NATURAL SOLID WOOD

Most species can be characterized in a couple ways; dark vs. light color and grain patterning. This is the easiest way to start whittling down your wood selection. Within these two categories there are seemingly endless combinations. Its really a matter of personal taste. Wild, knotty and curly grain structure can be a tapestry all on its own. This breath of nature can help to make a dining table spectacular and a focal point of the room. On the other hand, calmer soothing cathedrals can help create a more serene setting. 

Over time, exposure to sunlight will darken or lighten many species. Cherry is well known for darkening to a deep reddish brown over time but starts off a medium to light tone. Maple and Sycamore will achieve a more golden hue. Walnut and Wenge can lighten a bit. This is a naturally occurring process that generally takes many years to develop. As a rule of thumb direct exposure will speed up this process.

We use no stains, dyes or colorants of any kind. These methods actually cover up the natural beauty of the wood grain loosing a great amount of detail in the process. Instead we only use natural solid woods or in some cases woods subjected to processes that alter the wood fibers themselves without adding any synthetic color on top. The results are solid woods that are much higher in clarity and richness than anything that can be achieved with a pigment based coloring process.

COMMON SPECIES

Ranging from dark to light, most of the common wood species we use are grown in North America. These woods have been used for centuries to craft much of the furniture throughout history. They are strong, durable and especially beautiful solid woods. We finish each species with distinct oils, waxes, or urethanes picked to highlight the species characteristics keeping light woods crisp and bright while maintaining the warm and cozy feeling of darker woods.

Click on a sample for a better view and to learn more.

Character Rich Species

Some species grow with beautifully distinct colors and figure. Some of these characteristics are inherent to the species yet others are simply anomalies that occur from time to time. Generally these woods are considered exotic or special cuts and many can only be found outside of the US. Due to these factors the woods below are more expensive options and some require special circumstances to use. If you are considering one of these character rich woods send us an email and we can talk you through any necessary considerations.

LACQUER

Lacquer is a special more durable paint that is great to use in tandem with wood. It can help to make a piece appear very clean and modern and can be customized to just about any color you like. Lacquer has a smooth satin finish. We often utilize lacquer for credenza exteriors on the full case or doors. More subtly, interior components like drawers and shelves can help to provide a surprising pop of color where you wouldn’t expect. Below are some examples we’ve used in the past but color options are only limited by your imagination.

Any desired lacquer color can be matched with a Benjamin Moore color swatch.

SAMPLES

While our images aim to faithfully portray the color and grain patterns of each species we understand the value of holding a well finished piece of wood, or lacquer sample in your hands. For that reason we have made various samples available on loan. Our samples are crafted to the same high standards as our furniture so that they can begin to give you a sense of the finish, quality and care that goes into our work.

Machined Metals

Paired with many of our furniture designs, our custom hardware can be made in a variety of finishes to provide wonderful contrasting details to our natural woods or lacquer colors. All our hardware is machined from blocks of solid brass for exceptionally seamless three dimensional fidelity. Each piece of hardware is then finished with unique methods including chemical patinas, electroplating, clear lacquer coatings and more. We have photographed our ‘Petal’ hardware below which shows each metal as they reflect differently at various angles. All finishes will have a smooth satin sheen. Custom metal finishes are also available by request, please inquire.

Copper and other metal finishes coming soon. Feel free to inquire.

Additional Cabinet Materials

Modern furniture is all about the details. With this in mind we have found some great places to add a little pop of color or luxurious texture while maintaining the clean honest furniture designs we’re proud of.

MERINO WOOL Felt

Felt is primarily used to line the bottom of our cabinet drawers. It can be a great little surprise of color or kept neutral to provide a soft, quiet, padded touch. We use 100% natural Merino wool harvested from sheep sourced primarily in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and milled in Germany. Felt is a biodegradable and renewable material known for its acoustic insulation properties and its highly saturated lightfast colors. A selection of some popular colors are below however many more are available.

TEXTURAL Leathers and CUSTOMERS OWN MATERIAL (COM)

Leathers and other materials can be used to add texture to our Halsey series of cabinets and credenzas by lining the reveals between its handles. Leather comes in many colors and patterns, the examples below are all European full grain vegetable-tanned aniline dyed faux textures applied to cowhide. If you are working with an interior designer your designer can purchase the hides and use the remaining material for another project in your home, otherwise we can purchase leathers for you as well.