Client Story

Favourite Custom Furniture Projects of 2021

Join us on a visual tour of our favourite client projects completed over the last year...

It’s been another eventful year for Australian furniture makers. Despite, and partly due to, the global events over the last two years, client demand for high-quality bespoke craftsmanship is only growing. In our update at this time last year, we observed an increasing public awareness of the importance and value of supporting local industry and craftspeople – it’s encouraging to see this has since gathered pace.

Yet behind the scenes, makers have had to navigate lockdowns, disruptions to supply chains, rising timber prices, project delays … with many also juggling home-schooling and countless other disruptions. Nevertheless, the resilience of the maker community in overcoming these obstacles has been impressive and they have continued to launch new designs & ranges and delivered an abundance of beautiful bespoke pieces.

Every year we enjoy selecting some of our favourite client projects undertaken – not necessarily the biggest or most complex projects, but a shortlist that highlights the varied styles and skills of the many talented furniture makers we are lucky to work with.

MM Bedroom Furniture Suite

by Lars Laug from Leaf Handcrafted Furniture in Northern Rivers, NSW

Just this month (January 2022), Lars and his family have left Australia to return to his home country of Canada. He will be missed by many as he’s made some absolutely stunning bespoke bedroom furniture suites for Handkrafted clients over the years, with another design also featuring in our favourite projects of 2019. The design of this particular suite was based on his existing MM Round Bed design, and is now accompanied by matching bedside tables and a dresser. Crafted in Tasmanian Blackwood.

We wish Lars and his family all the best for their new life and adventures in Canada. You can keep abreast of Lars’ work via his Instagram.

Curved Sassafras Hall Table

by Craig Howard and Son in Geelston Bay, TAS

Craig is a 4th generation woodworker who, together with his son Jack, works with exceptionally beautifully Tasmanian timbers. This hall table is an existing design of theirs and is made from Tasmanian Blackheart Sassafras.

Our beautifully handcrafted hall table will be a piece that can be handed down through the generations. It is stunning and unique.

Julie, Sydney

Walnut Lennox Bed

by Elliot Holdstock of Studio Elliot in Marrickville, Sydney, NSW

We loved Elliot’s original Lennox Bed in blonde Rock Maple, however, we’re also fans of this deliciously edible walnut version created for one very pleased client.

Elliot was a super easy guy to work with. Very reliable and finished the work ahead of schedule. He adapted the design and proportions of the Lennox bed to suit our needs. It looks amazing and the craftsmanship is top quality.

Robert, Central Coast NSW

Drinks Cabinet

by Alastair De Fegely from Off Form in Brunswick, Melbourne, VIC

Tall Stools

by Reuben Daniel in Blue Mountains, NSW

This is one of Reuben’s existing designs – with two fortunate clients having commissioned some in a recent batch.

The stools exceeded my expectations and are beautiful and functional. A real work of art with the design and the thought that has gone into selecting and aligning the grain in the timber. Spotted gum looks amazing. Really appreciated use of Livos zero VOC finishes as well.

Tony, Byron Region

I’m so beyond impressed with these beautiful stools. Thank you Reuben! You are a master craftsman.

Kate, Sydney

Lace Up Benches

by Matthew from MWP Furniture in Northern Beaches of Sydney, NSW

Gorgeous design and joinery in these beautiful bench seats, one is made from Blackwood and the other in Walnut.

We were so happy with the lace-up bench that Matt made for us, it’s gorgeous

Catherine, South Australia

Timber Sofa & Armchair

by Liam from Fort Kingsley in Burleigh Heads, QLD

These mid-century inspired designs form part of Liam’s Eno design and were commissioned together with a beautiful Joycey entertainment unit. Take a browse through Liam’s portfolio for more details on these designs. This particular set is made from Spotted Gum and was delivered to a client in Melbourne.

Bedroom Suite

by Ross Williamson from Lee Sinclair Design Co in Brisbane, QLD

A bespoke design in Tasmanian Blackwood and features hand-shaped solid brass drawer pulls.

It was a privilege to work with Ross to develop a set of pieces that are original, beautiful and still delight us every day. We enjoyed the journey and the outcome.

Belinda, Brisbane

With several other stunning Handkrafted projects under his belt this year, it would be a shame not to also highlight these magnificently designed round art deco bedsides that are an evolution of a similar design of Ross’ that featured in our favourite projects of 2020. In fact, this particular client had come across the design in that newsletter and decided to commission her own. Each iteration of this design has differed from the last and these ones certainly do not disappoint.

Section Desk

by Matthew from MJP Studio in Adelaide, SA

My initial reaction upon encountering Matt’s Section Desk could only be described as love at first sight. Those exposed brass drawer runners! Read more about the design details and context on the portfolio listing for this magnificent piece.

Beds, Bunks and Bedsides

by Rolf Barfoed in Canberra, ACT

This project in the Snowy Mountains incorporated a large number of pieces. Despite these snaps simply being taken on the phone at the time of delivery, the sophistication in the design and joinery is very apparent. Rolf is one of those highly capable makers that we have every confidence in his ability to always deliver upon and exceed even the highest expectations.

The entire experience of having quality unique designed furniture was made really simple with the engagement of Rolf. He listened to us and provided suggestions which we agreed with for the final design. The end result was bedroom suites and bunks that suit our house beautifully and allow us to showcase contemporary professionally crafted Australian timber furniture. The communication throughout was responsive and inclusive. The care and attention to the delivery and setup was excellent as well. I would recommend Rolf and his team to anyone who is keen to own beautiful bespoke furniture.

Fiona, Snowy Mountains

Mantis Blackwood Coffee Table

by Ben Percy in Northern Beaches of Sydney, NSW

Tassie Blackwood has featured prominently in our favourite projects this year and I don’t think there are any surprises as to why … it has such a lovely grain pattern and colour. This coffee table represents an evolution from Ben’s original Mantis table range.

Fairlight Bed & Bedsides

by James May from Mayde Furniture in Northern Beaches, NSW

I think the client’s feedback says it all…

Incredibly well made. Attention to detail and there is no better way to describe the final product other than a master displaying his passion through workmanship. Could not be happier and already am planning my next piece!

Michael, Sydney

Bedroom Drawers

by Patrick Holcombe from Douglas Fir Design in Melbourne, VIC

Patrick walks you through the design and joinery in his Instagram post covering these pieces. It’s worth watching just to see him showcase some very sexy sliding dovetail battens that keep everything in check.

Patrick is absolutey incredible at what he does. We had two large bedroom units made, and the level of craftsmanship is remarkable. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, nor the process more broadly.

Thomas, Melbourne

These pieces were designed to match the Ruth Credenza from his existing portfolio (pictured below) which the client originally found and loved.

Folding Loft Ladder

by Zev Bianchi from Bcompact Design in Central Coast NSW

Sneaking in this project as it’s one that’s close to my heart, well it’s actually in my own house! This is a design I have loved since first seeing Zev’s prototype back in ~2014. It’s won many awards since and Zev and his wife Sandra now produce these to order for clients around the world. This one is a simplified narrow ladder version with custom brass hardware, they also produce larger staircase models with a bi-fold handrail. For full details visit their profile.


Thank you and congratulations to all the makers in our community for another wonderful year and an equally big thank you to the many clients that continue to support them.


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 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. 

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