Each year we pull together a shortlist of projects that remind us how lucky we are to work with such talented makers.
2025 delivered no shortage of memorable commissions. Some were ambitious while others were beautifully restrained. What they all had in common was a clear intention: to create something considered, personal, and made to last.
One of the great joys of working in this field of bespoke furniture is the sheer variety of briefs we receive. Clients arrive with different tastes, different constraints, and wildly different ideas of what they want. The role of a skilled furniture maker is to translate all of that into something tangible.
Narrowing down our list of favourites is never easy, but these projects stuck with us. These projects remind us why bespoke furniture, made locally and made with care, continues to be worth celebrating.
Set of Curved Dining Chairs
by Sam Clements from Finn Furniture in Blackburn, Melbourne, VIC
A clean, well-balanced set of 8 bespoke dining chairs that gets the fundamentals right. Beautiful curves, strong proportions, and black-stained oak finished in a hard wax oil. Workshop photography by Riley Hart.
Amazing quality chairs. Sam did a fantastic job.
Bassinet
by Drew Snyder in Lennox Head, NSW
What a beauty! So refined and with a calm and considered presence. The Northern Silky Oak brings warmth and the curves bring a softness. Practical and well-proportioned throughout.
Floating Entertainment Unit
by Jake at Jakelin in Marrickville, Sydney, NSW
A stunning and practical console spanning a massive 5.5 metres across the client’s living and dining areas. Grain-matched doors and a Tasmanian Blackwood top.
Absolutely love the piece that Jakelin created. Very high quality craftsmanship, excellent attention to detail, matching up wood grain across a very wide surface area. Easy to deal with and accommodating with changes made throughout the design process. Incredibly happy with everything!
King Bed
by Steven Giannuzzi from Moss Vale, Southern Highlands, NSW
A well-resolved king bed with integrated headboard and bedside tables. Every detail feels considered, from the leg design and integrated lighting to the subtle brass strip. The oak headboard, with its carefully selected grain, is a real highlight.
Steven was wonderful to work with. He was patient and listened to our vision. He worked with us to ensure the best outcome for the project. We are already considering what our next piece could be.
Dining Table
by Matthew Sherwen from Caringbah, Sutherland Shire in Sydney, NSW
A stunning result made from a single slab of oak sourced from Paris. Finished in a deep black stain, the table and bench clearly anchor the room and confidently contract with the lighter flooring and staircase.
Blackwood Sideboard
by James May from South Coast, NSW
A long, well-balanced 3m long sideboard made from Blackwood. Built by James in his South Coast NSW workshop, the piece shows a deep understanding of the timber and how to work at scale without losing control of detail. The gorgeous surrounding workshop and logs in the background speak volumes about James and his craft. James consistently produced outstanding commissions for Handkrafted clients, choosing our favourite this year was not easy.
James did a great job with the cabinet he crafted for us. Met timeframes and arranged a seamless delivery. We are very happy!
Mid Century & Curved Bed
by Stuart White in Brisbane, QLD
A highly resolved bed that demonstrates just how complex good joinery can be. The brief called for curved corners, soft rails, and a clear mid-century influence, and the result delivers on all of that with confidence. The compound curves and subtle transitions require serious control and patience. It’s a really unique end result that manages to feel both playful and deeply considered.
Bookshelves
by Danielle McDowell from DMD Assemblies in Northcote, Melbourne, VIC
A well designed and made bookshelf that does its job without fuss. Clean lines, good proportions, and perfectly filling out with the client’s books (and cat!). This one is a nice reminder that a happy client and a solid result is the outcome we all desire.
Amazing work from the initial design phase all the way until installation. Great communication. Very happy with the results.
We’re so lucky to be part of this vibrant community. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this past year. We wish you all a year ahead filled with creativity, collaboration, and beautiful, handcrafted pieces.
Ready to start your own project? Post a brief and discover the incredible talent within our community.
About Handkrafted:
Handkrafted is a community marketplace connecting people with passionate makers to commission bespoke furniture and lighting. We have brought together hundreds of Australian independent, bespoke craftspeople and artisans who specialise in producing high quality, sustainably made pieces.
Our makers can help you realise your own idea or collaborate with you on a new design. Many also feature a range of original designs that can be made to order or customised to suit your specific needs. Whichever option you choose, we’re here to help make it happen. Support local makers and kick-start your own project today.
