We’ve curated a list of some our favourite bespoke furniture projects from 2023. Will yours make the cut for next year’s list?
Each year we reflect on the inspiring body of work created by the talented custom furniture 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 a shortlist from the many incredible 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.
Children’s Bed
by Elliot Holdstock from Studio Elliot in Sydney, NSW
With more than 10 beautiful bespoke projects undertaken by Elliot through Handkrafted during 2023, it wasn’t easy deciding which to feature. It’s the elegant simplicity of this beautiful bed that we fell in love with.
I could not be happier with the outcome of the bed Elliot made for my daughter. He exceeded all my expectations in an extremely tight timeframe. I felt like he really understood what I was trying to achieve and executed it beautifully. Highly recommend & would be a pleasure to use Elliot again.
Lauren
Image by Nic Gossage, with this furniture piece included in a broader feature on the client’s design and styling documented in The Local Project.
Walnut Extension Table
by Sebastian Wood in Sydney, NSW
The original client brief expressed a desire for an elegant extension table in Walnut with fine legs at each corner. Sebastian hit the nail on the head with this exquisite design. More details in the associated listing in Sebastian’s profile.
Sebastian did a fabulous job in making our walnut extension table. We iterated the design and I have just what I want. The finish on my table is superb.
Helen
Coffee Table
by Tim Besley from Begbie in Melbourne, VIC
Mid-century inspired coffee table that incorporates a fabric sling for the client’s cats to lounge on.
Absolutely adore the coffee table Tim designed and made for us. It’s beautiful, functional and strong. He was a pleasure to work with.
Megan
Secretary Desk
by Robin Clancy in Wollongong, NSW
These workshop photos were taken before the addition of some small brass handles. What a gorgeous grain pattern on this Tasmanian Blackwood beauty.
Robin was fantastic to work with, he was happy to work through the design with me as long as it took to get the piece that I had in my mind and make it a reality. Will absolutely use him again for future commissions.
Alison
Guitar Rack
by Aedan Sykes from aesyk in Perth, WA
Crafted in Jarrah with some irresistible curves, we envy the lucky person who received this stunning guitar rack for Christmas. These workshop photos don’t do this piece justice, we’re sure it’s looking even better in situ and fully loaded in its forever home.
Hi-Fi Cabinet
by Matthew William Parish in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, NSW
Designed to house high-end stereo components, Matt has crafted this Tasmanian Blackwood with sliding tambour doors and finished in a satin natural hard wax finish.
Matt was wonderful to work with, made the process very easy and had great ideas. We are so delighted with what he has created – a real work of art.
Fiona
Tallboy
by Dane Bakarich from Hush Furniture in Sydney, NSW
Dane has titled this design the Wroxham 6-drawer tallboy, incorporating heirloom joinery, fluted drawer fronts, and a natural finish.
The chest of drawers are beautiful quality and very thoughtfully made. A lot of care and attention has clearly gone into the piece. Dane was lovely to work with.
Stacey
Bedside Tables
by Leeroy Reading from Reading Furniture in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, NSW
Minimalist contemporary design in Tasmanian Oak with fine traditional joinery. More details in the product listing in Leeroy’s portfolio. There’s a lot we could say about the true value of working with a maker who truly understands and can build upon a client’s requirements and early vision, yet the below client feedback succinctly reflects that sentiment…
Absolutely in love with the two bedside tables I ordered from Leeroy and his team. He completely understood my style and came up with a design that’s ever better than what I thought I wanted.
Communication was excellent and the process was too seamless; from the inital designs, to throughout the build, and the final delivery.
The finished bedsides are even more beautiful than I could have imagined. They are the exact timber tone I was after the craftsmanship is second to none. I have no doubt I will have these for many decades to come.
Amber
Jarrah Bed Frame
by James May from Mayde Furniture in Sydney, NSW
King platform bed, with turned legs, exposed and dry joinery to allow it to be disassembled for transport. Crafted in Jarrah, James developed this new design in response to a Handkrafted client brief. More details in this listing in James portfolio.
Bar Cabinet & Shelving
by Jake from Jakelin Furniture in Sydney, NSW
This client has transformed a small and narrow nook into a magnificent curved and fluted bar cabinet and shelving. Expertly crafted by Jake, the stunning result speaks for itself.
Dining Table
by Steven Giannuzzi in Moss Vale, NSW
This 3m long, super solid American White Oak dining table, finished in Osmo Raw. Craftsmanship of this style and calibre will undoubtedly stand the test of time and we are certain that this table will be enjoyed for many years to come.
We commissioned a 3m solid wood dining table from Steve and are thrilled with the result. Steve’s craftsmanship is of the highest standard. He has created a very special piece for our home, with great care and attention. He listened to our brief and provided helpful advice in relation to the design options, method of construction and timber selection. He spent time with us to draw up the plans and revise his drawings until we were happy. He is also very professional and responsive. The entire process was completed efficiently and on time. We couldn’t recommend Steve highly enough.
Susan
Floating Entertainment Unit
by Pete Sutherland from Common Wood in Sydney, NSW
Richly featured Australian hardwood, designed with sliding door panels that conceal soft close drawers.
Pete was fantastic throughout all elements of the process, from design ideas through to completion. CommonWood have certainly met my standards. Professional, friendly, reliable.
Marty
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.
