Client Story

Best Custom Furniture Projects of 2019

We’ve selected a list of our favourite custom made furniture projects from 2019. Each piece tells a different story and collectively they reflect the immense talent of our maker community.

Each year we reflect on the inspiring body of work created by the talented furniture and lighting makers in our community. We feel so fortunate to play a role in helping people bring their ideas to life by connecting them with amazing local makers and artisans.

It’s a difficult task to select only ten from the hundreds of pieces commissioned via Handkrafted each year – those we’ve chosen to highlight aren’t the largest or most intricate, instead we curate a list that highlights the breadth of work and styles of our diverse maker community.

In no particular order, here are our top ten favourite client projects commissioned via Handkrafted in 2019…

JJ Bedroom Furniture Suite

by Lars Laug from Leaf Handcrafted Furniture

It’s no secret that Walnut is one of our favourite timbers. There’s an inherent sophistication in the colour and depth of the timber grain. It’s a perfect match for this elegant bedroom furniture suite, designed and made by Lars Laug in Northern NSW. Photography by Jenna Agius.

[Update Jan 2022: Lars has sadly moved with his family back to his home country of Canada]

Blackwood Record Cabinet

by Reuben Daniel

Mid Century inspired legs and minimalist design in Tasmanian Blackwood. The top lids lift up to reveal the turntable and records.

“Reuben’s workmanship and passion for his trade has produced a beautiful piece of furniture. We had many discussions to fine-tune the design and nothing was a problem to him, from beginning to end. A job extremely well done, Reuben – thank you.”

Arch Lighting

by Asher Abergel of Dezion Studio

Made by lighting designer and maker, Asher Abergel of Dezion Studio. Bespoke feature lighting for a new office fitout in Melbourne at the start of 2019. Stainless steel and LED strips. Photography by Michael Gordon Hill.

Desk

by Stephen Ziguras of Eco Wood Design

Designed by the team at DND Studio and crafted by Stephen Ziguras. Photography by Northside Studio.

“Stephen is an amazing maker, he takes care in the details, construction process and finish of the product and makes sure the final product is the best that it can be. Will definitely recommend to anyone seeking to make custom furniture.”

Plywood Lockers

by So Watt Studio

Freestanding plywood lockers for the new Surry Hills (NSW) office of Australia tech startup Safety Culture. Read more about the project at blog.handkrafted.com/custom-plywood-lockers

Whisky Cabinet

by Ross Thompson

Delivered all the way from Geelong (VIC) to the Mid-North Coast of NSW, this is a magnificent display and Whisky Cabinet, masterfully crafted by Ross.

My drinks cabinet turned out so beautifully, Ross was so easy to work with from beginning to end. I would highly recommend his work, as the detail and finish is to perfection. Thanks so much Ross!”

Keyboard Stand

by Lee Sinclair

The objective of this client’s brief was to design a stand for their keyboard, encapsulated in a housing that resembles a piano rather than stage keyboard. Ross design hit the mark, beautifully crafted in blackened Oak with solid oak tambour.

Bed

by Lloyd Brooke Design

How amazing is this grain! It’s right at home with this beautiful backdrop too. Clean minimalist design made to last a lifetime.

Dressing Table

by Tim Noone Furniture

Tim Noone’s designs and craftsmanship always lives up to the highest standards of fine furniture. And this custom dressing table is no exception. This one built in his workshop together with @sebastian_woodworks for one extremely pleased client @madenstudio.

Walnut Bookcase Wall Unit

by Jack Auld of Auld Design

We couldn’t resist adding yet another Walnut masterpiece, this one made by the experienced and highly talented Jack Auld. These photos hardly do it justice, it’s one of two wall units made for a client in East Melbourne. We love the smooth glide action on the soft opening and closing door concealing the TV.

“Exceptionally beautiful design and outstanding craftsmanship. We highly recommend Jack to anyone considering customer designed furniture.”

And so many more…

Not sure why we limit ourselves to only our top ten … below you will find a selection of additional client commissions from 2019 that we love just as much:

Art deco bedsides and dresser by Ross at Lee Sinclair. These bedside tables were originally designed by Ross for a prior client commission (see our Favourite Projects of 2018) and soon after an admirer commissioned a similar set with matching tallboy dresser.

Tasmanian Blackwood bedside tables by Stephen Ziguras at Eco Wood Design. The client had specifically requested an atypical design and Stephen’s delivered a result that they were absolutely thrilled with. Photography by Northside Studio.

Sideboard in Cambria Ash and Blackwood by Stephen Ziguras at Eco Wood Design. We’re clearly fans of Stephen’s work and this example is no exception. For an insight into the evolution of a custom client commission, have a look through the Eco Wood Design Instagram to view the staged build of this project and many other examples of Stephen’s work.

Entertainment Unit by Ben Percy. A mammoth 6.5m in length, American Oak and steel, with a light grey Osmo oil stain.

Birdseye Blackwood Desk by Ross Thompson

Low Bed by Reuben Daniel in American Walnut. In the video below, Reuben demonstrates the assembly of this exquisitely designed bed.

Walnut and Brass Coffee Table by Paradox Movement

Games tables by Cameron Hird at Makimaki Furniture, designed and made for a large commercial client with offices across Australia. American Oak ping pong and shuffleboard tables.


Keep an eye on our Instagram for further insight into the breadth of projects undertaken by independent makers for Handkrafted clients.

Feel like you’re ready to bring your own idea to life? Post a brief to let us know what you would like made and we’ll connect you with a selection of the most suited makers.


About Handkrafted:

Handkrafted is a community marketplace connecting people with passionate makers to commission custom goods. 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. 

You Might Also Like