The classic mid-century look is currently dominating interior design magazines but it’s a look that can be hard to pull off successfully.

However, one of our young furniture designers Jason Winder is demonstrating his flair in contemporary mid-century style, combining the retro appeal of the stripped-back functionalism of the era with modern features.

This ‘Archie’ Bookcase is a perfect example of his style, which is inspired by the work of designers such as US duo Charles and Ray Eames and Scandinavians Hans J Wegner and Borge Mogensen.

Understated in form, the bookcase features simple yet irresistible details that make it wonderfully tactile, such as the handmade wooden finger holes and two sliding doors that open onto a useful bottom storage section.

Three deep shelves above provide ample space, whilst the minimalist yet playful arched forms of the solid Oak legs belie their complex mitred construction.

The bookcase is part of an exciting new range at Designermakers. The photograph shows it in oiled oak with marquetry in English Walnut although as with all our pieces it is available in bespoke sizes, woods and finishes.

Price - £1495 (marquetry optional extra at additional cost)

The Fair is a magnet for furniture trend spotters and showcases some of the most innovative and the strangest design concepts in the world. The headline grabbing objects were there as usual but the focus this year was more on customer input and tailored product development.

A co-design bar developed by Assa Ashuach allowed participants to customise designs and come up with their own unique items which could then be digitally manufactured. Design sharing websites were also the talk of the exhibition.

Technology is increasingly being used to support innovation, making it easier for designers to push the boundaries and invite participation from their clients and customers.

It may sound like a new fangled approach to furniture design but it’s something we’re already doing here in Yorkshire. Take our three-legged chair, for instance – a perfect example of technology aided design and craftsmanship working hand in hand to create something unique, beautiful and durable. This recent corner chestandburr oak oval media cabinet (pictured) are other examples of pieces that simply couldn't exist without computer design technology.

This concept inspired a truly unique project to create an oak dining table that would seat up to 14 people and extend to 3.5 metres in length, yet revert back to just 2 metres for everyday use.

The finished design was to be used in a beautiful modern passive house and the clients were very clear about their requirements. They wanted a clean minimalist look with a very simple ebony decoration that would not detract from the natural beauty of the oak.

The challenge was to come up with a piece of furniture that concealed the fact that this was in fact an extending table. There were to be no visible supports and the smaller version should look just as sleek as the full sized table.

After much deliberation we came up with a solution that created an additional piece of furniture which would be brought into play when the table was being used in its larger form.

We made a matching side table, a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right, which is used to support the central section when it is in full use.

The table is based around two halves crafted in oak with solid ebony inlay. The halves can be parted and oak leaves inserted to increase the size of the table. The side table is then used to support this section and has loathers (pull out supports) built in which are cleverly camouflaged by the ebony inlay.

The result is a beautiful dining table and matching side table that look beautiful in their own right but together create an outstanding centrepiece that’s perfect for entertaining.

Table designed by David Wilson and built by David Wilson and Chris Tribe

extending dining table

matching side table

Table at 2 metre size before extension

Design detail

detail

Walnut is a beautiful material to work with and one of our latest projects gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase its opulence to the full.

The dense, straight grain of the wood and its durability make it a particularly appealing option for furniture design. We were asked to create a corner unit and the design we came up with was eyecatching in itself but once made up in walnut it became a thing of real beauty.

The wood varies in colour and tone from dark brown at the centre of the tree to a far lighter shade near the exterior wall of the trunk. Walnut veneer makes the most of the wood’s stunning visual qualities and warmth whilst also keeping the cost affordable.

As you can see from the image of this corner unit, the unique colour and grain of the wood suits both classic and contemporary interiors.

We were recently commissioned to design and fit a storage solution that would complement a stylish kitchen that combines rustic charm with some more contemporary features. It needed to incorporate display shelving, a larder unit and wine cooler.

We used a painted wood finish to fit the country theme of the kitchen but with a built in wine cooler which added a modern twist to the overall look.

The beauty of designing a bespoke fitted kitchen unit like this one is that it meets the exact requirements of the home owner, takes account of the architecture of the room and the property and is a precise fit for the space available. The column of shelving at either side of the unit not only maximises the storage potential of the alcove, it also provides display space and an opportunity to create a feature of the area.

Sleek minimalist steel handles complete the contemporary rustic look.

Creating a chair with only three legs presents many challenges, not least the need to build enough strength into the design to make it serviceable as well as beautiful.

The objective was to design a chair that would be more stable on an uneven floor surface than a traditional four-legged one whilst becoming a design statement in its own right.

The mathematical calculations required to create the chair meant it could only be done by computer, a perfect example of how technology is assisting the evolution of furniture design. This isn’t computers making our lives easier, it’s more a case of them helping us push the boundaries of creative design to produce results that would never have been possible using traditional techniques.

The finished chair uses a combination of solid maple and stainless steel and every piece of wood is curved. With a single leg at the front and two legs at the back, the design is based around a mitred joint and although beautifully sleek would be too weak for everyday use were it not for the steel reinforcements embedded deep into the chair’s joints. The result is minimal, modern and monolithic.

In Victorian times there were 360 piano makers up and down the country but the craftsman led industry declined slowly over the century that followed.

Piano making is now enjoying a revival, however, thanks to North Yorkshire based Cavendish Pianos and we’re thrilled to have been asked to contribute our furniture design skills to the venture.

We are part of a co-operative of highly skilled specialists who each contribute their expertise to design and build pianos for Cavendish Pianos, based on the Bolton Abbey Estate and with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire as patrons of the venture.

Cavendish Pianos were officially launched last week at the European Music Fair the Frankfurt Music Messe.

Many of the techniques we use in our workshop have been passed down through generations yet we are also keen to innovate and we implement new and exciting methods in our furniture making all the time.

However, the dovetail joint encapsulates everything that is great about bespoke craftsmanship and that is the combination of strength and beauty. No modern technology can come close to competing with its strength and beauty which is why we continue to use it.

Variations include the through dovetail, the half-blind dovetail, common in drawers and the blind dovetail, which is frequently used in cabinet making. Rebated, mitred through, bevelled dovetails and box joints are also used in various situations to create the desired effect.

Jigs and machinery can be used to create a joint but nothing beats the satisfaction of honing a dovetail by hand in the workshop, carefully shaping it to fit precisely. A hand cut dovetail shouts quality on a piece of furniture – it lets you know that a maker has lavished time on it – while a machined one just shouts mass production and corner cutting (no pun intended).

Part of the charm of a well crafted piece of furniture is in the way it ages over time, absorbing the character of the room and the people who use it. An oak dining table may have played host to generations of meal time conversations and an old walnut bookcase could have held decades of family diaries and favourite novels.

Treasured family antiques or pieces of furniture that have been handed down from past generations can be found in most homes but it is also possible to create your own modern heirlooms. Furniture can be designed to replicate a favourite item from the past, to commemorate a person or occasion, or it can reflect your own personality or life in a way that will hopefully make it a possession that will be treasured by your family for many years to come.

To find out more about designing your own modern heirloom contact us on 01943 880 417.

International trade fairs and design exhibitions are useful sources of inspiration but often the object you have in mind for your own home can’t be found on the high street or in one of the latest collections.

Frequently we are asked to create a piece of furniture that is similar to something the customer has seen in the shop but which they would prefer in a different wood or a specific size. The skill of our designers and furniture makers means we are able to create individual pieces of furniture that may be inspired by something that can be bought from a shop but which is actually quite different. We are also often asked to tailor the materials to suit a specific budget.

With bespoke furniture the possibilities really are endless and as these images show, by working together we can create something truly unique.

• 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

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

• 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