S & L Custom Furniture

Customizing your home can go so much further than a couple of cushions and a throw. I absolutely love when clients require something ‘next level’ unique to them and the interior of their home. Further to my previous Blog entry show casing some gorgeous customized lights, in 2018 we also designed and manufactured two bespoke pieces for a working nook in our client’s farmhouse.

The setting chosen for the nook was potentially the best spot in the home for capturing an inspiring view of Lake Rotorua. Quickly becoming the most sort after spot in the house to do homework or rug up with a cuppa, there was a tonne of pressure to get the duo perfectly suited to the space. Here I’m sharing with you some photos of the completed works prior to delivery.

Subject 1 stands just shy of 1200mm high with three open bar shelves as well as a hand chosen 30mm thick, Marble top shelf with a beautifully smooth radius edge. The Marble top has the capability of a side board, where as the shelves are more suited to books & paperwork. The bottom shelf acts more like a stow away perfect for a couple of throws to have at the ready in the evenings. The curved square bar frames are shaped by hand which I feel adds to the overall Deco aesthetic & character of the sideboard. There are gorgeous markings that were created by the clamps & tools used to form the steel work which I adore.

Subject 2 is an occasional table/desk which has similar characteristics, however the practicality & ergonomics were forefront in my mind when designing this piece. On wheels, the idea is that the table can have a dual function where it can easily be positioned to sit at & even rest your feet on the lower bars while operating a laptop or pen to paper.

Both pieces share a top cut from the same slab of stone. This was super important to me because I knew we were relying on these two pieces to identify the parameters of this zone & I felt the marbling would tell a beautiful narrative within the space.

As the designer I am spoilt to work so closely with the manufacturer. My fiancé is an expert in his field of Stainless & Alloy engineering, so I can be proud to say the workmanship was second to none. Upon undertaking this work, I believe we both learnt so much more about each other’s practice than expected. I loved that we created this together, being able to artistically bounce between one another was a true treat.

The finish of the steel framework was something that we decided on together. We knew that they were going to be in an aged setting and felt that it would be best to make the steel reflect this as well as playing a semi-industrial note in the scheme. The edges were beautifully sanded down with artistic license to expose the raw steel, then clear lacquered for easy care & maintenance.

There will also be a third piece being completed in 2019 to extend the ensemble, which will be fitting Nana’s sewing machine into a display stand so it can be celebrated as an heirloom for years to come. This one is super exciting & I promise to share with you a little more of the journey with this one.

Upon popping back and forth to my clients it has been so satisfying to see both pieces in-situ being used & loved as they were designed & made to be. Functioning well within the space & completing the best little working nook in the house.

Meanwhile signing off 2018 & welcoming in the New Year.

Loz xxx