Carve Your Own Way
There are many choices that go into bringing a house together, working from the foundations to the frame, to the smaller choices – the unique statement pieces – that tie everything together and create a home. Seeking out the wisdom and advice of Richard de Groot, owner, entrepreneur, and and designer of De Groot Creations, Sydney Home Design + Living’s Amelia Mansell discusses how homeowners can incorporate feature furniture and unique statement designs into their home to make it stand out against all the rest.
The desire to create a welcoming, unique, and ultimately personal house design is not a new concept and has only gained more attention and popularity during the past two years. You can create interest in your interior just by incorporating small touches of colour and unique materials; but for those who really want to stamp their house with their unique personality, the choice and placement of furniture can turn what is ultimately four walls and a roof, into a home.
A QUIRK IN THE STATUS QUO
There are endless options when it comes to designing a piece of feature furniture to grace your home, whether you are in the depths of building design or renovation or settling into your newly finished build. The beauty of feature furniture is not only in its adaptability, in terms of being able to choose and change its location within the home, but also the luxury of having a custom designed item that fits your taste, style and requirements, and is a one-of-a-kind piece that will be the cherry on top of your new home.
Entering the world of custom-built furniture can open a lot of wonderful doors in terms of home design, allowing a unique expression of style and personality that might otherwise be missing. But as you travel down this path and consider all the possibilities, it is important to come to the process with a clear plan and understanding of your end goal and style of home. “Ensure that [the piece] fits with your style and colour scheme and that it actually suits your home. There is one thing about having a natural [timber] floating shelf (for example) in your home, but when there is no other timber in your home it might look out of place instead of a highlight.”
The aim of feature furniture is to create a statement that elevates the home, while still retaining an element of cohesion. For those who wish to create a bold and brave statement, however, do not be deterred. This can still be achieved, for example, by mixing in refurbished vintage furniture that matches certain accent colours or timbers within the house, or by incorporating stunning natural-edged timber shelves or tables to soften and lend warmth to a contemporary build. The beauty of including refurbished vintage pieces is that they can bring character into the home, de Groot notes, particularly when considered alongside modern or contemporary builds with a ‘cleaner’ design. “Remember that whatever you choose, it has to fit in and although attract attention, it should not be overbearing.”
ZERO TO HERO
The inclusion of timber into home designs, both structurally and aesthetically, is an increasingly popular trend. This natural product has a breadth of power in terms of adding colour, warmth, and texture into a build, and is frequently featured both inside and out to create a cohesive flow for homeowners to enjoy. Adding a specially designed piece of timber furniture can take this a step further and lend a certain history and character that could be the tipping factor to creating the perfect lived-in and loved atmosphere for each and every person that crosses your threshold.
True to its nature, with each ring marking the passage of time, timber holds a depth of history and character that makes it a fantastic product to be refurbished and recycled. One of de Groot’s favourite aspects about creating custom furniture using reclaimed timber is “The story the timber has to tell; it helps if you know what the timber has been used for in the past”. From fallen trees to railway posts, each marking and perceived imperfection can be worked with or celebrated, depending on your end goal. Additionally, clients are able to bring their own pieces for refurbishment, allowing nostalgic or rescued pieces to be given new life, and become treasured twice over for the experience.
When it is not practical or possible to utilise reclaimed timber, de Groot still utilises rough-sawn Australian regrowth timbers. The timber slabs he frequently uses for furniture, for example, is sourced “from farms all around NSW from fallen trees that farmers want to get rid of and so, rather than burning them, they sell them”, de Groot says. In turn, creating a feature piece out of reclaimed and recycled timber is a wonderful decision environmentally, reducing landfill and “locking in carbon for many more years of usage in the timbers”, de Groot explains. However, it is important to note that while the rise in popularity and use of reclaimed timber is one to be celebrated, the more frequent usage has resulted in price rises over the past couple of decades, so it is important to take this into account as you consider the kind of item you would like to create.
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
Unlike many other shopping experiences, the process of discussing, designing, and having a piece of feature furniture constructed ensures that you will receive the perfect piece that will fit seamlessly into your home design and create the stunning statement you were aiming for. Working with experienced designers such as De Groot Creations, you are able to go through the initial discussions to work out exactly what item and look you want, and will then receive frequent updates on the project, ensuring there is a constant line of communication between yourself and the designer where you can give input and witness the project coming together.
Additionally, while you may have a stunning statement concept in mind or are perhaps sold on utilising reclaimed or natural-edged timber as a feature within your build, it is advisable to take into account that custom handmade items may take time to source materials and construct, and the designer may have other projects in progress. So be sure to do your research early and factor this into your timeframe, whether it is to line up with your builders or your housewarming party.
The benefit of custom feature furniture is there in the name – you have a one-of-a-kind item that you and your designer have specifically crafted to fit your personality and style to become a treasured and showstopping feature within your home. And of course, having a stunning piece of feature furniture that can be relocated allows you to keep your home creative and fresh, and take the item with you when and if you move! Whether it be large or small, structural, or freestanding, the inclusion of a statement piece into your design brings an extra level of personality and uniqueness to your home. And by seeking out the skills of a designer such as Richard de Groot, with his years of experience and passion for creating unique designs that customers will love and cherish for years to come, you will not be disappointed.
Images courtesy of De Groot Creations