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The first day of our March Furniture Making Class...

The first day of our Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop on Saturday, saw 6 very enthusiastic students begin their journey into the wonderful world of woodworking

Our students were given the choice of what they would like to make prior to class; the options including;

coffee table, hall table, sofa table or small desk, using premium solid timbers.

The emphasis being that each student designs a table that is perfect for them , their home and their lifestyle.

Our Introductory class is not cookie cutter based, our students begin flexing their design muscle before they even enter the workshop.

It was a wonderful, productive day where our students left with big grins on their faces, eager for next Saturday when they will complete their beautiful tables.

Converting Furniture

We love when our clients think “outside of the box” and reuse their existing furniture. It makes good sense to repurpose what we already have and transform it into something new, wonderful and most importantly practical

. A great example is this classic silky oak dressing table: a beautiful piece in its own right but, in its previous state, it wasn’t serving a purpose…

So we converted it into a lovely working-from-home desk, repaired what needed attention and gave it a fabulous repolish.

And the mirror , well that is is now a beautiful standalone piece , making a gorgeous addition to the loungeroom.

#lovewhatwedo

Two new beautiful functioal pieces from one existing dressing table

Some restoration Loveliness

The immense satisfaction of restoring beautiful pieces is something we never take for granted. The joy our clients feel when their cherished items are returned in their original and sometimes even improved condition is the highlight of our day.

This lovely oak extended round table arrived needing considerable TLC, so our team carefully and professionally repaired and restored it to its former, wonderful self.

Mid Century Kitchen Restoration love

There’s something special about mid-century kitchen furniture.

 Solid construction. Honest joinery. Good proportions. Built to last.

 These retro kitchen pieces came to us looking well-loved ., but time had taken its toll , with structural damage, worn timber, peeled paint, drawers that became stuck, missing pieces, etc

The list was long but as these pieces were well over 40 years the condition they were in was no big surprise

 Instead of replacing it, the brief was clear: restore it properly.

Respect its era. Stay close to the original colour.

 And that’s where the magic begins..

  Honouring the Original Finish

  When restoring vintage kitchen furniture, colour matters. The wrong tone can strip away character instantly. Too modern and it loses its charm. Too bright and it feels artificial.

 

We carefully matched a soft retro green close to the original palette — subtle, warm, and true to its mid-century roots. It brings back that nostalgic kitchen feel without looking dated.

 The timber top was stripped and refinished to restore warmth and depth, allowing the grain to shine again. Clean, durable, and practical for everyday kitchen use.

  

The Details Make It

  Restoration is never just “a repaint.”

 

It’s surface preparation. It’s stabilising timber. It’s repairing minor damage. It’s sanding back years of wear. It’s selecting the right finish system for durability, especially in the kitchen a high traffice, high production area

 The result? A piece that feels authentic, not overworked.

 

Retro kitchen restorations like this allow you to keep history in your home while refreshing the aesthetic. Sustainable. Character filled.

Built far better than most modern flat-pack alternatives.

  

Because good bones deserve a second life.

 

If you have a retro kitchen cabinet, dresser or timber table that needs attention, we’d love to help bring it back to its original character.

 

Restored with respect. Finished to last.

Solid timber shelving for Queensland interiors ...

  There’s something about solid timber shelving that instantly settles a room.

 Not loud. Not overdesigned. Just grounded.

A lovely addition of timber shelving to this gorgesous Queenslander kitchen

 

Across Brisbane homes — from character Queenslanders in Bulimba and Camp Hill to modern builds in Morningside and the CBd— well-crafted timber shelving adds warmth, structure and intention to a space.

 It’s never just “a shelf”.

 A well-designed shelf anchors a wall.

It balances proportion. It softens plasterboard and brings natural texture indoors. And when it’s made from solid hardwood, you feel the difference immediately.

Adding a quite bold modern statement with our timber shelving

 

At Bywater Design, we create custom timber shelving in Brisbane using quality hardwoods like Tasmanian oak for a lighter coastal feel, silky oak for beautiful grain and character, and jarrah or rosewood when richness and depth are the brief.

Each timber responds differently to finishing, revealing layers of tone and detail that manufactured materials simply can’t replicate.

 

Floating timber shelves are especially popular in Brisbane kitchens, living rooms and home offices. They look effortless, but there’s real craftsmanship behind them. Span matters. Load rating matters. Fixings matter. The support needs to be engineered properly so shelves remain straight and strong for years, even in our Queensland humidity.

Home office practicality and sophistication with the addition of timber shelving

 

Done properly, the brackets are concealed and the shelf appears to grow out of the wall.

 Custom shelving also means it fits your space exactly. No awkward gaps. No filler panels. No compromise around cornices or uneven heritage walls. Whether we’re working within a classic Queenslander renovation or a contemporary architectural build, the shelving is designed to feel like it has always belonged there.

 Timber shelving is one of those details that quietly elevates a home. It holds books, ceramics, artwork, plants, and everyday life — and it deserves to be made well.

If you’re looking for bespoke timber shelving in Brisbane that balances strength, simplicity and beautiful craftsmanship, we’d love to chat.

Storage and glamour added to this home office

 

Built to hold. Built to last.

The Art of Polishing

Polishing. The unsung hero

The quiet achiever…

The moment the whole piece exhales and becomes what it was always meant to be.

 There’s something deeply satisfying about the polishing stage in the workshop.

  It’s the part most people don’t see. The sanding dust has settled.

The joinery is done. The piece is structurally sound and quietly confident. But polishing… that’s when it comes alive.

Polishing bringing out the beauty of the natural grain

Timber has this incredible way of holding its story beneath the surface.

Grain patterns, colour variation, subtle figuring — it’s all there waiting. The first coat goes on and suddenly the depth appears. The warmth lifts. The chatoyance shimmers in the light. What was matte and pale becomes rich and dimensional.

  Whether we’re working with silky oak, jarrah, rosewood or Tasmanian oak, each timber responds differently.

Some glow immediately. Others build slowly, coat by coat, revealing themselves with patience.

Polishing isn’t just about shine. It’s about protection. Longevity. Respecting the material.

Done well, it enhances without overpowering. It allows the timber to speak, not shout.

 There’s a quiet rhythm to it in the workshop. Long even strokes. Fine sanding between coats. Waiting for the cure. Checking the light at different angles. It’s meticulous work, but there’s a kind of meditation in it too.

 And then that final moment — when the surface feels like glass under your hand and the piece reflects light softly back into the room. That’s when you know it’s ready to head home.

 Polishing is the final conversation between maker and material. And it’s one we never rush.


Your next chance to make something beautiful ...

There’s a lovely buzz in the workshop at the moment -( well tbh there always is a lovely vibe because we love what we do and we work with really cool people - fact !!)

Anyway, our March Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop has sold out. Woohoo

Thank you to everyone who jumped in so quickly.

We cannot wait to welcome you next month for some beautiful design and making.

If you have missed out , fear not we have some other wonderful opportunities for you…

On April 11 we are holding our first Timber Masterclass for 2026.

This perfect half day “taster” for those wanting some hands on experience but not wanting to commit to a two day workshop is the perfect way to learn some cool new skills all on a Saturday morning.

In this morning woodworking session you will learn new skills, work with beautiful timber and learn some great tips and techniques from the best in the business .

The beauituful hand carved salt and pepper shakers you will make will be a wonderful beginning of your woodworking journey and its just a lot of fabulous fun as you can see from our fabulous woodworking students from 2025 !

If the two day workshop is more your vibe our Intro to Furniture Making on July 18 and 25 has a couple of vacancies left, so if you are keen - now is the time to jump on board and secure your position.

Lets get creating together !





Marble and timber work so well together

Providing both style and function, our marble and timber cabinet brings just the right touch of elegance to the kitchen while offering essential storage with a deep drawer and roomy cupboards.

The marble top is a practical choice, lending itself to many uses as a compact bench or food-prep surface. We love that our client opted for wheels at the base (with locks, of course) so this mobile little piece can be safely and easily moved anywhere in the house.

What a makeover !!

These beautiful dining chairs came to us in less than ideal conditions …

They had been in storage for many a year and over time they have literally and figuratively fallen apart ( and not just at the seams )

They hold high sentimental value for our client and so we undertook this restoration process with care and attention to those beautiful carved details in the chairs.

Keeping with a similar upholstery to really keep the original look and feel of these chairs was a wise move as the final result is nothing less than amazing …





Beautiful Furniture around the Fire Pit

Fire pits are the epitome of having a good time; there's camaraderie, good company, and more often than not, excellent food and wine as well

. The atmosphere invites lingering, laughter, and relaxed conversation, encouraging everyone to stay and enjoy the festivitie

Our client wanted to capture all of that by creating a beautiful area that was not only visually striking but also blended seamlessly with its surroundings, with comfort as an integral part of the design—so you could truly “stay a while.”

We created a graceful crescent-shaped lounge that fits naturally into the existing space while offering a warm, comfortable place to watch the fire, enjoy a barbecue, admire the full moon, and savor life to its fullest. Let the good times roll …

Come and make a timber SUP with us

 

A wooden Stand Up Paddle Board (or SUP) is a beautiful thing ~functional, strong, and undeniably striking.

Built using tradtitional methods we use for our hollow wooden surfboards, timber paddle boards offer a blend of performance and craftsmanship: natural flex and strength, a smooth, stable ride, long lasting durability, and a one of a kind aesthetic you simply can’t replicate with foam.

Every board is shaped by hand, which means your SUP will reflect your body, your paddling style, and the conditions you plan to use it in and whether that’s flatwater cruising on a calm river, coastal exploring along rocky shorelines, or catching gentle downwind days on open water your timer SUP will effortlessly guide and glide you through your chosen waterways




Our surfboard classes are deliberately small and hands-on, giving you flexibility in board design and plenty of individual guidance.

If your goal is to build a timber SUP, we’ll work with you before the class to finalise key decisions such as length, width and thickness; volume and stability requirements; timber selection; fin setup; and the intended use of the board.

From there, you’ll be guided through the full process in our Brisbane workshop. We guide and teach you the whole way, in a stress free and fun learning environment.

Is a SUP Right for You?

A timber SUP is ideal if you’re looking for a slower, more mindful build process, a board that doubles as functional art, a deeper understanding of board design and construction, and a truly personal, heirloom-quality watercraft. It’s a rewarding project for anyone who values hands on learning and wants a connection to the craft and the sea.

No prior woodworking experience is required — just patience, curiosity, and a love of the water.

A Board With a Story

What makes a timber SUP truly special isn’t just how it performs ,it’s the knowledge that you made it.

Every curve, rail, and finish tells the story of time spent in.

Create your own stoke this year.


Please reach out to find out more about our awesome hollow wooden surfboard classes right here in Brisbane Queensland

A Table for every moment

For every occasion, there is a table — and it need not always be a dining table.

 Coffee tables that anchor a living space.

Hall and entranceway tables that offer the first quiet welcome home.

Occasional tables that move effortlessly from room to room.

Bedside tables that hold books, lamps, glasses of water and the day’s end.

Sofa tables that invite a pause, a cuppa, a conversation.

 Each table serves its own purpose, but more than that, each brings a distinct charm, atmosphere and personality into a home.

 The design possibilities are virtually endless. Clean and modern. Timeless and classic

. Art Deco influences. Understated or sculptural. And that’s before you even begin to consider timber — silver ash with its soft elegance, rich mahogany, warm rosewood, honest Australian jarrah. Truly, there is a timber for every table, and a table for every story.

Different timber, different styles, its all about the choices

 A table is not just furniture. It is where life quietly unfolds — morning light catching the grain, hands resting on its surface, conversations starting and memories forming. It becomes part of the rhythm of a home, adapting to its people and evolving over time.

 

There is no single “right” choice. No rulebook. No fixed style. Whether large or small, bold or restrained, designed to make a statement or to simply belong — the right table is the one that feels at home in your space.

 

Each one shaped by conversations, timber selection, design choices and the quiet thrill of seeing an idea come to life.

 

Let the joy of design carry you away — because sometimes, it all begins with a table.

You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to custom making

,

How shiny can a table be ?

,

That is a question we often ask ourselves in the workshop. But before we delve into all things glossy, we wish you a very Happy 2026! We’re back after a refreshing break and ready to embark on another rewarding year of making beautiful furniture, restoring treasured pieces, and sharing our love of all things woodwork with our passionate students. Now, back to these wonderful glossy tables: these classic, elegant pieces will make a striking statement in our client’s bedroom with their vivid blue colour and rich, full gloss .

There is a confident, assured boldness in their simple, refined design.

Shiny shiny shiny, high gloss thanks to Stuart

Restoring a 100 year old Bookcase

This 100-year-old bookcase came into our workshop carrying decades of stories. Worn edges, softened timber, and the quiet marks that only time can create told of years of use and care. Our role wasn’t to make it new again, but to restore it with careful attention and respect for its history. The process focused on stabilising the structure and repairing tired joints while preserving the character that makes a piece like this worth saving. Our client specifically requested a lighter look feel to give it a subtle, refreshed look while keeping its beautiful patina and unique details.

Restoration is always a balance between craftsmanship and restraint; done well, it allows old furniture to keep doing what it was made for without erasing its past.

This bookcase is now ready for its next chapter with solid, functional, and full of quiet charm.

One last spot for our March 2026 Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop

If you’ve been thinking about it… this is your sign

This course is designed for beginners and creatives who want to step away from screens and into something real

Over two Saturdays you will learn all the fundamentals of woodworking in a safe and professional environment and you will discover how wonderfully satistying it is to work with your hands , timber and good tools

Its a chance to …

Discover a new passion

Flex your design flair

Learn practical woodworking skills

Swap screen time for sawdust and creativity.

You dont need experience , just a wilingness to give it a go

The joy and satisfaction of creativity

Many of our students arrive unsure and leave buzzing with confidence , full of ideas nd a new found love of making

If this has been sitting in your one day list , consider this your nudge

March is almost full , only one spot available - make it yours now !

Beautiful things abound...

It’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed at the thought of buying all the things for all the people on your list (we’ve been there ourselves).

But if you find yourself stuck, searching for something a little different, and you’re drawn to the idea of slow, thoughtful shopping, then we warmly invite you into our little corner of the world.

Here you’ll find beautifully curated gifts for the home — from the simple, yet oh so important, rolling pin (also known affectionately as the mojito muddler) to charming small timber treasure boxes, elegant sushi platters, and stunning, dramatic serving platters that make any occasion special.

We truly have you covered with unique and heartfelt options. And if you’re still unsure, consider gifting a voucher for the gallery or the opportunity to begin the beautiful, rewarding journey of woodworking — a wonderful start to a creative and inspiring 2026. Shop small

. Think outside the box.