Mezzanine storage solution

An awkward but beautiful mezzanine level in a master bedroom. Solution needed to satisfy the challenges of storage space in a barn conversion.

Dressing room suite in Ash (cont...)

This project, as with all storage solutions in converted barns, was a challenge to incorporate the most practical use of the limited space whilst maximising storage options.
The aesthetic starting point were the exposed timbers complemented by the textured walls and the off white cream colour choice which always works well with timber. Often in barns the exposed timbers are constructional members of the building or indeed salvaged sections renovated to 'feature element' status.
These timbers are almost always positioned randomly in the finished barn conversion. With this in mind my proposal was to provide a door and drawer layout which emulated this random positioning without losing a sense of visual balance.
Initially when the project began, the materials selection was Rough Sawn but polished Ash complemented by a cream wipe clean laminate surface. The evolution of this type of bespoke piece is almost always an artistic and naturally evolving process.
Meeting the clients more regularly, visiting their home and getting to know their personalities is always an influential period in the project's development. The additions in this case were to include Cherry as an extra timber choice and to provide a "His & Hers" layout for the wardrobes.
Cherry handles were lathe turned and purposefully slightly different to each other to highlight the Farmhouse/Carpentry theme. All timber selections were from locally sourced suppliers which continued the rustic theme with characterful grain patterns and colours.
The dressing table similarly has exposed bark edge details and a sanded surface which although very smooth to the touch, undulates and dips and makes full aesthetic use of the knots and checks in the grain.

Understairs storage solution

This project was a delight to work on. The client was looking to create additional storage under the stairs in order to free up kitchen space. The solution was to house the tumble dryer and freezer with additional storage for vacuum and sundries with a pull out drawer shelf for boots and shoes.
The customer had some great aesthetic starting points and together we incorporated the coloured glass inset panels to break up the white.
Doors are opened using a push release latch therefore keeping the look clean and clear of visual and physical obstructions.

Hibernating Mix

Hibernating Mix

Kitchen Island Unit

Just received the following images from the Architects I was commissioned by on the Kitchen Island Unit featured in one of my earlier posts.
Hall+Bednarczyk Architects approached me with a 3D visual of a Kitchen Island Unit they had designed as a signature piece for a new property they were working on. The focus of this particular piece was to create a signature feature which emulated the material and aesthetic elements of the building as a whole.
It was a pleasure to work alongside like minded professionals and the process of interpreting the concept design into a constructional format without compromising the aesthetic ideals was particularly rewarding.
Contact www.hallbednarczyk.com if you have any projects which would benefit from their services.

Dressing room in Ash. Wardrobes and Dressing Table

Locally milled Ash machined on a Woodmizer. This project's main aesthetic criteria is to complement the rough sawn oak beams of a Barn Conversion. I am particularly fond of using Ash and in this situation it offers an ideal solution. 'ONNEN' is the Welsh word for the 'Ash tree'. It's pale blond character and figurative grain will brighten and complement the interior of the Dressing Room. I plan to highlight the rough sawn finish with a brushed and waxed process combined with decorative pegs which will provide an authentic feature inspired by the traditional construction techniques of Barns.

Sideboard for dining area

Starting point for the decorative elements in a recently commissioned sideboard. The customer is very keen on natural pigments and earthy tones. This image is taken from an artwork which is hanging adjacent to the proposed position of the sideboard. As with the previous commission for this client, the piece will be location specific and lavender colour and tones are likely to play a large part in the creative process as there are a number of well established plants outside the property.

09 December 2011
On a day which would've been my father's birthday, I turned a sample/test leg on his lathe. Inspired by lamp stands he turned before he died, I chose some locally felled cherry which has been drying in my workshop for the last 4 years. A full rainbow outside the workshop added to the sense that my father was around and appreciating my acknowledgement of him and his love of turning wood.
The cherry tones once oiled complement the clients preferred colour requests and work well with the proposed lavender colours.