Often when furniture is referred to as ‘bespoke’ it’s a pitch to attract an audience. The use of an ‘of the moment’ array of plastic print finished composite boards and prefinished timbers turned into cabinets at standardised sizes, arranged to ‘fit’ within room space available. Sold as bespoke, in reality made to measure…
I truly believe that bespoke furniture should be individual, timeless and push boundaries, giving engaging, client orientated, functional furniture. Yes, there is a part to play for the pre-formed composite board and set dimension standardised timbers, though it doesn’t have to be the defining material within every piece. Being informed upon and guided to what unique materials can achieve elevates a piece, in doing so achieving the bespoke:
Contrast creating depth:
Pairing a deep, rich timber American Black Walnut say, with a crisp pale Sycamore, instantly draws the eye and highlights clean lines. Adding fabrics and softer detail / curves can blurs those defining details.
Texture adding dimension:
Mixing timbers, metals, stone, leathers, glass -the materials go on each with their own texture: smooth to rough, cold, to warm tactile to impalpable creates varied experiences.
Veneers unlock a myriad of unusual timbers:
allowing us to use a highly figured grain—like Burl or Flame Mahogany—that are structurally impossible to use as solid wood, add colour to these any the visual results change again.
Sustainable luxury:
The use of premium high value material (veneers, precious metals, leathers etc) and backing onto stable substrates helps prevents component movement, saves a precious resource and ensures the piece lasts for generations.
When working with interior designers, architects, custom developers and private clients, material finish choices form the truly bespoke.
#architects #interiordesign #materialchoice
