Commissioning a piece of furniture
We are happy to accept commissions large and small, for fitted or free standing items. Many of our customers want a piece to fit a particular space, or to match other items in their home. Others come to us with their own particular design that they would like to be realised. Whether you have your own design or are looking for ideas from us, we will involve you throughout the planning and creation, and ensure you are kept informed throughout the process:
Initial meeting
The start of the process is an informal meeting to establish your ideas and requirements. Ideally this will take place in your home, so Rob can get a good idea of where the piece of furniture will belong. We prefer you to have photos, magazine cuttings or sketches at this stage.
Cost Estimate and Design Ideas
Rob will work up your ideas on the computer in a CAD package and present design ideas and the likely cost.
Confirmation
Once the design and price are agreed, it is usual to pay a 50% deposit as work begins, with the final payment due on completion. At this stage Rob will present you with a proposed time schedule and completion date.
Construction
As each project is individual it is sometimes difficult to be definite about timescales, however we will keep you informed of progress throughout the construction of your furniture. We can send pictures of progress, and it may be possible to visit the workshop by arrangement.
Delivery
Depending upon the size of your furniture and your location, we will either deliver your furniture in person or arrange delivery for an agreed date. We will agree delivery costs as part of the quote. You will be given any instructions for how to care for your new piece of furniture to keep it in best condition for years to come.
Case Studies
1: Victorian Fitted
Wardrobe
The key requirement for this commission was to match an original Victorian wardrobe in one of the bedrooms. Rob combined traditional and modern construction techniques to create a beautiful, functional and solidly child-proof fitted wardrobe with panelled doors. The doors were finished with a traditional oil-based paint.
2: Arts and Crafts fitted wardrobe
This large fitted
wardrobe was based on a design by Lutyens, selected by the client. The
wardrobe
fitted into a difficult space, with a sloping roof, chimneybreast,
alcoves and
all the unevenness of floors and walls typical of an old house. Ash was
selected as it
provide the durability of a hard wood but without stretching the
budget. The
wardrobe was finished with a matt varnish to give a lasting, easy-care
finish
with a traditional look.
3:
Dining table
The
design
of this 6-person dining table came from the client, and local Scots
pine was
chosen, stained and waxed to match the original Victorian woodwork in
the room.
Rob picked out details from the existing woodwork so the table fitted
perfectly
in its new home.
4:
Cherry-wood dressing table
This dressing table was specially designed to accomodate the customer's wheelchair, while retaining an elegant look. She chose a simple design and the piece was finished with oil, to allow the beautiful grain of the cherry wood to stand out.
