Toronto Woodworkers Making Heirloom-Quality Wares

This article highlights six woodworking studios located in the Hudson Valley, emphasizing their contributions to the contemporary furniture and home goods scene. The region is noted for its high-quality craftspeople, with craft fairs like Field + Supply, The Farmhouse Project, and Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair showcasing their work. The featured woodworkers are recognized for their distinct styles, commitment to sustainability, and use of locally sourced or reclaimed materials. Brian Persico, based in Windham, creates one-of-a-kind furniture and functional objects, drawing inspiration from natural materials and historical craft techniques. He prioritizes locally sourced wood, often from within 20 miles, and utilizes natural finishes and glues, some based on 16th-century recipes. His experience with unusual natural materials in archery bow making, such as horn, bone, and sinew, influences his designs, notably in his Windham series, which incorporates antler pins. Examples of his work include a pine and osage kindling box with hand-cut dovetail joinery and a bent Osage Orange handle, and a walnut cove mirror crafted with an antique architectural molding plane. New York Heartwoods, operating out of Kingston, was founded by Megan Offner in 2010. Her mission stems from her experience as an advertising set designer, where she observed excessive waste of wood materials. The studio reclaims discarded lumber and repurposes Hudson Valley trees felled by natural causes or development. This reclaimed wood is then used in their carpentry studio to create bespoke furniture and products, or sold to architects, designers, and other woodworkers. Noteworthy pieces include the Eclipse Coffee Tables, designed to be nested or used independently, and the Highland Coffee Table, characterized by its faceted corners, butterfly key inlays, and a hand-shaped Mid-Century inspired base. FN Furniture in Stone Ridge, established by Ken Landauer in 2017, focuses on creating well-designed, affordable, and zero-waste furniture. Landauer's designs for indoor and outdoor chairs, benches, and sofas are informed by yogic principles, ensuring comfort and proper alignment. Indoor pieces are made from multi-layered Baltic Birch Plywood using a CNC machine. Following requests for outdoor and office furniture, a line of outdoor pieces was launched in 2020, utilizing marine-grade, high-density plastic. The F2 Rocker, available in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green, and the F2 Writing Desk with its thoughtful storage nooks, are highlighted examples. Samuel Moyer Furniture, with studios in Staatsburg and Los Angeles, is dedicated to crafting furniture and artwork intended to last for generations, thereby reducing waste. Moyer's handmade, made-to-order cabinets, tables, consoles, chairs, and beds often incorporate brass with unique, sometimes self-milled woods such as locust or American black walnut. His work frequently features unfinished sections that expose the inherent beauty of the wood and the crafting process, with a focus on statement joinery and showcasing raw edges. KHEM Studios in Stanford, founded in 2016 by Kari Britta Lorenson and Erik S. Guzman, emerged from their desire for simple, clean contemporary designs using natural solid hardwoods. Both founders have backgrounds in sculpture, which influences their homeware and furniture collections. They design and produce pieces in their Stanford studio using locally sourced kiln-dried hardwoods. Featured items include the Mega Whale Bone Cutting Board, which combines artistry and functionality with its size and deep channel, and the Unity Bench, praised for its elegant lines and unique angles, suitable for various spaces. Accordance with Nature, located in Accord, is a design and furniture studio established by self-taught furniture makers Patrick Turiello and Leah Fabish. Their backgrounds in sculpture, architecture, and industrial design are evident in their work, which ranges from sculptural side tables to custom wall-mounted shelves and peg rails. Each piece is designed and manufactured by Turiello and finished by Fabish, often utilizing repurposed tools and machinery. The Woven Shelf No. 1 in White Oak is highlighted for its delicate interwoven slats and compact design, and the Peg Rail No. 2 in Ebonized Oak is noted for its stylish organization capabilities in entryways. These six studios collectively represent a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and the creation of unique, high-quality furniture and home goods in the Hudson Valley, contributing to a vibrant local design economy. Each studio offers distinct approaches to woodworking, from reclaiming materials to integrating artistic and ergonomic principles, all while focusing on durability and aesthetic appeal. #HudsonValleyWoodworkers #ContemporaryFurniture #HomeGoods #SustainableDesign #HandcraftedFurniture #LocalCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #Woodworking #ArtisanFurniture

The 'Connected' project, a collaboration between British furniture brand Benchmark and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), emerged from the unique challenges posed by a global pandemic. This initiative brought together nine designers to create furniture pieces aimed at enhancing the working-from-home experience. A significant aspect of this project was the designers' inability to physically visit the workshop or interact directly with their creations, necessitating reliance on remote communication tools like Zoom and WhatsApp, and a considerable degree of trust in the craftspeople at Benchmark. Sean Sutcliffe, co-founder of Benchmark, highlighted the increased leap of faith required from designers in trusting the technical, visual, and sensory aspects of the craftsmanship without in-person observation. An example of the innovative problem-solving employed by Benchmark is demonstrated in Studio Swine’s chair, which required its red oak and cherry wood components to be submerged in the River Kennet for a week to facilitate steam-bending. This resourcefulness is characteristic of Benchmark's workshop, which boasts 58 skilled craftspeople. Sabine Marcelis, a Wallpaper* Designer of the Year, praised Benchmark's willingness to push creative and technical boundaries, a stark contrast to the limitations often encountered with other manufacturers. Marcelis's contribution to 'Connected' is the 'Candy Cubicle,' a maple-veneer box designed to conceal home-working tools, including her partner’s monitor, with a surprising acid-yellow interior. Sustainability is a core principle of 'Connected,' mirroring previous collaborations between AHEC and Benchmark. Designers selected from red oak, maple, and cherry—woods that represent 40 percent of American hardwood forests but are often underutilized. David Venables, European director at AHEC, explained the council's mission to reintroduce these 'unfashionable' woods to designers and consumers, thereby promoting the sustainable use of all natural resources. The project underscores how consumer choices influence forest composition, advocating for a broader appreciation of timber species beyond the obvious choices. The pandemic and the chosen materials appear to have fostered a renewed appreciation for nature among the designers. Works range from Thomas Heatherwick’s biomimicry-inspired maple planters to Studiopepe’s 'Pink Moon' chair, reflecting a collective desire to connect with the natural world. Despite a common theme of natural inspiration, each designer's individuality is evident. Maria Bruun created a Scandinavian-style table from rippled maple, while Jaime Hayon’s 'Mesamachine' showcases complex, humorous, and movable cherry wood components. Ini Archibong's 'The Gate,' an outdoor collection, draws inspiration from the Giant’s Causeway, featuring a hexagonal plinth of red oak and cherry and a green-lacquered red oak top with brass inlays. Maria Jeglinska-Adamczewska's seat utilizes barrel-making techniques for its curved form, and Sebastian Herkner designed 'Stammtisch,' a modern Lazy Susan with sliding trays made from various woods and finishes. The designers will see their completed pieces in person for the first time at London's Design Museum, where 'Connected' will be exhibited from September 11 to October 11. This exhibition marks the culmination of a project that navigated unprecedented challenges through remote collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to design and sustainability. #FurnitureDesign #Woodworking #RemoteCollaboration #SustainableDesign #HomeOffice #Craftsmanship #DesignMuseum #HardwoodExports #InteriorInnovation

Axos Designs, a New York-based millwork shop, has established itself as a leading provider of custom architectural woodwork, cabinetry, and interior detailing for high-end residential and commercial projects across New York City. The company, originally a small family business, has been transformed by Chris Yerolemou, a former investment banker and the son of the founder, into a thriving operation recognized for its commitment to quality and ability to meet the demands of a competitive market. Axos Designs is particularly known for manufacturing 100% of its products in the United States, a core value emphasized by Yerolemou. The firm's portfolio includes collaborations with luxury brands and establishments such as Aime Leon Dore, Kith Ivy, Giorgio Armani, Casa Cipriani, Avra Hudson Yards, and Marquee New York. These projects span a diverse range, from custom shelves and wall paneling for retail spaces to intricate interiors for upscale restaurants and residential kitchens, like an oak veneer wall for a Southampton, NY kitchen. This versatility highlights Axos Designs' capability to cater to various high-end design requirements. The company's success is attributed to its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technological integration. While skilled artisans apply finishing touches, Axos Designs also incorporates state-of-the-art machinery, such as Altendorf table saws, into its production process. This dual approach ensures both precision and the personalized care characteristic of bespoke woodwork. Yerolemou, leveraging his background in tech and finance, has made strategic investments in advanced equipment and project management systems, enabling the company to deliver projects on time and to exact specifications. Axos Designs has experienced significant growth under Yerolemou's leadership. The company is set to triple its current operational space, expanding to 40,000 square feet across two shops in Queens. This expansion includes integrating new machinery, increasing its workforce, and adopting the latest AI technology. The number of employees has grown from approximately 10 when Yerolemou took over to nearly 60, reflecting the increased demand for their services. Despite this rapid expansion, Yerolemou asserts that the company remains true to its foundational values of integrity, consistency, and excellence, ensuring that every project reflects the high standards set by his father. The firm's reputation for reliability and superior quality has garnered the trust of prominent design professionals throughout New York City. Axos Designs is currently in such high demand that it is acquiring an additional 30,000-square-foot factory to further accommodate its growth. The company's ongoing success demonstrates that in a fast-paced urban environment like New York City, there is still a significant appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship and a dedication to quality. #Millwork #CustomWoodwork #ArchitecturalMillwork #Cabinetry #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCity #LuxuryDesign #Craftsmanship #Manufacturing

Echo Petersen, founder of E Lee Designs, has found a creative outlet for her artistic passion by creating a variety of home decor and kitchen items featuring unique swirled acrylic paint designs. Petersen's work, which includes handblown coasters, trivets, charcuterie boards, and holiday ornaments, will be showcased at the 605 Made Holiday Market in Sioux Falls. Her designs are characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, achieved through a technique of blowing acrylic paints with drinking straws onto surfaces like ceramic tiles, wooden cutting boards, and canvases. This method allows colors to remain separate and distinct without blending, resulting in visually striking pieces. Petersen's journey into this craft began after she retired from her career as a financial assistant. Inspired by a set of handblown coasters she encountered during a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado, she dedicated herself to learning and mastering the technique. This involved extensive research through online videos and significant experimentation to develop her own proprietary mix of acrylic artist paints. Her husband, Bryce, supports her endeavors by creating custom oak frames for her canvas pieces. Each item crafted by Petersen undergoes a meticulous, multi-stage process that spans approximately one week. After the initial paint application, the piece requires time to dry and for the paint to cure. Following this, Petersen prepares the item by sanding its back and carefully taping it before applying a resin layer, which then takes an additional three days to dry. This commitment to quality ensures the durability and longevity of her handmade products. E Lee Designs offers a range of items, from small porcelain tile coasters to larger six-inch porcelain trivets and various wooden cutting boards. A particularly popular item that frequently sells out is her bamboo charcuterie board, which features pullout drawers and includes small wooden utensils, all adorned with her signature handblown paint designs. Petersen prioritizes using high-quality materials to ensure customer satisfaction and product resilience. In her creative process, Petersen pays close attention to current interior design trends, specifically monitoring popular colors in furniture and granite countertops. This awareness guides her selection of hues, ensuring her designs complement contemporary home aesthetics. She also incorporates micro powder glitter into her paints to add a subtle shimmer to the finished pieces. Popular color palettes in her collection include gray-beige, purple, and various autumn colors, while her personal favorite combination involves navy blue, moss green, and gold. This will be E Lee Designs' first participation in the 605 Made Holiday Market, though Petersen has previously showcased her work at vendor shows across South Dakota in cities such as Brookings, Pierre, Aberdeen, and Yankton. The 605 Made Holiday Market, an event organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage, Sew Doggy Boutique, and SiouxFalls.Business, and sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dakota Business Finance, will feature over 40 makers. It is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cherapa Place in downtown Sioux Falls, with free admission for attendees. #E Lee Designs #HandmadeDecor #AcrylicPouring #HomeDecor #HolidayMarket #Craftsmanship #ArtisanProducts #SmallBusiness #SiouxFallsEvents

Chris Yates, through his East Wood Trading Company, specializes in creating unique wood products for luxury interiors, including homes, yachts, and private jets. His work is characterized by an intricate understanding of wood and an artistic yet pragmatic approach. The company is renowned for its preservation of unique wood products, attracting a clientele seeking exceptional craftsmanship. Yates's workshop, described as a Harry Potter-esque apothecary, houses thousands of natural liquids, powders, and emulsified pigments he has developed to create custom wood finishes. He has spent nearly a decade perfecting these techniques, drawing inspiration from European artisans who have guarded such methods for centuries. Unlike conventional wood refinishing processes that often involve harsh chemicals, East Wood Trading focuses on sustainably sourced, meticulously hand-finished wood that tells a story and is free from harmful off-gassing. His expertise extends to personally selecting source materials, often taking architects, designers, and homeowners on trips to retrieve wood from old structures. Notable projects include using sunken cypress logs from the Industrial Revolution era and a 10,000-year-old bog oak. Yates’s commitment to quality ensures that each piece of wood is treated with the utmost care, designed to last for generations. Yates’s connection to wood art and craftsmanship traces back to his grandfather’s footsteps in Germany’s Black Forest. He explores nature for colors and materials, emphasizing the importance of the source and environment in achieving specific finishes. Born in Maryland, Yates grew up on a farm, splitting wood and driving tractors. His family's Nantucket roots are strong, with his uncle founding Yates Gas in 1973. Chris Yates, alongside Linda, later founded East Wood, initially focusing on reclaiming high-quality antique materials from old factory buildings and barns in states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. His global network and fascination with Old World techniques and sustainable practices have further shaped his approach. Yates traveled to Europe to study advanced finishing techniques, which he found lacking in the United States. His research delves into the molecular and cellular structure of trees, particularly oak, and how environmental stressors, like cold conditions, influence the wood’s defense mechanisms and tannin production, which are crucial for natural finishes. Despite the high demands of perfectionist clients, Yates adopts a Zen philosophy, embracing the wabi-sabi concept—finding beauty in imperfection. He acknowledges that every tree and board is unique, possessing natural scars and fractures that designers often wish to conceal. However, Yates believes these imperfections are integral to the wood’s history and character, reflecting a deeper aesthetic value where "the cracks are where the light shines in." #WoodArtistry #LuxuryInteriors #SustainableWood #HandcraftedFinishes #ChrisYates #EastWoodTrading #WabiSabi #NantucketCraftsmanship #ArchitecturalWoodwork

Poland has emerged as the world's third-largest furniture exporter, a transformation rooted in its abundant forest resources and entrepreneurial spirit, which has flourished since the fall of communism in 1989. The country's woodworking industry, particularly in southeastern Poland, is experiencing significant growth and modernization. Kleniewski Tartak, a sawmill in this region, exemplifies this trend. Owner Waldemar Kleniewski, at 29, modernized his inherited sawmill by investing in Italian and Swedish machinery and empowering employees, shifting from a domestic focus to serving international clients. This move involved breaking traditional Polish business norms to meet global standards. This entrepreneurial energy extends beyond sawmills to furniture manufacturing. Beata Woloszyn and Damian Wasyl, co-founders of Raw furniture company, represent a new generation of Polish entrepreneurs. They returned to their hometown of Tomaszow Lubelski after gaining experience abroad to establish Raw, focusing on affordable, high-quality furniture made from natural materials. Their venture addresses a market demand for Polish-made furniture, a sentiment that is also growing across Europe. While Raw is a smaller enterprise, larger manufacturers like Converis, located in the central Polish production triangle, cater to major international brands such as Fritz Hansen and Ikea. Converis specializes in rotomoulding, producing large plastic furniture pieces and collaborating with global designers for manufacturing. Polish design heritage, though historically constrained by communist rule, is now gaining international recognition. Brands like 366 Concept, whose namesake 366 armchair designed by Jozef Chierowski in 1960 became an icon, are actively promoting Polish design globally. Their Warsaw showroom, with its deliberate Parisian aesthetic, highlights France as a key market. The country is also investing in its design future through institutions like the School of Form, Poland's leading design institution founded by businessman Piotr Voelkel to address a shortage of well-educated designers. The school, in collaboration with Lidewij Edelkoort, emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and attracts international talent for teaching and student engagement. Furthermore, the article notes the resurgence of Polish craft traditions. Szymon Pasierb, head of prototyping workshops at the School of Form, is dedicated to reviving traditional craft education, which was lost during decades of change. He points to regions like Gdansk and Zakopane as centers of unique Polish craftsmanship. The furniture brand Nudo, founded by Domenico Russo and Kaja Alaszkiewicz, embodies this blend of tradition and international influence, combining Polish craft with Italian heritage. Maja Ganszyniec, founder of Nurt, is a prominent Polish designer working to define and promote a distinct Polish design aesthetic, challenging the common comparison to Scandinavian design. She highlights Poland's innate curiosity and resilience, asserting that after years of being held back, the country's creative and economic momentum is unstoppable. The Polish furniture industry's success is a multifaceted narrative of resource utilization, entrepreneurial innovation, modernization, and a renewed focus on national design identity and education. From the raw material processing at sawmills to the creation of high-end furniture brands and the cultivation of future designers, Poland is solidifying its position as a global leader in the timber-furniture sector, leveraging its historical context and contemporary drive to carve out a significant niche in the international market. #PolishFurnitureIndustry #TimberFurniture #Woodworking #FurnitureManufacturing #PolishDesign #EntrepreneurialSpirit #Modernization #Craftsmanship #DesignEducation

Chris Zettel, a master carver at Naples’ Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild, exemplifies the preservation of traditional woodworking in a world increasingly dominated by mass production and digital design. With 25 years at the guild by 2025, Zettel specializes in adding intricate, hand-carved flourishes to fine wooden interior accents, using tools inherited from his ancestors. His workspace at the guild is a blend of history and artistry, filled with antique tools, personal mementos, and design sketches, reflecting a deeply personal connection to his craft. Zettel, 71, differentiates his work from standard carpentry and cabinetry, focusing on architectural and decorative millwork. His creations range from modern scallops on cabinet fronts to elaborate koi fish bases for mahogany tables, and structural elements like steam-bent archways and intricate corbels. He meticulously transforms raw wood surfaces into eloquent visual narratives, often spending hours to refine just a few inches of carving. This detailed work, he notes, represents the “frosting on the cake” of woodworking, requiring significantly more time than the underlying cabinetry. His process typically involves affixing a paper pattern, often self-sketched, onto the wood and precisely chiseling around it. The guild, serving discerning clients nationwide, values Zettel’s unique skill. He recently embarked on a “once-in-a-lifetime” project in Nokomis, Florida, involving an entire room designed to replicate a 1700s British men’s club, featuring extensive hand-carved moldings, corbels, and four mermaids. In this endeavor, he collaborates with his former apprentice, Sepeideh Azin, ensuring the continuation of the craft. Zettel’s approach to his work is grounded in a practical, hands-on philosophy, influenced by his upbringing in Jamaica where traditional methods were prevalent. He expresses admiration for French Gothic cathedrals and the artisans who built them using only human power. He appreciates the independence that hand tools offer, allowing him to work anywhere without relying on machinery. He acknowledges the scarcity of his particular skill set in contemporary society, emphasizing the guild's role in maintaining these time-tested techniques. While the guild integrates technology, using computer-powered milling machines for initial stages, Zettel highlights that machine-made cuts lack the authenticity and perfection achievable by hand. Even if machines could match the precision, his decades of muscle memory ensure his hands would complete the work much faster. A third-generation craftsman, Zettel's journey into woodworking began at 13, building boats in Jamaica. After moving to Naples in 1976, he transitioned from boatbuilding to fine woodworking, joining the Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild in 2000 under master carver Jim Boot. His early projects included decorative open books for lecterns, which inspired his creation of 'memory boxes'—carved wooden boxes designed to hold cherished mementos, often personalized with motifs reflecting the recipients' stories. Zettel views these memory boxes as small tokens of artistry and love, demonstrating his profound connection to both his craft and the stories it can tell. He is now passing down his specialized tools, including a prized set from Japanese blacksmith Takahashi Norikazu, to the next generation, ensuring the enduring legacy of this ancient art form. #MasterCarver #WoodworkingGuild #OldWorldCraft #ChrisZettel #ThomasRileyArtisansGuild #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ArchitecturalMillwork #DecorativeCarving #NaplesFlorida #ArtisanSkills

The article highlights a growing trend away from mass-produced items towards unique, handcrafted furniture and home decor pieces that emphasize creativity, craft, and time-honored techniques. It showcases 15 such items from various global makers, positioning them as collectible interiors pieces that are worth investing in now for their potential to become future design classics. The featured items begin with a modern take on a classic: the Canopy Armchair from Marchmont Workshop, a handcrafted stickback chair inspired by woodlands and priced at £3,600. This piece reflects a return to traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. Following this, the article introduces hand-painted lampshades by Spanish artist-designer Alvaro Picardo, which can be custom-matched to interior paintwork and wallpaper using Farrow & Ball paints, starting from £110. These lampshades are presented as artistic finishing touches for living spaces. Another innovative item is the Vine Vase by Wobbly Digital, a Glasgow-based artist who creates eccentric 3D-printed objects from recycled and bioplastics, priced at £350. This vase is noted for its viral potential, akin to the popular Gluggle Jug, and is recommended for dried flowers only. Scarlett Farrer, a rising star in hand weaving, is featured for her rustic textiles, specifically wall hangings made from undyed British wool. Her work, ranging from £250 to £1,800, gained recognition after she won the 2024 Young Weaver of the Year award. The article then presents a statement chair designed by Esto Estudio in Madrid, which combines a tubular steel frame with vibrant orange fabric, blurring the lines between furniture and sculpture, starting from approximately £800. Rich Miller, a ceramic artist and judge on 'The Great Pottery Throw Down,' offers unique cone-shaped pendant lights inspired by antique sugar cones, each priced at £2,425. These lights explore the history of the sugar trade and Miller's cultural ancestry. Sustainability is a key theme, exemplified by Jacob Marks' resin lamps, made from pine resin, with the Red RF Lamp I priced at £730. These lamps were a highlight at the London Design Festival for their use of unusual sustainable materials. Xanthe Somers, a Zimbabwean ceramic artist, contributes surrealist stoneware from her 'Sisters Toil' series, which explores women's work and crafts, with pieces ranging from £6,500 to £9,000. Loney Abrams and Johnny Stanish of Wretched Flowers create mesh murals and chain mail lamps, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as museum archives and medieval armor. These shimmering wall hangings are available on application. James Shaw's sustainable seat, priced at £2,000, is crafted from recycled plastic waste like milk cartons and shampoo bottles, transforming discarded materials into unique, organic forms. The master plasterers Ffion and Steven Blench, known as Chalk Plaster, produce marbled, fluted sidetables using scagliola, a 16th-century technique imitating marble, priced at £7,800. Freya Bramble-Carter, a ceramicist, offers wheel-thrown pots in earthy shades, blending traditional techniques with an expressive approach, starting from £900. Maria Sigma, a textile designer and weaver, focuses on zero-waste wares using natural, often undyed, fibers for her throws and cushions, with her 'Apricity' throw priced at £890, though it has an eight to ten-week waiting period. Joe Sweeney's terracotta stoneware butter dish, priced at £300, is described as a charming and functional addition to the breakfast table. Emsie Sharp, a glassblower, presents candy-colored drinking glasses made in her Dorset studio, priced at £38 each, as a modern alternative for smart dinner tables. Finally, the article highlights Matthew Raw's tiled bedside table from his 'Welcome' collection, inspired by tiled facades of train stations and buildings. These pieces, featuring handcrafted and glazed tiles, are priced at £5,180 for a sidetable with a drawer, indicating a growing presence in contemporary home design. #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #HandcraftedItems #SustainableDesign #CollectibleArt #InteriorDesignTrends #Craftsmanship #ArtisanalProducts #LuxuryInteriors

A meticulously restored 19th-century co-op situated on a highly sought-after street in the East 70s has recently entered the real estate market with an asking price of $3.95 million. This apartment, located at 5 East 75th Street, is characterized by its original architectural details and impressive views, which are highlights despite the presence of bold wallpaper choices and numerous mirrors. The building, a historic limestone mansion, offers direct elevator access to the unit. Upon entering the co-op, residents are greeted by a mirrored foyer adorned with checkered marble floors and intricate dental oak molding. Adjacent to the foyer, a high-end kitchen features cabinetry that contributes to a serene, almost 'religious' ambiance. On the opposite side of the foyer, a spacious great room captivates with carved wood-paneled walls and towering twelve-foot ceilings featuring authentic carved beams. The exquisite millwork is a continuous design element throughout this room, extending to a functioning wood-burning fireplace and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that includes bookshelves accessible by a library ladder. The private living quarters, located on the upper level, comprise a master suite that also includes a wood-burning fireplace. An adjoining second bedroom offers two generously sized built-out cedar closets. Both bedrooms provide picturesque "Parisian" views, looking out over the copper rooftops and mature trees of the elegant block. The property at 5 East 75th Street is ideally positioned within a historical limestone mansion, just steps away from Fifth Avenue. Its location offers convenient access to Central Park, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art located merely blocks away. This co-op represents a blend of historical charm and luxurious living in a prime Manhattan location. The emphasis on restored original details, such as the millwork and carved ceilings, preserves the character of the 19th-century building while providing modern amenities. The direct elevator access, high-quality kitchen, and the presence of two fireplaces enhance the comfort and sophistication of the residence. The apartment's views and proximity to iconic New York City landmarks further contribute to its appeal, offering a unique living experience in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods. The property is listed by Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman, with additional details available through CityRealty. #CoOp #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHome #UpperEastSide #ManhattanRealEstate #ArchitecturalDetail #Millwork #NYCProperty #DouglasElliman

This article outlines the extensive range of timber products offered by Wickes, catering to various home renovation and garden landscaping projects. It emphasizes Wickes' reputation for supplying high-quality timber, including softwood, sawn kiln-dried, sawn treated, and studwork timber, all designed to provide flexibility and strength for a lasting finish, whether used indoors or outdoors. The article categorizes the timber products into several key areas, making it easier for customers to find specific materials for their needs. The range includes various timber supplies such as wall panels, all-purpose timber, trade timber, and planed square edge (PSE) timber, which are essential for structural and finishing work. Mouldings are also highlighted, offering decorative options for interior spaces. For outdoor projects, the article features garden and outdoor fencing, garden and railway sleepers, and timber decking boards, providing materials for constructing fences, raised beds, and outdoor living areas. Additionally, specialized timber products like wooden floorboards, skirting boards, shiplap cladding, timber scaffold boards, and timber roof battens are available for specific construction and renovation tasks. Cladding options are detailed, including exterior timber cladding and interior timber wall cladding, catering to both external weather protection and internal aesthetic enhancements. The article also covers various timber-related accessories and fixings, such as window sills and boards, staircase parts, joist and truss hangers, brackets and straps, and different types of timber fixings like multipurpose screws, exterior timber screws, and joinery nails. These supplementary products ensure that customers have all the necessary components for secure and effective timber installations. The goal is to assist customers in selecting the appropriate timber and associated materials for building furniture, erecting sheds, or undertaking comprehensive home renovations, ensuring their visions are brought to life with durable and high-quality supplies. #TimberSupplies #BuildingMaterials #HomeRenovation #GardenLandscaping #Woodworking #DIYProjects #ConstructionTimber

The London Design Festival 2025 showcases a dynamic exploration of wood, challenging its traditional perceptions and highlighting its versatility through innovative designs. This year’s festival features numerous projects that push the boundaries of this everyday material, ranging from experimental uses of discarded offcuts and material combinations to the extraction of pine resin and novel manipulation techniques. Designers emphasize wood's environmental benefits and its adaptability, positioning it as a material perfectly suited for future design. Many young designers are redefining wood's potential. Blake Carlson-Joshua of B.C. Joshua, for instance, has transitioned from paper pulp to hardwoods, incorporating hand-painted aluminum inlay into his work. He notes that modern systems like CNC and laser cutting have significantly broadened creative possibilities in wood design. The festival also includes 'Grain Pile,' an exhibition at Clerkenwell Fire Station, where Max Radford Gallery collaborated with British furniture maker Ercol. Six London-based designers, including Lewis Kemmenoe, reimagined Ercol's wooden furniture, producing contemporary stools, tables, benches, chairs, and a rocking chair. Concurrently, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) at Material Matters in Holborn spotlights emerging talents such as Andu Masebo, Daniel Schofield, and Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng. These designers craft furniture from 'No.1 Timber,' an underused, knotty hardwood grade, in partnership with Benchmark workshops. This initiative promotes a sustainable approach to material selection, embracing natural imperfections over demanding pristine materials. Additionally, Material Matters hosts the Wood Awards, exhibiting its 2025 shortlist, which features a range of wood-based creations from small furniture pieces to Feilden Fowles’ timber pavilions at the Natural History Museum gardens. These collective efforts demonstrate that tradition and innovation are complementary forces in wood design, revealing surprising new possibilities for a material with a long history. The article highlights seven specific projects that exemplify this innovative spirit. Brogan Cox and Nat Maks, inspired by Margate's tides, created 'Tides' tables using marbled timber surfaces. These sycamore pieces are CNC-machined, hand-finished, and then dipped into swirling inks. B.C. Joshua's 'Dogtrot II' stool, made from CNC-cut British ash with hand-painted aluminum inlays, draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and African American history, featuring motifs of Black cowboys. Lewis Kemmenoe's 'Patchwork Rocking Chair,' crafted from ash and oak including factory waste, incorporates a spindle back with solid, paneled sides and distinctive patchwork detailing, transforming familiar forms. Jacob Marks explores pine resin, a historically significant material displaced by petroleum, showcasing its potential in contemporary design through various objects like handles, lights, and furniture, as well as a sustainable composite material. Darren Appiagyei’s 'Ignatius' vessels, made from cherry and horse chestnut wood, demonstrate his evolution into a wood artist through intricate pyrographic finishes. Tabitha Isobel and Dom Callaghan's 'Ferro' collection, including a side table, mirror, and wall light, utilizes London Plane timber sourced from felled city trees, presenting clean lines and a checkerboard pattern. Finally, Shintaro Oku of KOPPA showcases zero-waste designs using camphor wood off-cuts from Kagoshima, Japan, transforming them into smooth, textural forms and stackable cups dyed with natural methods, embodying a commitment to sustainability. #LondonDesignFestival #WoodDesign #SustainableMaterials #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #Craftsmanship #DesignExhibitions

The DIY movement is experiencing a resurgence, with craft tutorials gaining viral attention on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Engaging in crafting provides benefits such as boosting creativity, reducing stress, and offering a break from screen-intensive work. For many, a creative hobby can evolve into a profitable craft business. This guide identifies trending handmade products suitable for sale, ranging from beginner-friendly projects to more advanced creations, and offers advice on converting a passion into an income source. The article categorizes 30 crafts to make and sell in 2025 across five main areas: home décor crafts, jewelry and accessories, floral and textile crafts, fragrance and wellness products, and unique art and crafts. These suggestions are based on popular products sold by online retailers, predictions from crafting resources, and trending topics on social media. Additionally, browsing craft fairs, flea markets, and social media for DIY crafts can provide further inspiration. The ease of selling crafts online is highlighted once a suitable idea is identified. Home décor crafts include tufted rugs and mats, woven home décor, macramé wall hangings, vintage upcycling, hand-painted signs, upcycled furniture, decorative pillows, and seasonal wreaths. Tufted rugs and mats, particularly using hooking or tufting methods, are noted for their potential to generate significant income, with top creators earning hundreds of dollars for custom designs. Woven textile art aligns with a rising interest in midcentury home décor, utilizing various loom types and fibers to create tapestries, wall hangings, towels, and blankets. Macramé, a knotted technique, requires minimal tools and can produce decorative wall hangings, hanging planters, ornaments, and table placemats, offering versatility in design and size. Vintage upcycling promotes sustainability by repurposing old clothing and materials into new products like tote bags, re-dyed apparel, or baby hats. Hand-painted signs cater to the demand for personalized home décor, requiring only reclaimed wood, paint, and a steady hand. Upcycled furniture involves refurbishing vintage pieces with sanding, fresh paint, and creative upgrades to create valuable statement items. Decorative pillows are presented as high-margin items that can refresh a space, with options for custom fabrics, patterns, and personalization. Seasonal wreaths are consistently in demand, allowing for customization across different seasons with various base materials and faux florals. Jewelry and accessories cover tote bags, resin and polymer clay jewelry, beaded accessories, handmade beauty products, pet accessories, customized t-shirts, sublimation tumblers, and eco-friendly upcycled accessories. Tote bags offer versatility for personalization through silkscreening, beading, hand painting, textile dyeing, or embroidery, or advanced crafters can sew them from scratch. Resin and polymer clay jewelry enable the creation of small, detailed pieces like earrings and pendants without expensive metals, allowing for embedded elements or colorful designs. Beaded accessories, including bracelets, anklets, and necklaces, provide endless design possibilities and can be niche-specific, such as custom name bracelets. Handmade beauty products like soaps, bath bombs, and body scrubs cater to consumers seeking natural ingredients and offer repeat purchase potential. Pet accessories, including bandanas, collars, and pet beds, are popular items that can be customized for individual pets. Customized t-shirts, produced with heat presses, screen printing, or vinyl cutters, are profitable when targeting specific niches. Sublimation tumblers, made by transferring designs onto metal or ceramic surfaces using heat, allow for personalized drinkware. Eco-friendly upcycled accessories, such as jewelry or scarves made from recycled materials, appeal to climate-conscious consumers and offer unique, creative items. Floral and textile crafts include paper flowers, textile dyeing, quilted items, and embroidered items. Paper flowers are simple to make and sell, particularly for weddings and events, with low upfront costs. Textile dyeing, exemplified by tie-dye and shibori, requires minimal materials and skills, allowing for customization of blank apparel or fabrics. Quilted items, from blankets and pillows to wall hangings and jackets, offer nostalgic and high-quality options, with smaller items like coasters being easier to produce. Embroidered items add a handmade touch to everyday goods, with personalized options like names or dates being in high demand, and embroidery machines can increase production efficiency. Fragrance and wellness products feature home fragrance products, handmade candles, and natural skin care products. Home fragrance items, such as reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays, provide long-lasting scents without an open flame, catering to preferences for safe, low-maintenance options. Handmade candles are in high demand within the growing home fragrance market, allowing for creative designs, unique containers, and unusual scent combinations. Natural skin care products, including body butter and facial oils, appeal to consumers focused on simple, high-quality ingredients, with transparency in ingredient lists being crucial. Unique art and crafts comprise needle felted goods, disco ball art, plant pots and other ceramics, handcrafted greeting cards, laser-engraved products, 3D printed items, and epoxy resin crafts. Needle felting allows for sculptural wool creations such as dryer balls, ornaments, and felted animals. Disco ball art, or mirrored mosaic art, is a trendy craft applied to home décor and other goods. Plant pots and ceramics, including pottery or items made from air clay or cement, cater to the growing plant-parent population. Handcrafted greeting cards offer a special touch in a digital world, with endless design options and personalization. Laser-engraved products, such as keychains, luggage tags, and cutting boards, allow for customization at a higher price point. 3D printed items, while requiring an initial investment in equipment, enable the creation of custom products like toys, accessories, and organizers. Epoxy resin crafts, using a two-part resin and hardener system, can produce items ranging from keychains to jewelry, especially when combined with 3D-printed molds for customization. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of market research to identify trending crafts early, providing a competitive edge. It suggests utilizing social media (TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram), analyzing craft marketplaces (Etsy, Shopify), using Google Trends to track demand, browsing craft supply stores for clues, and checking niche online communities for insights into popular items and materials. The ultimate goal is to transition from a hobby to a profitable business, emphasizing the need to build a solid brand, create a business plan, and identify target customers, while also considering seasonality and diversifying sales channels through online stores, marketplaces, craft fairs, and retail outlets. #CraftsToSell #HandmadeProducts #DIYBusiness #HomeDecorCrafts #JewelryMaking #TextileCrafts #FragranceProducts #ArtAndCrafts #SmallBusiness

This article presents a diverse array of innovative products spanning home decor, personal accessories, and lifestyle items, each chosen for its unique design, functionality, or social impact. In the realm of home decoration, the Studio Cubbe Mini Floating Shelf from Lyon offers whimsical storage solutions with customizable colors and grout options, despite its miniature size. Similarly, Ugly Rugly's Amoeba Coaster Set brings playful, water-resistant designs to dining spaces, while &KLevering;'s Coupe Twirl Mint Set reimagines classic champagne glasses with colorful, retro forms. Lighting solutions include Zanwen Li's Heng Balance Lamp, a minimalist and interactive piece that illuminates through magnetic connection, and Siup Studio's handmade Minty Bubble Lamp, known for its experimental, bulbous ceramic form. For larger home accents, HAY's Flat Works Rug, designed by Ethan Cook, provides a blend of bold and subdued colors inspired by woven wall art, suitable for various decor styles. Storage and organization are addressed with DOIY's 'Mystic' ceramic boxes, which offer playful, magic-inspired vessels for trinkets and jewelry. Beyond home decor, the collection features personal accessories and apparel. The article showcases Piatnik's Takenobu Igarashi Playing Cards, originally commissioned by MoMA, which stand out for their timeless graphic design and use of negative space. For footwear, the FEIT + Oliver Jeffers Indoor Slippers, crafted from single-piece vegetable-tanned calfskin, feature illustrations from Jeffers' art book. Apparel items include the MAAP + The Arrivals Alt_Road Haelo Packable Jacket, a stylish and functional cycling jacket made from water-repellant and recycled materials, and The Fillmore Hoodie in Sunflower Embroidery by Taylor Stitch + Ron Finley, an organic cotton hoodie that supports the Ron Finley Project's guerrilla gardening initiatives. Accessories also include American Trench's Retro Stripes Socks, offering a nostalgic nod to the 1950s with durable, colorful designs, and the Q Timex 1972 Reissue watch, celebrating Timex’s iconic collection with a retro gold-tone stainless steel case and red face. The curated selection also highlights items with social or artistic significance. Heart n Soul Greeting Cards, featuring artwork by co-designers with learning disabilities, contribute 100% of profits to the Heart n Soul non-profit, promoting talent and inclusivity. The Galison “The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles” Puzzle transforms Faith Ringgold's powerful artwork, celebrating iconic Black American women, into an interactive piece. For pet owners, Dog Ear's Frankenball offers unique, handmade pet toys made from 100% recycled fabrics, emphasizing sustainability and outdoor enjoyment. Unique food and drink items include the Zojirushi PAC-MAN Stainless Mug, a limited-edition collaboration that combines classic gaming nostalgia with functional insulation, and Asha's Hello Kitty Cup Noodles, providing vegan noodles in playful, low-sodium packaging. Fine jewelry is represented by Lightbox Lab-Grown Diamond Cushion Cut Studs, showcasing technologically replicated diamonds in various colors and settings. Finally, the Rock Plan ChungKing Mansion Keychain pays homage to Hong Kong's ChungKing Mansion and Wong Kar-wai's film 'ChungKing Express', blending cultural reference with functional design. This collection emphasizes craftsmanship, unique aesthetics, and sometimes, a commitment to social responsibility or environmental consciousness, providing a comprehensive overview of products that aim to enhance daily life through design and thoughtful creation. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LifestyleProducts #HandmadeCrafts #SustainableDesign #ArtisticCollaboration #GiftIdeas #UniqueDesigns

Designed & Made, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based custom woodworking shop founded by Brian Grabski, specializes in cabinetry, architectural woodwork, and original design pieces. The company's name, 'Designed & Made,' signifies its commitment to complete creative ownership, from initial concept to final construction. This philosophy is inspired by artisans who integrate design and making under one roof, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and alignment with the architectural vision of each project. The company maintains a small team of 10 highly skilled employees within its 8,000-square-foot facility. This intentional size allows for agility and exceptional quality control, while still being equipped to manage the demanding schedules of large-scale residential projects. This approach helps prevent overextension, guaranteeing that every project receives dedicated focus. Designed & Made's process emphasizes collaboration and precision, beginning with detailed discussions with architects, designers, or homeowners. The design phase involves development and 3D modeling, where proportions, details, and materials are refined collaboratively. Following approval, all engineering is performed in-house, generating precise shop drawings and CNC-ready files. Fabrication occurs on-site, integrating advanced machinery with traditional handcraftsmanship. Most projects are fully finished and assembled before delivery and installation. The majority of Designed & Made's work involves high-end residential cabinetry and millwork, often encompassing full-home packages. The company also undertakes select commercial projects that align with its values and methodology. Typically, two to three projects are active simultaneously, progressing through a linear workflow of design, engineering, fabrication, finishing, and installation. This structured approach maintains focus on quality and detail. Designed & Made offers end-to-end services, including design consulting, engineering, procurement, fabrication, logistics, and installation, enabling precise execution of complex, architecturally driven projects. The shop is equipped with two Holz-Her 3-axis CNC routers, digital modeling software (Rhino/Grasshopper/F360/Cabinet Vision), advanced spray finishing capabilities, an SCMI edgebander, a Timesavers 3-head widebelt sander, a Weinig moulder, and various other traditional woodworking tools. The company is recognized for its blend of digital fabrication and traditional woodworking, incorporating sculptural shaping, bookmatched veneers, custom joinery, and meticulous hand-finishing. Material selection is a collaborative process, involving the careful sourcing of hardwoods and veneers to ensure consistency in tone, grain, and figure, balancing performance with aesthetic requirements. Designed & Made operates as a sustainable company, utilizing FSC-certified hardwoods, optimizing material yields through digital nesting, and employing low-VOC finishing systems. The company's focus on longevity and quality inherently contributes to its sustainability strategy. Approximately 75 percent of the work involves kitchens, cabinetry, and architectural millwork, with the remaining 25 percent dedicated to specialty furniture and sculptural commissions. These unique pieces allow the team to explore innovative forms, materials, and processes, showcasing the company's capabilities at the intersection of architecture, design, and craftsmanship. A notable example of the company's capabilities is a custom pool table, displayed in their showroom. This "passion project" demonstrates Designed & Made's comprehensive skills in high-end design, digital modeling, machining, handcraftsmanship, and finishing. The pool table, inspired by a vintage Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. table, involved extensive 3D modeling and engineering by Brian Grabski and Duncan MacLeslie. Intricate details, such as genuine ivory inlays and hand-selected mahogany veneer, highlight the team's precision and artistic skill. Adrian Bileydi-Lee executed the veneering and ivory inlay, while Paul Perrone applied a custom, hand-rubbed finish. Andy Fleischhacker, the production foreman, oversaw the entire project. This collaborative effort exemplifies the company's belief that the combined skills of multiple craftsmen can produce results greater than the sum of individual contributions. Brian Grabski's woodworking journey began in high school, influenced by a shop teacher and an inspiring experience at Classic Woodworks. His entrepreneurial father further shaped his path, leading him to establish Designed & Made in 2005. Grabski was recognized as a Wood Industry 40 Under 40 in 2016 and continues to contribute to the industry by serving on the Board of Directors for the Saint Paul College Woodworking Program, offering curriculum feedback and shop tours to students. #CustomWoodworking #Cabinetry #ArchitecturalMillwork #ResidentialDesign #Craftsmanship #CNCMachining #SustainablePractices #FurnitureDesign #DesignBuild #InteriorDesign

This article highlights 21 exceptional craftspeople in Britain, as recommended by leading designers and architects featured in Country Life's Top 100 list. The selection emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and specialized skills in successful architectural and interior design projects, showcasing experts whose breadth and depth of experience significantly contribute to outstanding outcomes. The featured craftspeople span a wide array of disciplines. Tom Rennie, a carpenter and joiner, is lauded for his skill, particularly in working with ash. Ceramicists Katrin Moye and George Bronwin are praised for their exceptional and beautiful pieces, while Martha Freud's delicate and intricately inscribed porcelain ceramics are noted for their unique beauty and the joy they bring to special commissions. Edward Bulmer recommends Tom Kennedy for his mastery of scagliola, a 17th-century plasterwork technique. Fretton Handley's Clunie Fretton is recognized as a highly accomplished and versatile sculptor, carver, and gilder, celebrated for both new creations and exemplary restoration work. The Weald & Downland Living Museum is commended for its efforts in preserving traditional crafts, serving as a vital resource for knowledge and inspiration. Hot Metal Toby, known for Hot Metal Engineering, is the go-to expert for steel fabrication, capable of transforming vague concepts into practical designs, with a portfolio that includes significant work at RHS Wisley and Hyde Hall. Kevin Smith of Conservation Leadwork is recommended for his expertise in decorative and architectural lead pieces. Torc Pots is highlighted for its niche in grand-scale, contemporary planters that can complement even period homes, while Marshall Brass is presented as a reliable source for traditional ironmongery. Soane Britain receives accolades for its beautifully crafted, UK-made pieces that achieve a rare balance of uniqueness and timelessness. For joinery and cabinetry, Alex Cottrell of Llangollen Joinery is noted for immaculate work, with Lopen Joinery and Scope Joinery recommended for larger projects. Robert George, a wood artist and arborist, creates incredible one-off vessels and expressive furniture from carefully sourced timber. The Garden Trellis Co. is recognized for its passionate craftspeople and top-end products. Rupert Bevan and his team of furniture-makers are celebrated for their talent and their ability to inspire new material experimentation. Libby Russell recommends Jay Davey for woven willow work and Oxford Planters for superior wooden planters and garden furniture. Cotswold Decorative Ironworkers are long-standing collaborators, creating bespoke garden gates and railings. Darek Dziedzic of Unique Construction (London) is highlighted as an expert cabinet maker. Barley Studio in York is praised for its exquisite artistry and skill in stained glass. Francis Stacey is a master of finishing, excelling in perfectionist plastering and decorative effects using traditional methods. Johanna Welsh, a third-generation Suffolk pargetter, brings freshness and vigor to freehand ornamental plasterwork, often inspired by nature to bring ceilings and wall friezes to life. Lastly, decorative artist Tess Newall is recognized for her beautiful murals and folk art-inspired furniture, which often become standout elements in projects. #Craftspeople #BritishCraft #InteriorDesign #Architecture #Collaborations #SkilledArtisans #HomeDecor #Renovation #CustomFurniture