(07) 3256 9000 | enquiries@bywaterdesign.com.au

A second chapter - Breathing life into a cherished writing desk

Some pieces carry more than just weight - they carry stories that span years and often generations. This particular timber writing desk came to us, much loved and well worn, and is now full of rich history. Scratches and dents, which mark the years of love and use, tell a story of its previous life, but beneath it all, the craftsmanship and unique character were still evident.

Extensive repairs were made to the drawers, which now fit properly and glide effortlessly, as well as repairs to the body of the desk. We also removed the old finish and applied a carefully chosen stain to bring back that deep, rich mahogany hue

. A glorious repolish has culminated in a wonderful rejuvenation of this beautiful traditional writing desk. It is truly wonderful to be able to complete a restoration such as this and bring so much joy and satisfaction to our clients.

A beautiful transformation for this gorgeous writing desk

Restoring the heart of the home - our Dining Table Restoration

A recent restoration in our Brisbane workshop saw a classic pine dining table transformed from tired and worn to beautifully refreshed.

This piece, with its traditional lines and solid construction is an integral part of the home.

.Years of use had left the surface dull and marked, and the finish no longer did justice to the quality of the timber.

The restoration process involved carefully removing the old finish, taking care not to compromise the integrity of the wood. Once cleaned and prepped, the table was sanded smooth to reveal the fresh grain beneath. A rich mahogany stain was added for a fresh new vibe and then folowed by a lovely polish by Stuart to highlght that beautiful grain …

The table (and those beautifully restored chairs which we talked about here) offer a whole new look for this elegant dining space

A wonderful examply of adored and restored

Bringing new life into a white hat stand

There’s something special about uncovering the natural charm hidden beneath the layers of paint

This hat stand is a great example …

Once we removed the old paint the beauty of the original timber shines through , showing that gorgeous grain texture and warmth

Letting the timber speak for itself is a rewarding process and culminating in a beautiful repolish this hat stand is now ready to be front and centre of the hallway

A beautiful revival

All about the last two Saturdays - an adventure in Woodworking

Once again, the rain certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm and energy of our newly minted woodworkers during the Introduction to Woodworking Workshop we held over the last two Saturdays!

Our eager students gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and invaluable skills over the course of the two days, ultimately completing their beautiful tables in record time.

We absolutely love their thoughtful choice of timber, and of course, our students had the freedom to choose the size and style of their tables, ensuring that each piece was perfect for them. Oh, the joy of custom making! If you are feeling inspired to dip your toes into the wonderful and rewarding world of woodworking our next class is July 19 and 26 - we would love for you to come and join us

Woodworkers in the making

Shop local , right from our gallery !

As well as creating and restoring beautiful timber pieces, we proudly curate an exclusive range of homewares made in our workshop and available in our gallery …

Our workshop takes pride in using ethically sourced timber, ensuring that each item is made with care and attention to detail. From stunning wooden serving platters , to exquisite solid chopping boards and unique candle holders our products are designed to be both beautiful and durable.

By choosing sustainable timber, we help preserve forests for future generations while offering you timeless, eco-friendly pieces for your home.

So, the next time you're looking to refresh your living space, consider shopping local. By buying directly from our workshop, you’re making a positive impact on the planet and supporting the craftsmanship that brings these pieces to life. Your home and the Earth will thank you!

Our First Timber Masterclass for 2025

Despite the torrential rain (yet again), our Timber Masterclass turned out to be a wonderful and incredibly productive day!

We were thrilled to see our enthusiastic woodworking students dive into the world of woodcraft with so much passion and determination. The weather may have been less than ideal, but that didn't dampen anyone’s spirits or stop them from enjoying the learning experience.

Throughout the day, our students were introduced to the essentials of woodworking, from selecting the right type of wood to understanding the tools needed to shape and transform raw timber into something functional and beautiful. The masterclass focused on teaching key techniques such as sanding, shaping, and fine-tuning—skills that are essential for any aspiring woodworker.

By lunchtime our budding woodworkers had crafted their beautifully hand shaped wooden salt and pepper shakers - a wonderfully unique addition to their dining table and something to be very proud of

An heirloom revived ...

This 1930s writing desk, a cherished family heirloom, had stood the test of time in a home for generations. However, after years of use, it had worn down, its surface scratched, its joints loose, and its finish faded. In need of extensive repairs and a repolish, the desk was ready for restoration to bring it back to life.

The repairs were extensive including repairs to the timber feet, the split in the dropdown and replacement of water damaged parts this followed by gentle cleaning of the beautiful leadlight replacing all the hardware and sanding before the all important finish.

Once the repairs were complete Stuart repolished and bought the gorgeous Australian Red Cedar back to it original glory

This restoration wasn’t just about fixing a piece of furniture – it was about preserving a piece of family history. The desk, once again sturdy and radiant, now stands ready for the next generation to create new

Restoring beautiful dining chairs

The amazing results from furniture restoration , never cease to amaze and delight us

The processes can often be long and time consuming ( but hey that’s what we are here for !) but the end results are worth it - every single time

The advantages of restoration as we have mentioned here and here are numerous but instrincially having something you love and cherish and having it at its absolute best is the smartest thing you can do for your furniture .

These gorgeous retro dining chairs are a beautiful example

Our clients were absolutely delighted ( to put it mildly) with the wonderful finished product

These dining chairs will are now back front and centre in the hub of the family home and will be so for many decades to come - love what we do !

Unleash your innerwoodworker

Ever thought about picking up a new hobby?

Curious about woodworking or wondering what a class is like?

If you’re ready to dive into the world of wood, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re kicking off our 2025 Timber Masterclass this Saturday, March 29th, from 8 AM to 1 PM at our Boondall Workshop—and we’d love for you to join us.

No prior experience? No problem! This workshop is designed to introduce you to the basics of woodworking in a fun and relaxed setting. You’ll get hands-on experience shaping and sanding wood, learn how to use some of the bigger tools, and leave with your very own hand-crafted timber salt and pepper shakers.

It’s a fantastic way to spend your Saturday morning, don’t you think?

We’ve only got two spots left, so if you’re ready to take the first step in your woodworking journey, get in touch today and grab your spot before it’s gone!

 

Custom making a solution ...

One of the many many (oh we could go on ) joys and advantages of custom making is that you will have exactly what you want and that includes the dimensions of the piece you are having made…

A beautiful example is this hoop pine console unit. Our client who is downsizing no longer needs the big entertainment unit and so a new piece was needed that would beautifully fill her new lounge room and accommodate all her media/tv requirements.

This classic style unit has been stained ( expertly colour matched to blend effortlessly into the existing furniture) to a deep rich mahogany

An elegant new addition to the home that provides function and style

Lets get into some restoration

Whilst we have been dodging cyclones , our workshop has been awash with productivity completing some beautiful restoration projects.

This stunning silky oak sideboard stands out as a versatile piece that fits beautifully in any room throughout the home.

In the dining room, it elegantly serves as a sideboard for displaying cherished heirloom dishes, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

In the bedroom, it offers much-needed storage options, especially in classic Queensland homes that often lack built-in cabinetry, thus adding an element of charm and functionality to the area

In the entrance way it transforms into a stylish storage solution for keys, sunglasses, and hats and whatever else we deem necessary when we are flying in and out of the home.

An elegant workhorse of the home this beautifully restored silky oak sideboard is going to look magnificent wherever it is placed in the home .

beautiful results for our silky oak sideboard

Sometimes we just don’t want painted timber furniture anymore, and that’s quite okay! For a myriad of reasons, the white finish just isn’t cutting it anymore, and it’s time to return to the natural beauty of the timber.

That’s where we can definitely help.

This beautiful white hat stand has certainly seen better days, so we carefully removed the old paint finish, made the necessary repairs, and completed the restoration with a stunning finish that truly enhances that gorgeous patina

A truly beautiful and elegant addition to the entrance of the home.

how fabulous is this hat stand

Inspiring Desk Makeovers ...

We have completed some incredible transformations/ restorations with desks that were once bound for the tip becoming stunning focal points of home offices.

These beautiful desks full of character have been carefully restored and brought back to a new glory giving their owner a wonderful new exciting space for their home office

The beauty of a makeover

Shiny shiny table tops

When our clients request a full gloss finish - we say why not !!

A beautiful (professional) high gloss will definitely add to the wow factor of timber

Done correctly a well applied finish will highlight the beautiful patina of the timber as well as act as a protectant to the timber ensuring longevity of the finished piece

We recently completed this beautiful Jarrah table top for a funky outdoor area - and our client was ecstactic with the result

A classic square table has now become the focal point of this beautiful outdoor sanctuary

Elevated Dining

Promoting inclusivity and connection , this gorgeus Dining Table is a beautiful example of simplicity and craftmanship.

Walnut timber - renowned for its rich warm tones was chosen for its durability and strength whilst providing a beautiful sophistication to the space.

The sleek smooth lines add a contemporary touch yet providing the sense of warmth needed for the dining area

A beautiful addition to this wonderful family home


Elegant living - walnut dining table



Restoring Classic TV Chairs

In a world where consumerism often leads to the discarding of perfectly good items, the concept of restoration offers a refreshing alternative.

There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a piece with history and giving it new life, all while minimizing waste and reducing our environmental footprint.

This philosophy is beautifully exemplified by the restoration of these classic TV chairs, which have been a cherished part of our client’s family for years.

Rather than letting them fall victim to the landfill, we opted to preserve their unique charm and craftsmanship. The process began with careful timber repairs, ensuring that the structural integrity of the chairs was maintained while respecting their original design.

Next came a beautiful repolish, which brought out the rich warmth and texture of the wood, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship that made these chairs so special in the first place.

Finally, the chairs were reupholstered in a fresh, timeless classic blue fabric. The new upholstery not only modernizes their appearance but also enhances their comfort and durability, ensuring they remain a functional and stylish part of the home for many years to come.

The end result is nothing short of stunning. These restored chairs now serve as a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship and the power of a thoughtful restoration process.

They’ve been given a second life, and with that, they continue to tell the story of their past, while also contributing to a more sustainable future. This project is a perfect example of how investing time and care into what we already own can have a profound impact on both our homes and the environment.

A New Year of Creativity and Craftmanship

We’re thrilled to kick off 2025 with a fresh slate of exciting opportunities for woodworking enthusiasts and timber lovers alike.

This year, we look forward to continuing our mission of restoring and crafting beautiful timber furniture while sharing our passion and knowledge with all of you who appreciate the artistry of wood.

In just a few weeks, we’ll be heading to the stunning Huon Valley in Tasmania for our popular surfboard-making workshop. This marks the first class of the year, and we can’t wait to dive in with fellow woodworking enthusiasts surrounded by such natural beauty.

As we move into March, we’ll be launching our Timber Masterclass, a half-day workshop perfect for those looking to explore their creativity and learn something new. Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious about working with timber, this class offers an ideal introduction.

You can join us on March 29th or June 28th for this inspiring experience.

For those eager to take on a more in-depth challenge, our Intro to Furniture Making two-day workshop is exactly what you need. Over two immersive days, you’ll learn essential woodworking techniques and design principles while crafting your very own coffee table, desk, or hall table. Join us for fun and learning on April 5 and 12, July 19 and 26, September 13 and 20

And of course, for our surfboard enthusiasts, we’re bringing back our iconic Timber Surfboard Making Workshops for another exciting year of shaping, crafting, and fun in the sun. Surfs up March 13 -16, June 12 - 15 and October 9 - 12

We can’t wait to share these experiences with you. Here’s to another year of creativity, craftsmanship, and community

To find out more please email us for all the good details

See you in class

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A Jarrah Kitchen Restoration

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This 20+ year-old kitchen was ready for a refresh. Over the years, it has served as the heart of countless birthdays, family celebrations, homework sessions, and cherished memories. Now, it was time to breathe new life into the original design, with a focus on enhancing functionality and adding some much-needed storage.

The solid jarrah doors were still in good condition, so we started with a thorough restoration process, followed by a beautiful repolish by Stuart. The rich jarrah hue really stands out, adding warmth and character to the space.

To address storage needs, we added extra drawers with deep space—perfect for those larger items that always seem to lack a proper home.

The island bench received a stunning new marble countertop, providing a spacious and elegant workspace for the chef. The marble is a perfect complement to the rich jarrah timber, creating a harmonious balance between the two materials.

Our goal was to retain as much of the original charm as possible while updating key elements to create a more functional, modern, and beautiful kitchen. The result is a space that's ready to continue hosting many more wonderful family moments.

Above images - the beautiful new kitchen makeover

And the images below - the all important “before pics”

Breathing new life into yesteryear

It is always our utmost joy and genuine pleasure to undertake the careful restoration of loved and cherished items of furniture that hold significant meaning for their owners.

The joy and satisfaction our clients receive from our work is something we truly never take for granted.

This particular box, which is nearly a hundred years old and has been treasured for generations, required us to take great care in restoring it while ensuring it retained its character and did not end up looking too new.

Careful and meticulous repairs, along with a fresh new lining and a stunning repolish, culminated in the creation of a wonderful heirloom piece that will be cherished and appreciated for many generations to come.