Typically, the clients who reach out to me want statement pieces for their homes. Rarely does someone seek out a woodworker for a hidden table or a bench that no one will see. So, when a designer friend contacted me about a particularly incredible client, I was excited to work on two statement pieces: an epoxy-filled vanity and a walnut desk.
According to Wood Magazine, epoxy is a scratch-resistant resin that can resist spilled drinks and withstand a lot of wear and tear. In other words, it’s a great addition to a piece of furniture that will get tons of use — like a walnut desk or vanity. It can also add incredible depth and interest to wood furniture when clients want that extra oomph.
Here’s what went into this particular client’s walnut desk and vanity statement pieces.
Taking Unique Requests for Unique Pieces
The clients wanted two custom pieces: a walnut desk and a vanity. They wanted a statement-making centerpiece for their office that would stand out in both shape and design. Additionally, they wanted one-of-a-kind legs and for the desk to compliment their brick accent wall and art.
For the walnut desk, I was able to source some beautiful California Claro out of Marysville, Calif. It had the perfect unique shape and color to compliment their space. I chose walnut for its durability and resistance to nicks and dings, as well as its rich grain and striking color.
For the bathroom vanity, I used some Utah walnut slabs taken from a tree that had been struck by lightning. The lightning had burnt out the middle leaving beautiful charring and open voids perfect for epoxy fills. The clients wanted their vanity to match their unique tile, so we settled on a dark metallic copper epoxy to compliment the backsplash.
Focusing on the Details
When it came to creating the final shape of the walnut desk, my designer friend wanted the crotch section of the desk to be deeper and have a more dramatic curve. So, I sent her some sketches to confirm the look she wanted and followed the grain to keep it natural.
To make the client’s one-of-a-kind desk legs a reality, I did something I’d never done before: I had my fabricator weld a round rod into the shape of a tree. We communicated every step of the way with the designer, and the legs turned out perfect. The black iron trees added the right balance of industrial and rustic to match the brick wall and eye-catching artwork.
According to Wood Magazine, epoxy is a scratch-resistant resin that can resist spilled drinks and withstand a lot of wear and tear. In other words, it’s a great addition to a piece of furniture that will get tons of use — like a walnut desk or vanity. It can also add incredible depth and interest to wood furniture when clients want that extra oomph.
Here’s what went into this particular client’s walnut desk and vanity statement pieces.
Taking Unique Requests for Unique Pieces
The clients wanted two custom pieces: a walnut desk and a vanity. They wanted a statement-making centerpiece for their office that would stand out in both shape and design. Additionally, they wanted one-of-a-kind legs and for the desk to compliment their brick accent wall and art.
For the walnut desk, I was able to source some beautiful California Claro out of Marysville, Calif. It had the perfect unique shape and color to compliment their space. I chose walnut for its durability and resistance to nicks and dings, as well as its rich grain and striking color.
For the bathroom vanity, I used some Utah walnut slabs taken from a tree that had been struck by lightning. The lightning had burnt out the middle leaving beautiful charring and open voids perfect for epoxy fills. The clients wanted their vanity to match their unique tile, so we settled on a dark metallic copper epoxy to compliment the backsplash.
Focusing on the Details
When it came to creating the final shape of the walnut desk, my designer friend wanted the crotch section of the desk to be deeper and have a more dramatic curve. So, I sent her some sketches to confirm the look she wanted and followed the grain to keep it natural.
To make the client’s one-of-a-kind desk legs a reality, I did something I’d never done before: I had my fabricator weld a round rod into the shape of a tree. We communicated every step of the way with the designer, and the legs turned out perfect. The black iron trees added the right balance of industrial and rustic to match the brick wall and eye-catching artwork.
