Caring for your furniture in Winter...

With the onset of winter, the temperature drops and so does the humidity.  With these changes, timber furniture can dry out and possibly split in various places...

You can avoid this by using a suitable furniture wax to promote and keep moisture in the grain.  Simply wax on with a clean dry cloth  and  then wax off any excess, doing this a few times during winter will noticeably enhance your furniture and keep it in pristine condition.

If you are unsure of which wax to use, or you would like to purchase some of our furniture wax please call us on

PH:  3256 9000 or e;  enquiries@bywaterdesign.com.au  and we would love to help you .

::Model no 14 :: Fast history facts

From the ashes of the Industrial Revolution , the Modern Age moved furniture production out of small workshops and into factories for mass production on a grand scale. Arguably, the first Modern piece of furniture  mass-produced was by Prussian furniture maker Michael Thonet (1796-1871)

After 25 years experimenting with bending steamed wood and producing innovative "bentwood" furniture, Michael Thonet and his sons created the No. 14 as the first mass-produced seating furniture on the market. Going into production in 1859 ,  this chair  has become a certified design classic, selling more than 50 million units between 1860 and 1930.. 

Today this iconic chair is produced in various styles, materials right across the globe.

 

 

2Pak :: A most versatile finish

At Bywater Design, we  proudly offer a wide variety of finishes  for both our  restoration and custom making pieces. Certain circumstances may dictate a particular finish, but in a number of areas especially with furniture production there is a wide range of options available. Most recently we have seen a big demand for 2pak finishes.  2pak polyurethane  This 2 part finish is a non yellowing finish with outstanding resistance to most elements,  and can take a considerable amount of wear and tear. It has excellent durability to UV thus providing maximum gloss and colour retention.  The fact that this finish can be made up in most any colour or hue  makes it ideal for colour matching existing furniture or highlighting focal points in the home/office/restaurant . Some outstanding recent 2pak finishes completed in the workshop  

...

For any questions or further information regarding 2pak finish please do not hesitate to call us on PH:  3256 9000

Its all in the detail ... Carving for Churchie.

Bywater Design are proud to participate in the  celebration of the hundred year anniversary of The Anglican Church Grammar School Churchie;   in addition to previous  work we  completed;   shown here  , we were delighted to have recently completed work on 2 Mahogany (plantation) Sideboards These sideboards would be made to match existing furniture and to include 16 traditional carvings.

Carvings are a wonderful addition to selected  furniture pieces, they highlight the design, create a sense of drama and formality and  their design can be based on a  coat of arms, heirloom, flora   etc thus evoking a  deep sense of history and character  within the piece.

Stuart was very happy to take up the wonderful challenge and opportunity of hand carving each of these 16 carvings.. .

 

 

 

 

 

Another wonderful example of Student Work !

The recently completed project by Chris, a wonderful long-term student; shows the amazing diversity of projects that our students complete... Incorporating the stunning native bird scene into this porthole like window, highlights both the rich colours of the stained  glass as well as the natural hue of the recycled silky oak timber that was used.

Well done Chris,  we look forward to seeing your next project.

Bathroom Love ...

This recently completed vanity is a real show stopper.  Blessed with not only good looks, this vanity is built for longevity and to withstand heat , humidity and other various elements that a bathroom experiences. This  styish  unit is made from Mahogany and finished with  black granite for durability and maximum visual appeal. 

Of course the tapware we use is Australian Made.  

::Bedroom Makeover::

 Frustrated at the lack of space and storage, some  lovely clients required bedroom furniture that was both highly functional, and incorporated classic styling to enhance and blend in with their existing decor...  American Ash was the timber  chosen for its superior grain, versatility, longevity and colour hue that marries perfectly with the colour scheme of the bedroom.

The large chests of drawers,  and bedside tables included dovetailing and  soft close runners for ease of movement and will withstand constant use for many years to come

The Queen Bed with its large Slats is accompanied by 2 Bedside Cabinets.

The Bed side cabinets, offer much-needed personal storage space and complete the symmetry that is needed to give balance and flow to the room.

 

::Apprenticeship Achievements !!

Shaun, who recently began his 3 yrd of his apprenticeship recently completed his theory module learning new leg and rail construction and timber selection processes.

During this time Shaun successfully made a coffee table and chair, using New Guinea Rosewood, Shaun has put his knowledge to wonderful practical use,  constructing furniture of a high calibre

Well done Shaun on excellent craftmanship !!!

Student Restoration Project...

Few people have a vision of what an old worn out wardrobe can look like if converted into a bookcase   We have completed several conversion projects  like these for clients and they have always been amazed at the finished piece .

So we were delighted when one of our Woodworking Students, chose to take up the challenge himself and convert his old Silky Oak Cabinet into something new and wonderful.

David was not deterred at all by the processes and time involved to complete such a makeover.

With the expert guidance from teacher Dave, David then went about on his restoration journey of stripping the old finish, removing the old mirror ...

In addition new shelves were made and fitted

Then the cabinet was sanded and David polished the cabinet to match his existing decor.

The finished product looks absolutely amazing.

Well done David on a remarkable job and for persisting to achieve what you set out to do.

You should be proud of your accomplishments.

We cant wait to see you next project !!

~Top Shelf~

 

 

 

 

All of our gorgeous Serving Ware Accessories are FoodSafe.

 

Long lasting and just require a little TLC to remain in pristine condition.

 

Happy Entertaining !!

 

Not so conventional...

                                              Never boring,   out of the ordinary,   thinking outside the square, These phrases certainly apply to these amazing and unconventional items of furniture recently discovered on a quick trawl through the internet...

Restoring Churchie...

The Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie ) situated in East Brisbane has a rich history steeped in tradition and education.  Established in 1912 in  Toowong Qld  and moved later in 1918 to East Brisbane,  the School has been undergoing transformation and restoration as part of its' centenary celebrations.

 Bywater Design are proud to be associated with the schools'  refurbishment. 

The most recent work undertaken were the restoration of the Entrance Doors to the Darnell Building...

Constant exposure to the harsh westerly afternoon sun, heat and UV extremes have left these doors in poor condition.

The existing doors were completely removed for a complete restoration at the Bywater Design Workshop.  Temporary plywood doors were installed for security and practical elements.

Cleaning 100 years of grime, dust  oil etc was a very ardeous but rewarding task.

The doors were finished in  2 pak marine epoxy exterior grade, highly suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Restoration now completed the temporary doors were removed and the new and much improved Darnell Doors were re installed and will maintain their excellent condition for many many years to come .

:: 2012 ~ The International Year of Reading::

The worldwide web is a wonderful tool for learning and exploring  BUT you cannot compare it to holding  an actual book in your hands... To feel the pages, smell the newness of a just opened book and to flick through well worn pages is a booklover's joy.

In celebration of this wonderful year of reading we are going to share a few of our favourite books...

One of the most concise and informative historical books we have discovered is called (funnily enough)

FURNITURE ; - World Styles from Classcial to Contemporary  by Judith Miller ISBN; 1 4053 0654  8.

This exceptional book covers over 3,000 years of Furniture Design and incorporates over 2,000 colour pictures perfectly illustrating every style and form.

 From Ancient Greece, to the Shakers, Art Deco , to Pop Interior, 'Furniture'  takes you on a design journey through time.

This is a large book containing over 500 pages worth of informative reading and stunning pictures and illustrations. 

 As furniture designers this book  is a wonderful source of reference and information .

It is so fascinating to read and discover the wonderful talented makers from centuries ago...

This gem of  a book can be purchased /ordered through most good bookstores.

Happy Reading !

A little too much rain ...

 

Whilst the rain was lovely and well needed , the after effects of torrential downpours can and will play havoc with timber furniture.

You might have noticed in the last couple of days, drawers  and doors not opening properly/easily/ and they almost seem to have increased in size.

This is due to the increase in humidity in the air swelling the delicate timber fibres. 

 Timber acts like a sponge around water absorbing or releasing moisture at any opportunity.  Very few timber finishes will be 100 % water tight, and there will always be some form of water intake .

What to do about this ?? 

 One of the best things is to give it time to dry out; if possible turn on the air conditioning (not on extreme cold) and not directly in front of the furniture  ] this will encourage the drying process.  

Never ever expose the furniture to direct sunlight as this will just compound the problem ! (drying out  not only on the surface but aslo  being hit by the sun causing it to cup or bow and even split  ) 

With a little patience your furniture should return to normal, but if the problem does persist, please do not hesitate to call us on Ph;  07 3256 9000 and we can help you …

Image 1

Image 2

:::::Australia Day ::::

Wherever you are in this great country, whatever you are doing, we wish you a very Happy Australia Day ! 

::Happy Chinese New Year::

                                      Kung Hei Fat Choy            Happy Chinese New Year.  

Celebrating New Year

In this the Year of the Dragon, we wish you peace, prosperity and health

Lord of the Forest...

The Kauri Tree is one of the most  hardy and enduring  tree species known to man.  It  is native to Australis (Aus and NZ) This pine tree is an excellent source of timber and is used extensively throughout New Zealand in both residential and commercial projects.

On a recent trip to New Zealand we were lucky to visit the  Waipoua National Forest, on the westcoast of Northland, home of  the oldest known kauri tree in existence.

This ancient beauty is known as Tane Mahuta 0r Lord of the Forest.   This tree is said to be between 1500 and 2000 years old .

It stands at an enormous 51.5m or 169 feet

The width is; 13.77m or 45.2 feet

Diameter is 4.38m or 14.4 feet

Height of first branch: 9.45m – 31 ft

Total height: 51.51m – 169 feet Girth: 13.77m – 45.2 feet Diameter: 4.38m – 14.4 feet

 It is an Agathis Australis of the Araucariaceae family, a variety of tree that is second in height only to the Sequoias of North America. Its massive smooth, grey-white trunk rises 31feet before a branch appears.

 The gigantic specimen is a remanent of the tremendous ancient subtropical rain forest that once grew there, a survivor of 2000 years of intensive logging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we visited and took these pictures it was evident that this tree is slowly   dying, there was only a few branches that showed signs of green live foliage.

 When this tree does eventually fall it will severely impact the surrounding flora and fauna but will also allow a lot of sunlight into the forest encouraging saplings to grow skywards

And so  the cycle continues ...

 

 

Lets Begin ...

Welcome to 2012 !!

Its going to be an exciting year for Bywater Design.  New adventures, new products , new learning !

Watch this space !!!!!

Another Fine Example of Student work...

As a very special Birthday Present; an enterprising  student thoughtfully made a stunning display case for   the Australian Diamonds Netball Team signed ball that was arranged for his daughters' birthday.

As you can see, the finished product looks fantastic and will take pride of place for many years to come  !!

Some TLC for your Timber Furniture...

Timber furniture is known for its durability, longevity and above all its beauty.  If you treat your timber furniture with a bit of  tender loving care it will reward you for many years to come.. We are often asked for care and maintenance tips for furniture and we would like to share our knowledge ,know how and experience in maintaining your precious timber furniture...

First of all  today we will highlight  Some Dont's !

These are easy to remember and are important  factors to remember; -

Please keep away from....

*Furniture can fade and age prematurely so please keep furniture out of direct sunlight !

Keep furniture away from temperature extremes; those blasts of cold air may be refreshing but not so healthy for your lovely dining room table.

Always always remember to use a placemat, tablecloth, magazine etc before using your table as a workbench or beauty bar.  These sorts of spillages can be difficult and costly to repair !

Candles are a wonderful addition to any room creating ambiance and warmth but please have all candles supported by either a sturdy glass holder or something similar that prevents heat and wax from spilling onto the wooden surface.

*********************

*For specific advice on repairs to your furniture we are happy to help you

PH; 3256 9000  or drop us an email

We would love to help !