About Cultural Surroundings

Design-Driven Furniture. Project-Focused Expertise.

Founded in 1990, Cultural Surroundings specializes in furniture solutions for public libraries, schools, higher education, offices and community environments. We work alongside architects, designers, library directors, facility teams and project owners to translate design intent and functional requirements into furnishings built around the needs of each project.

Our work includes library shelving, circulation and service desks, study tables, lounge seating, workstations, displays, office furniture and specialized furniture solutions. From budgeting and product selection through specification, finish coordination, procurement, delivery and installation, our team supports projects from early planning through final placement.

Project Planning & Furniture Specification

Cultural Surroundings works with clients from the earliest stages of a project to help establish budgets, evaluate furniture solutions, develop layouts, coordinate materials and finishes, prepare specifications and provide product samples. Our experience with public and institutional projects allows us to help teams navigate both design requirements and practical project constraints.

Supporting Architects & Designers

We work collaboratively with architects and interior designers, providing product knowledge, furniture options, technical information and manufacturer coordination throughout the specification process. Once selections are finalized, Cultural Surroundings manages product coordination, specification compliance, ordering, production tracking and delivery so the design team can remain focused on the larger project.

 Delivery, Installation & Continued Support

 Our involvement continues through delivery and installation with experienced, factory-trained installers. Cultural Surroundings also supports furniture reconfiguration, library and office moves, and modifications to existing installations as facilities and program needs change over time.

Paula Wenstrom, Founder & President

Paula Wenstrom founded Cultural Surroundings in 1990 and continues to lead the company’s design and planning work. Her approach centers on creating furniture solutions that are visually integrated, intuitive to use and responsive to the way people actually interact with a space.

Throughout her career, Paula has worked with public and private libraries, educational institutions and workplace clients to solve challenging furniture and planning requirements. Her strength lies in recognizing opportunities within difficult or constrained environments and developing solutions that make them more functional, flexible and inviting.

Long-standing client relationships and decades of project experience have shaped a practical design approach that balances aesthetics, functionality, durability and budget. Cultural Surroundings continues to work with established and emerging manufacturers whose products support that same philosophy.

“There’s no formula to how I design. Each project is fresh; unique to the customer, designer and building.”