Where tradition meets timeless design ...

Some furniture pieces simply belong in a room . The Casuarina Coffee table is one of them.

Crafted from a solid 32mm top and with traditional edge detail, the Casuarina carries the quiet confidence that only comes from genuine quality.

At 1200 x 600 x 500 H its a generous well considered size, substantial enough to anchor a living room, refined enough to never overwhelm it.

Details that only get better with age

What sets this table apart is the detail beneath the surface.

Tapering legs meet a classic raw brass rail that ages beautifully over time, developing its own character the longer it lives in your home.

Two Timbers and Endless Possibilities

The Casuarina is available in two exceptional timbers

Tasmanian Oak - brings warmth and versatility . Its tones range from soft straw to a light pinkish brown, lending itself beautifully to both classic and contemporary interiors.

New Guinea Rosewood

Golden brown to deep red, with a medium texture and occasionally a highly figured wavy grain - this is a special choice

No two tables are the same - the joy and wonder of bespoke furniture

We offer a curated range of stains to further enhance your decor - from Light Walnut, Dark Walnut, Light Mahogany , Dark Mahogany and the dramatic Ebony Black.

The Casuarina Coffee table isnt just a coffee table - its the beginning of an heirloom.

The clean lines of the Casuarina table - that solid 32mm top speaks for itself.

This Mother's Day , skip the scented candle ...

This year, why not give Mum something a little different—something hands-on, a bit unexpected, and deeply rewarding?

At Bywater Design, we believe creativity is a gift in itself. That’s why our woodworking classes make such a meaningful present. Whether it's our relaxed Half-Day Timber Masterclass or the more in-depth Two-Day Intro to Woodworking, each experience is about more than tools and timber. It’s about making something real—with your hands, your focus, and maybe even your own design.

No experience needed. Just curiosity, good conversation, and the joy of seeing a piece of timber become something beautiful.

Give Mum the chance to try something new. Or better yet—book in together.

Where high gloss meets handcrafted

Finished in a high gloss blue, these elegant side tables bring a clean , sharp edge to the space while still feeling warm alongside their beautiful surrounds …

Adding drama without overpowering, these classic style tables are a great reminder that timber doesnt have to look traditional to feel timeless

Elegance is simplicity

A vision in blue

Lest we forget ...

Today, we pause at Sunrise to reflect , remember and give thanks for the courage, the sacrifice and the legacy that continues to shape us …

A sustainable laundry makeover...

We love when our clients have a clear vision and especially one that embraces sustainability using beautiful upcycled materials.

Using old VJ wall lining and Stuart sourcing some beautiful old recycled hoop pine, we have created a beautiful “outdoor” laundry that keeps in theme with this beautiful Queenslander.

A wonderful use of space highlights those fabulous stained glass windows !

A wonderful , sustainable addition to this lovely home.

Plenty of storage for this outdoor kitchen

Sourcing recycled materials is always a good idea

We love a good “before “ pic

Woodworkers are the happiest people

And did we mention they are really good sports , who are happy to “ham it up” for the camera ?!

Some scenes from our epic first day of our Intro Class, so many good vibes

Spotted Gum Benches for QUT

We recently built and delivered 6 Spotted Gum workkbenches for Brisbane’s QUT Campus.

 Spotted Gum is one of those timbers we keep coming back to.

It is incredibly durable, naturally resistant to wear and pests, and more than capable of standing up to busy workshop environments for years to come.

With its dense structure and interlocking grain, it’s a solid choice for heavy duty pieces like this.

 It’s not just about strength though.

The colour variation in Spotted Gum is something special, moving from soft greys through to deep chocolate tones, with beautiful natural grain throughout. Every bench has its own character, which we love.

We finished the benches with oil to enhance the timber and add another layer of protection while keeping that natural feel.

 As you can see from our pictures, these benches were no lightweights, weighing in on an impressive 120 kg each these benches were made to last !

Team work

The Many hues of spotted gum

For the love of a good chair ...

From the classic, to the modern, upholstered, rattan and everything in between , our love of making and restoring chairs never wanes…

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

Autumn Vibes ...

Autumn in all its beautiful glory has finally arrived in Brisbane.

There is a beautiful change in the morning light, and we welcome the new fresh season with joy

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.

Just a lovely Rosweood love seat

Making the most of this beautiful spot, we designed and made this gorgeous love seat from solid New Guinea Rosewood.

The stunning hues of the timber work so well in the surrounds and offer a delightful place to sit and watch the world go by …

A beautiful addition to this lovely outdoor space

PNG Rosweood for the win

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 …