuity, and care. By choosing to work with these partners we are supporting a network of people who believe that integrity and heritage still matter.
