The couple who bought the original table and benches decided that they would prefer the seating to have a built in back rest for additional comfort and we were happy to oblige.

They loved the minimal look of the benches and after using the set for some time they asked us if their requested adaptations could be made without impacting on the overall design effect.

The table itself had a cherry inlay which we replicated in the design of the new bench. We also planned it so that it would fit under the table neatly when not in use, just like the backless seating.

It was the first time we’d been asked to undertake a part exchange venture of this kind and it meant we were able to create another similar table to match the existing benches for display in our showroom.

We mocked up a new seat design for the client to test out to ensure we achieved optimum back support before completing the project.

As you can see from the attached pictures, the result is stunning and stylish - and the customer assures us it’s also extremely comfy.

The original dining table and simple bench set

Redesigned bench with back rest

The visitor had been admiring our reception desk, which features a walnut and burr walnut striped top. It was an experiment I had never been entirely happy with due to the mismatch between the top and frame of the desk but the customer could see where I was heading with the project and liked what he saw.

The challenge was to create a table that carried the techniques I had used on the top through into the frame of the piece and by doing this I would be able to tie in the neo-classical style of the inlaid legs with the more contemporary top.

Using walnut, burr oak and ebony, the burr was wrapped round under the top and onto the drawer fronts.

The resulting console table complemented the customer’s home interior whilst providing a striking style statement and a piece of furniture that can’t be found on the high street.

However, as the reader comments on the Huffington Post report on Bureau Spectacular’s gigantic White Elephant piece are quick to point out, designs like this are more for the benefit of the art critic than the consumer.

True, you can sit inside this futuristic furniture statement whichever way round it has been positioned, giving a whole new meaning to rearranging the furniture. Yet how many people would have the space or desire to feature something as “out there” as this in their living room?

As specialists in one off designs, we are used to being asked to create something that isn’t available in the shops but the key criteria tend to be space, style and purpose.

Understanding the individual who is commissioning the design is fundamental to its success and our expertise in getting this right is probably why we haven’t had any white elephants of our own!

• Boxes in burr ash : £192
  Dimensions: w:340mm, d:255mm, h:130mm
  
  
• Boxes in burr vavona : £180
  Dimensions: w:300mm, d:220mm, h:100mm

Keepsake box in burr ash

Keepsake box in burr vavona

Bespoke burr oak and walnut console table

Contemporary top in burr oak and american walnut

Neo-classical inspired design

A delicate drawer on either end

Modernism took everyday furniture items and stripped them down to their pure function – a bit like starting with a blank piece of paper – usingnew materials such as steel and glass to produce truly inspirational designs that were in harmony with their modern architecture.

In today’s design led times, a quick and easy way to create the ultimate in modern luxury interior design is to take a state of the art architecture designed house and fit it out with a bit of Marcel Breuer, some Le Corbusier, a Mies Van De Rohe and an Eames chair.

However, customers and designers are starting to appreciate that it is no longer enough just to be modern. Personal style is increasingly coming into play as is a desire for something that is tailored to both taste and purpose.

Furniture designers are being called upon to design individual pieces of furniture for a specific architectural or practical environment without losing the timelessness and quality that was the hallmark of the Bauhaus era.

Thus much of our furniture design work aims to build on the Bauhaus movement and take it to the next level, pushing it forward to create furniture that is specifically designed for our contemporary architecture, in our modern time.

One of the first considerations when creating a piece of furniture is the type of material to use and we are frequently asked to advise on which wood to choose.

The decision is a personal one and should take into account the age and style of the property, the existing contents of a room and the style of the piece. Recently completed commissions include a traditional statement floor mirror in rare English walnut and a contemporary coffee table in burr walnut. Our designs can be assembled using a wide range of materials but the choice of wood influences both the style and character of the finished piece.

People are becoming more interested in creating an interior that reflects their personality and suits their lifestyle rather than styling it in an understated way that will appeal to prospective buyers. Sustainability and luxury are key priorities and our customers are also looking for something that’s timeless as well as being modern.

Every wood has its own distinguishing features from the fine grained durability of maple to the malleable and hardwearing qualities of oak, which is a popular contemporary choice.

Walnut is versatile and easy to work with and has a distinctive appearance that suits both modern and classical styles.

Softwoods such as yew and cedar are flexible and durable and hardwoods like tulip wood offer a lower cost option that can be stained, waxed or painted to customise the finished product.

Material, budget, environment, usage and personal style will all play a role in the production of an individual piece of furniture and it is when all these distinctive elements are carefully considered and combined that something truly unique and personal is created.

The challenges facing the designers involved reflects many of the decisions that we at Designer Makers regularly come up against in our work.

Designing a piece of furniture for use in an historic building such as a church inspires the designer to find out more about the environment in which the finished piece will be placed.

As with any piece of furniture, its purpose is as important as its context and the joy of designing something from scratch is that a consideration of both these elements is central to the creation of the piece.

As church furniture designer Luke Hughes says, designing seating for churches is “less about producing a product than it is about furnishing some of the greatest architectural interiors of all time”.

People come to us at Designer Makers for many reasons but it is usually because they are looking for something unique, in a particular style, or designed to fit a particular space or unusual building.

Each commission is a new challenge and, as the designers of the new Church of England pew will discover, a rewarding journey.

Dot Mainwaring taught at Sandal Primary School in Baildon and the school asked us to design a chair that would be the focus of story time and which incorporated some of the things that meant a lot to Dot.

She was a member of Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, had a passion for the Tibetan mountains and loved cats. All these things were designed into the chair, which was made by Chris Tribe and built to withstand years of daily use in a busy primary school.

We were delighted to be approached by the school to take on such a personal project and we hope the chair will not only be a fitting tribute to Dot but will serve the children at the school for many, many years to come.

Designer Lee Broom is quoted as anticipating a move towards entire furniture, lighting and upholstery collections that will be designed for a given space.

Our own motivation for unique furniture designs comes from a combination of meeting the practical needs and style aspirations of the customers we work with and the essence of the space in which the piece will be placed.

Whatever 2012 brings in terms of interior trends, the furniture we create is contemporary yet timeless, ensuring it continues to turn heads for many years to come.

She called it “opposites” which summarizes quite well what her intention was. I asked Christine what prompted her with the idea; she said she wanted to create something a little bit quirky and juxtapose 2 separate ideas on each side of the piece. Organic, soft shapes and colours on one side and manmade and hard edge ones on the other side. Each side emphasises the other.

Here, at Designer Makers Furniture, we have really enjoyed this collaboration with one of Britain’s most creative marquetry artist. We (David Wilson and Chris Tribe) designed and made the cabinet, whilst Christine designed and made the marquetry top. She works on a flat layout, which made it a challenge both technically in working out the cutting lines, and physically since it would not fit on a normal bench and she had to lay it on the floor.

Designer Makers Furniture’s challenge was to design the piece with precision to ensure that Christine’s design perfectly folds over the cabinet.

The result is a fabulous and quite unique piece with an impressive mixture of energy and precision. We called it a sideboard, but really it is a chest of drawers and would make an impact in a living room or in a bedroom alike.

It is on show at NCFM’s 5th annual exhibition at Tennants Auction centre in Leyburn until 23rd September and will then be on show at Liverpool’s Design Festival. If you are inspired by this project why not contact us to talk about your project or visit our gallery in Blubberhouses, North Yorkshire.

Description: large sideboard with 6 dovetailed push-to-open drawers. The top and sides are covered by unique pattern exclusively created and realised by marquetry artist Christine Meyer-Eaglestone. The piece can be used as a sideboard or chest of drawers. It will create a "wow factor" in any living room.

Material: American black walnut, European oak and cedar of Lebanon drawer bottoms

Dimensions :w: 1700mm, d: 530mm, h: 880mm

Price: from £8,500

This item can be viewed in our Blubberhouse Gallery

We offer a free delivery service within 50 miles of the gallery for this item. Please enquire for other destinations.

From 12th-23 September 2011 the sideboard will be on show at NCFM 5th Annual Exhibition at Tennants Auction Centre, Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

Enquire about this sideboard

Unique design

6 large push to open drawers

Design by marquetry artist Christine Meyer-Eaglestone

The design wraps around the piece

The sideboard was unveiled at this year’s Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design in Cheltenham and attracted a lot of attention from makers and visitors alike with its bold and energetic design. It is a really good example of advanced skills, creativity and innovation coming together.

Visitors to our Blubberhouses gallery will be able to view it there but for others it will make an appearance at NCFM 5th Annual Contemporary Furniture Exhibition at Tennants auction centre in Leyburn. The exhibition starts this Monday 12th of September.

The exhibition showcases works from makers in the north of England and has the advantage that makers themselves attend the exhibition and visitors have an opportunity to speak about their work in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. David Wilson and Chris Tribe have supported the exhibition from the start and will not only exhibit furniture there this year but you can go an speak to David on Wednesday 14t September and Thursday 22nd September between 9am and 5.30pm. If you wish to meet him there at other time please contact us.

For details visit : www.northernfurniture.org.uk or www.tennants.co.uk

'Opposites', a sideboard with a difference

• a media cabinet which could be used as a coffee table,
• a free-standing piece which could be placed anywhere in the living room,
• a contemporary design with seamless lines and a WOW factor.

We designed a self-containing "hat box" shape cabinet in oak and burr oak. The cabinet includes: push-to-open doors on either side, rare earth magnets and solid brass pivot hinges.

The construction of this bespoke cabinet has required the combined use of traditional cabinet making skills (for example in the book matching of the burr oak) and the integration of much more modern engineering skills (for example the use of a cnc machine). You can find out more by reading David's blog about this particular project.

Enquire now about this media cabinet

Unique furniture: oak and bur oak media cabinet

Exquisite furniture: this oak media cabinet has doors on both sides

Her spring collection of designs exclusively for Designer Makers reminds us of new growth, hope and joy. Her greeting cards designs will suit any occasion and are ideal for mother's day, a new baby, weddings and birthdays. Or perhaps just to keep in touch with friends and family. The inside has been left blank for your convenience.

Dimension: A6 each when folded, 148x105mm (approx 4x6in)

The cards are printed on white satin card and come with an envolope.

Price : £1.80 each (envelope included)

Pop in the gallery in Blubberhouses to see them, or if you would like them posted please contact us.

• email Emmanuelle
• Call 01943 880 417
• Why not subscribe to our Newsletter for ideas, and news about our projects?

Greeting cards Spring Collection: 3 mains

Greeting cards Spring Collection: 4 coeurs

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Coeur blanc

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Coeur herbe

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Licornes

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Coeur marguerite

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Nenuphar

Greeting cards Spring Collection: Traces de pas

It is a beautiful classic kitchen stool design featuring a confortable dished seat and elegant cabriole legs with hand-carved tulip detail. Read our blog about personal stories to find out more.

What our customer said:
"We are so pleased with the stools that are in the safe keeping of the recipients. I have had occasion to use one in our kitchen. It is ideal in height as I am tall, and is a good level for working at most kitchens or other surfaces. It feels sturdy and weel balanced but at the same time looks most elegant. The little rim around the seat gives extra confort. The wood, its colour and grain are beautiful, than you very much! Claire R. "

This oak stool tells a story

A confortable dished seat

• Deep-pan drawers set onto push-to-open runners.
• Solid wood worktops: walnut around the sink and cooking area, maple in other areas
• Specially designed and made floor pattern to replace area left by the removal of the old islant unit
• Curved corner cabinet to maximise storage and appliance unit
• Rounded kitchen cupboard corners allow the theme to flow throughout

Customer testimonial:

" The pleasure I have got from this re-formed space is immense! The beauty of the wood. The skill of the craftsmen who translated our vision into a stunning kitchen. The attention to detail. The inside out perfection. The after care: all these have really made an impression on me. The kitchen is a delight and a master piece. Thank you. The management of the project by David Wilson has been first rate." Mrs M., Otley.

Enquire now about your kitchen project

Unique kitchen design

Attention to detail: the theme runs in and out

Easy access is provided by deep-pan drawers

A no clutter contemporary look

A curved corner cabinet makes full use of the space available

Solid walnut kitchen worktop

Deep-pan drawers are versatile and functional

A contemporary version of the housekeeper's cabinet

3D drawing of the kitchen design

Our customer in this case was after beauty and function. They did not have a very specific idea of what the cabinet would look like but knew where it would go in their home and what it was needed for (to store gloves and hats).

We took inspiration in the Art Deco style and produced a design with an elegant curved top which is reflected in the shaped door tops. Depth and magnificence are brought by the English walnut exterior. This piece is not only useful but has the real wow factor our customer was after.

construction

English Walnut exterior with burr doors and ebony inlay. Ripple maple interior comprising fixed shelving and single soft-close drawer. Drawer front in English walnut with oak lining and Cedar bottom. Brass hinges and catches.

Feeling inspired? do you have a piece of furniture in mind?

Contact us to see your furniture design ideas come to life: our initial meeting and design work is free and carries no obligation on your part.

• Telephone: 01943 880 417
• Fill in our enquiry form
• Visit our Blubberhouse Gallery of Contemporary Furniture adjacent to our workshops.
• Why not subscribe to our Newsletter to find more about our projects and activities?

English walnut provide luxury and depth

Created to house gloves and hats

The curved top of the cabinet is reflected in the shaped doors

The construction is of thick cut oak veneer, burr oak and fumed oak inlay panels and includes:

• Push-to-open doors,
• solid brass pivor hinges,
• adjustable stainless steel legs.

Enquire now about this oak media centre

Clean lines and mimal style for this oak media centre

Open wall units allow for versatily

Exquisite burr oak detail which underline the minimal style of this piece

Pivot hinges complete the minimal look of this media centre

• A compact island unit and corner wine rack
• A practical housekeeper unit with pull-out larders and deep wicker baskets.
• Deep-pan drawers for easy access

Customer testimonial:
"Your workmanship and attention to detail is outstanding and because of my job I see many new kitchens put in by and built by well know names, but none I have seen are in my opinion better or as good as mine. Once again I would like to thank you both, I love it."Mrs B, Greenhow, North Yorkshire.

Enquire about a bespoke kitchen Project now

Clean lines and simple perspective

Contemporary housekeeper cabinet

Compact island unit with black satin granit top

A mixture of flat panel fronts and tongue and groove

The wine rack sits on top of chest of drawers to maximise space

Kitchen units designed and made with proportion in mind