Skip to content
  • Free Shipping in Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast
  • About
  • Furniture
    • Available Now
    • Made To Order
    • Bespoke Furniture
    • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Furniture Gallery
    • Kitchen Design
    • Timber Samples
    • Timber Finishes
    • Marquetry and Parquetry
    • Straw Marquetry
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • About
  • Furniture
    • Available Now
    • Made To Order
    • Bespoke Furniture
    • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Furniture Gallery
    • Kitchen Design
    • Timber Samples
    • Timber Finishes
    • Marquetry and Parquetry
    • Straw Marquetry
  • Contact
  • Blog
$0.00 0 Cart

shop notes

Breaking the Match: Why Furniture Should Complement, Not Match

  • December 31, 2024

I had Christmas lunch this year at my brother-in-law’s, as they’d recently completed a kitchen reno they were keen to show off. My future sister-in-law brought up the topic of chairs, and her struggle in finding two more that match the 6 they aready have. “They don’t have to match” was my response.

The prevailing notion that furniture must match, often resulting in sterile, cookie-cutter interiors, is a design fallacy. Instead of striving for uniformity, embracing a philosophy of “complementary, not matching” allows for the creation of truly unique and inspiring living spaces. By carefully selecting pieces with distinct styles and personalities, homeowners can curate environments that reflect their individual tastes and create a harmonious whole that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply personal.  

The allure of matching furniture sets is understandable. They offer a sense of order and ease, promising a cohesive look with minimal effort and minimal risk. However, this convenience comes at the cost of interest. When every piece in a room adheres to the same design language, the space can quickly feel bland and predictable. The result is an interior that lacks character, a sterile environment devoid of the personality and warmth that should define a home.

The result is an interior that lacks character, a sterile environment devoid of the personality and warmth that should define a home.

Imagine a living room where every piece – sofa, armchair, coffee table, and side tables – is identical in style and finish. While initially appealing, this uniformity quickly becomes monotonous. The space lacks visual interest, feeling flat and lifeless. It’s akin to wearing a head-to-toe outfit in the same shade – perfectly coordinated, yet utterly forgettable.

Conversely, a room where furniture pieces complement each other thrives on contrast and individuality. A vintage velvet armchair might sit comfortably beside a sleek modern sofa, while a rustic wooden coffee table grounds the space. A vibrant rug can introduce a burst of color, while a statement piece, such as an antique sculpture, adds a touch of eccentricity. This eclectic approach allows for the creation of a truly unique and personal aesthetic, a reflection of the homeowner’s individual style and interests.

Edmund Rosenstengel: A Master of Eclecticism

The work of renowned interior designer and furniture maker Edmund Rosenstengel serves as an exemplary demonstration of the power of “complement, not match.” Rosenstengel, known for his bold and eclectic style, masterfully blended diverse elements – from antique furnishings and tribal artifacts to contemporary art and bold patterns – to create interiors that were both sophisticated and utterly unique.

His approach was characterized by an intuitive understanding of how to balance contrasting elements. He seamlessly integrated pieces from different periods and cultures, creating spaces that were both harmonious and visually stimulating. A 17th-century French armoire might share space with a minimalist Japanese screen, while a vibrant Persian rug would anchor the room. The result was an interior that was a true reflection of the homeowner’s personality and a testament to Rosenstengel’s exceptional design vision.

Rosenstengel’s philosophy extended beyond the selection of furniture. He understood the importance of layering textures and patterns to create depth and visual interest. Rich velvets, smooth silks, and rough-hewn woods were juxtaposed to create a tactile experience that was as captivating as the visual. He also believed in the power of art to transform a space, incorporating paintings, sculptures, and photographs to add personality and spark conversation.

Creating Your Own Eclectic Haven

While achieving Rosenstengel’s level of sophistication may require professional guidance, the core principles of his approach can be applied by any homeowner. Here are some key steps to creating a space that complements, not matches:

  1. Define Your Style: Begin by identifying your personal aesthetic. Are you drawn to the clean lines of mid-century modern, the ornate details of Victorian design, the rustic charm of farmhouse style, or the global influences of bohemian chic?
  2. Start with a Foundation: Choose a neutral color palette for your walls and flooring to create a versatile backdrop for your furniture.
  3. Focus on Focal Points (lol): Identify key pieces that will serve as the focal points of your room. This could be a statement sofa, an antique fireplace, or a large piece of artwork.
  4. Introduce Contrast: Introduce contrasting elements to add visual interest. Pair a sleek modern sofa with a vintage armchair, or juxtapose a rustic wooden table with a pair of contemporary chairs.
  5. Layer Textures and Patterns: Incorporate a variety of textures, such as velvet, linen, leather, and wood, to add depth and dimension. Introduce patterns through rugs, pillows, and artwork.  
  6. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t be afraid to embrace imperfections. The beauty of an eclectic space lies in its individuality and the unique stories that each piece tells.
  7. Personalize Your Space: Incorporate personal touches that reflect your interests and hobbies. Display cherished travel souvenirs, family photographs, and beloved books to create a space that feels truly your own.

By embracing the philosophy of “complement, not match,” homeowners can break free from the constraints of traditional design and create truly unique and inspiring living spaces. By carefully selecting pieces that reflect their individual style and personality, they can curate environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply personal.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a home that feels like an extension of oneself, a space that is both comfortable and stimulating, a haven where individuality and creativity can flourish. And while achieving Rosenstengel’s level of sophistication may require professional guidance, the core principles of his approach can be applied by any homeowner to create a space that is both beautiful and uniquely their own.

Interior Design: Handmade Furniture and the Art of Wood

  • December 24, 2024

In the realm of interior design, handmade furniture can transcend mere functionality. In the right hands it becomes a canvas for artistic expression, a testament to craftsmanship, and a cornerstone of truly unique spaces. At the heart of this lies the artistry of wood, where techniques like marquetry and creative veneering elevate furniture from functional objects to exquisite works of functional art.

Marquetry: A Tapestry of Wood

Marquetry is a meticulous art form involving the intricate inlay of timber veneers and other materials to create intricate patterns and images on a wooden surface. Think of it as a mosaic of wood, where each tiny piece contributes to a larger, breathtaking picture. This technique requires skill, patience, and a keen eye for detail, resulting in pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Creative Veneering: Playing with Texture and Colour

Veneering involves applying thin layers of decorative wood (veneers) to a substrate material. While traditional veneering focuses on achieving a uniform appearance, creative veneering embraces experimentation. By manipulating the grain direction, combining different wood species, and incorporating unique patterns, designers can achieve stunning visual effects. This technique allows for a wide range of artistic expression, from subtle textural variations to bold, geometric designs.

Made from NSW Silky Oak, TAS Myrtle, QLD Walnut and VIC Blackwood, this simple hall table is transformed by the addition of a geometric marquetry and parquetry design.

The Importance of Handmade Craftsmanship

In a world of mass-produced furniture, handmade pieces offer a unique blend of artistry and sustainability. Each piece carries the imprint of the maker’s skill and dedication, making it a truly personal and irreplaceable addition to any space. By supporting local artisans and embracing traditional techniques, we contribute to the preservation of valuable skills and cultural heritage.

Beyond Aesthetics: Comfort and Functionality

While the aesthetic appeal of handmade furniture is undeniable, it’s crucial to remember that comfort and functionality remain paramount. Skilled artisans carefully consider ergonomics and user experience, ensuring that each piece is not only visually stunning but also a pleasure to use.

In the ever-evolving landscape of interior design, handmade furniture using techniques like marquetry and creative veneering offers a unique blend of artistry, sustainability, and enduring quality. These pieces are more than just furniture; they are investments in craftsmanship, expressions of individuality, and a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Custom vs Cheap Furniture

  • October 23, 2024

No one, hopefully, expects a cheap Ikea bookcase to last forever. But if you’ve ever visited an antique store, you’ll have seen literal heaps of old furniture that was cheap and mass-produced back in the day yet has stood the test of time and is still in perfectly usable condition over a century later.

The unfortunate reality is that even mass-produced furniture was high quality 50 years ago. And now, furniture isn’t built like it used to be. Back in the day, ordinary people bought furniture to last a lifetime—a dresser for a kid going off to uni, a dining table for the whole family that eventually someone inherited. Nowadays, not only is it not a priority for people, but it would barely be possible if they tried.

Aussies are always hunting for the next in-style moment, ditching last year’s trend for whatever’s hot on TikTok. Meanwhile, overseas furniture factories are cutting corners with ever-cheaper materials and slave labour to boost profits and keep prices low. Yes, slave labour.

Even going to expensive retailers doesn’t guarantee quality. Numerous times I’ve been appalled at the prices charged – often higher than what I charge for a handmade piece – by ’boutique’ fashion stores that are selling the same cheap crap, just with better marketing. The absolute epitome of style over substance.

To understand why furniture is so crappy these days, you need to look at what it’s made of: cardboard. In the mid-20th century, even ordinary furniture was made in Australia from quality plywood and solid wood. Almost all mass-produced furniture is made in China from lousy particle boards, paper laminates, and the worst quality plywood in history. Even “solid wood” has become a marketing spin: it’s often rubberwood with a veneer.

It’s all about cutting costs. Rubberwood is cheap because it’s a byproduct of latex production, but its porous structure and short grain make it weak and friable. Chinese wood is also cheap because it’s harvested with total ignorance of the environment by people who are paid a few dollars a day for back-breaking work. Because of how it’s handled, the quality of the timber can be hit or miss.

Cheaper materials and construction go hand-in-hand with most new furniture’s journey across the ocean. Container shipping in the 1970s made it increasingly cheaper to transport stuff around the world.

Labour is cheapest in China and Southeast Asia, so that’s where big furniture companies make their crap. They cram as much furniture into each container to save even more money. The result? “Flat-pack” furniture that you have to put together yourself, with a bunch of Allen keys and screws. And if it is designed to come apart, it will, regardless of when you want it to.

Every inch and every gram matters when you’re shipping stuff. If you’re trying to fit more desks into a container, even a tiny extra space will make a big difference. But this comes at the expense of quality.

Lighter, thinner materials are better for shipping, so even if solid oak was cheap and plentiful, furniture factories would still use particleboard.

We’re stuck in a vicious cycle. Cheap manufacturing has made us expect furniture to be cheap and fall apart quickly. As a result, few people are willing to pay for better quality or are aware that it’s even an option to pay for better quality.

It’s crazy to think that people spend thousands on jewellery, iPhones, clothes, and games that Ubisoft deletes from their accounts but balk at spending the same on furniture that their family use every day for decades.

A significant portion of the blame can be placed on social media. Instead of seeing furniture as an investment, people are influenced by the latest online aesthetic, constantly seeking trendy pieces that match the current trend. A bright pink sofa might look cool on Instagram, but it’ll go out of fashion before you finish moving it in. Reupholstering would cost more than buying a new one. So, in the landfill it goes.

Factories can quickly change their production to make new things, and the internet means we see these new trends much faster. It’s created a throwaway culture.
This leads to a vast amount of waste. The EPA estimates that nearly 10 million tons of furniture went to US landfills in 2018.

If you want furniture that lasts, there are a few things to look for. A high price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good quality, but buying something made in Australia is a good start. A piece made from solid wood like Red Gum, Blackwood, or Myrtle will likely last longer than you if the maker knows what they’re doing. Investing in durable furniture is not just a choice, it’s a smart decision that empowers you to make better purchasing decisions.

One way to get really high-quality furniture is to buy custom-made stuff, but it’s often prohibitively expensive. I’m currently making a dining table by hand for a client. It’s going to be 2500mm long, so it can seat up to 10 people. A 10-seater table at Ikea might cost around $2,000. This one will cost the client $11,300, including the Red Gum and 90 hours of my labour.

I am often guilty of getting stuck in the mindset that the things I make must be “special” and that I must include fine details and difficult techniques that elevate the piece beyond anything you could ever buy in a store.

The problem is that while creating something that blurs the line between utility and art is wonderful to do and to own, it also puts it beyond the reach of many people. It’s important to be reminded that just making something well—something simple and of high quality, something that looks nice and does its job well—is a very unusual thing these days. Perhaps there’s a market for simple but good handmade furniture.

How I get the best results with Red Gum

  • September 10, 2024

Red Gum: A Challenging and Rewarding Australian Timber

Red Gum is an iconic Australian tree species endemic to the Murray-Darling Basin. It has adapted to the region’s seasonal flooding, relying on regular spring flooding for germination. However, due to river regulation for irrigation, these floods have become less frequent, leading to widespread stress and mortality among Red Gum populations.

It is also a very difficult timber to work, and the difficulties start right at the beginning of the chain.

Harvesting

Due to their size and extraordinary weight, Red Gum is almost exclusively harvested where it grew using portable mills.

Drying

Red Gum is notoriously difficult to dry. It has 8-9% tangential movement as it dries, which is a rather extreme amount of movement that results in significant warping, checking, cracking, and splitting – what the industry refer to as “loss”.

Even when successfully and properly seasoned, Red Gum expands significantly with humidity changes throughout the year.

Despite these challenges, Red Gum is still a popular timber choice in Australia with consumers (and a very unpopular choice with makers…).

The Timber

Why is it so popular? Because it’s beautiful! I’ve worked with Red Gum that showed dense figure on literally every single millimetre of its surface. It is staggeringly beautiful, and I personally love the red and purple tones that it brings to modern houses which are usually little more than white boxes.

Working with Red Gum

Red Gum is an extremely dense wood on the world scale (although by Australian standards, fairly middling) at ~900kg/m3. But despite its weight and hardness, it isn’t a strong timber.

Short and interlocked grain make it friable when working; it’s unsuitable for structural use, and traditional joinery like tenons have an unfortunate habit of breaking off. The total failure of chair legs is a real concern!

Red Gum is a recalcitrant and disagreeable timber. It doesn’t respond well to cutting tools, and woe betide the maker who tries to chisel it. James Krenov’s enduring legacy is the foolish belief that cutting tools are superior to abrading tools, imparting the belief that planing is next to godliness and sanding is akin to marrying a cousin, and nowhere is this fallacy more evident than working Red Gum.

Rasps, files and sandpaper will create beautiful surfaces that polish like stone. Chisels will create chip out, and planes will leave tear-out. Even card scrapers do not leave a particularly nice surface.

Interestingly Red Gum responds well to spinning tools. A spindle moulder with a helical cutter can leave a surface that is almost finish ready, which would never be the case with timbers such as Blackwood. You can also cut against the grain, as long as the cutters are sharp, something which is unthinkable with a timber like Blackwood.

Unlike most timbers, the higher you go with sanding grits, the better the results with Red Gum.  With most timbers you won’t see a discernable difference beyond P180. On my Red Gum dining tables I sand up to P2000 and beyond, and the surface just keeps improving.

The best finish for Red Gum – nay, the only finish worth considering – is oil. Most of the time I use a tung-oil applied with a burnishing technique or I’ll build up 5-6 layers of a hand rubbed Danish oil. Because of its extreme seasonal movement, Red Gum will crack any film finish, and it will very quickly become hideously ugly.

Veneering

It’s unusual to find Red Gum as a commercial veneer. Veneer millers look for logs free of defects, which is rare in Red Gum. That said, I’ve had some commercial Red Gum veneer and gotten good results with it.

However, this is unusual. Normally I cut my own bandsawn veneers, an arduous and time consuming process that is murder on my shoulders. But it’s worth the effort. I saw my own slices at 3-4mm thick for use in lumber core table tops.

The reasons for this are three-fold: for one, Red Gum’s high seasonal movement make it difficult to live with on the large, flat expanse of a table top. An average sized table top will expand as much as 10-12mm in Victoria, and even more in humid parts of the country. All this means that the large, flat expanse of a table top won’t be flat for long.

By sawing veneers and using Paulownia as the lumber core, the movement is all but eliminated, as the thin Red Gum veneers aren’t strong enough to overpower the Paulownia core.

Secondly it is a much more efficient use of Red Gum, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Third and finally, a solid Red Gum 10-seater dining table is comically heavy. By using a lumbercore construction you get the beautiful Red Gum surfaces, without the weight penalty that comes with it.

Dealing with Cracks, Voids and Tear Out

Red Gum is full of cracks and voids, bark inclusions, gum veins and bore holes. Once I found a star picket embedded in a log that had grown around it.

Epoxy Resin

Liquid epoxy resin is my go-to for filling large voids and gum veins. I only use it dyed black, as the black colour is the least intrusive and rather than detract from the natural beauty of the timber, serves as a subtle backdrop to it. I use West Systems dyed with Japanese calligraphy ink.

Thin CA Glue

For borer holes that are already filled with dust, or areas of tear out created by cutting tools, the best thing I’ve found on Red Gum is thin CA glue (I use starbond because it’s what my local retailer carries, but I’m sure they’re all the same).

I put a few drops onto border backfill or sprinkle in some bandsaw dust to tear out and flood it with CA glue. This leaves an almost invisible repair on small areas.

Patching

If I need to fill or patch a larger area of damage, say some chip-out caused by some ambitious chiselling, I’ll borrow the stippling method commonly used in creative veneering. I take big-ish chunks of Red Gum mixed with smaller crushed pieces and some fine dust and fill the damage, using lots of CA glue or epoxy if it’s big enough. When sanded the irregularity created by the various sizes is less distracting than one large repair, which in Red Gum is always surrounded by a tell-tale black outline.

When repairing damage or defects, it’s important to bear in mind that the goal is not to create a perfect looking piece of flawless timber that looks like it was never damaged. The goal should be to reduce the obviousness of defects and damage, so it doesn’t catch your eye. If this isn’t possible, then you need to replace the part you’re repairing.

Is it worth the effort?

Despite how difficult it is to work, Red Gum is my favourite custom furniture timber. Its colour, figure and tactile nature are second to none.

 

Unique Characteristics and Challenges

  • Drying: Drying red gum is notoriously difficult, with high loss rates and significant warping. Proper drying techniques, such as a combination of air drying and kiln drying, are essential.
  • Movement: Red gum exhibits significant seasonal movement, requiring careful design and construction to accommodate changes in dimensions.
  • Strength: While red gum is dense and hard, it is not particularly strong. Traditional mortise and tenons often fail, and dovetailing is all but impossible.

Working with Red Gum

  • Tools: Red Gum responds better to abrasive tools than sharp edges. Belt sanders and spindle moulders are often preferred over hand tools.
  • Sanding: Sanding is a crucial step in working with Red Gum. Multiple passes with finer grits are necessary to achieve a smooth finish, and the finer you go, the better the results will be.
  • Finishing: Oil finishes, such as Organoil Hard Burnishing Oil, are well-suited for Red Gum. Avoid sprayed lacquers, as they will crack and peel due to the timber’s movement.
  • Joinery: Red Gum does not compress at all. Unless your joinery is perfect, hammering a tenon into even a slightly too small mortise will crack a work piece. Floating tenons of a species such as Jarrah or even Pine are a more suitable joint for most applications.

Conclusion Red Gum is a challenging but rewarding timber that offers unique aesthetic qualities. By understanding its characteristics and working with appropriate techniques, craftspeople can create beautiful and durable pieces.

How much does Custom Furniture cost in Australia?

  • October 13, 2023

The cost of custom furniture in Australia can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size, complexity, design, materials, and finish of the piece. However, as a general rule of thumb, custom furniture is more expensive than mass-produced furniture.

According to the Australian Furniture Association, a custom-made dining table can cost anywhere from $4000 to $13,000, while a custom-made bed can cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Of course, the actual cost of your custom furniture will depend on a number of factors. For example, if you choose to use high-end materials, such as exotic solid wood, leather or precious metals, or if you request a complex design with intricate details, you can expect to pay more.

Here are some of the key factors that affect the cost of custom furniture:

  • Size: Larger pieces of furniture are typically more expensive than smaller pieces.
  • Complexity: More complex designs with intricate details are more difficult and therefore expensive to make than simple designs.
  • Design: Custom furniture makers often charge a design fee, which can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the design.
  • Materials: The cost of materials can vary depending on the type of wood, fabric, and other materials used.
  • Finish: Special finishes, such as french polish or decorative finishes, add to the overall cost of the furniture.
  • Uniqueness: If you want a truly one-off piece, you have to absorb the design and iteration time in the overall cost of that piece. If you choose something the same or similar to something the maker has created before, you can expect to pay less.

Here’re price ranges for the commissions I’ve made in the past:

  • Dining table: $4,000 to $12,000
  • Desks: $1,000 to $22,000
  • Dining chairs: $1,600 to $4,000
  • Lounge chairs: $2,200 to $2700
  • Cabinets and ‘Casework‘: $1,200 to $26,000

Dining tables and desks can be small and simple, or big and complex. Tables with integrated expansion panels take considerable time and skill to make, and cost a lot more than a simple Nakashima style table. Likewise, rare or unique pieces of timber such as this Red Gum slab and Epoxy table cost more than a simple top laminated from Tasmanian Blackwood.

A rare and unique air-dried Red Gum slab taking in its first coat of oil.

Dining chairs use relatively little material, but are generally considered the most difficult type of furniture to make. They’re intricate, and must be both beautiful and comfortable. You know if you’re talking to a chair maker you’re talking to a skilled furniture maker!

Cabinets, while appearing simple, can be complex to make, and are a great opportunity to include visible hand-cut joinery, something that really sets custom furniture apart from factory-made mass-produced furniture.

Hand-cut dovetails in a cabinet’s drawer

While custom and handmade furniture is usually more expensive, it isn’t always. It’s important to remember that you can buy a $7000 dining table from Harvey Norman that was made in a Chinese factory. Or you could buy a locally made dining table for $5000. The best way to find out what you can get for your budget is to contact a maker and find out what they can do for you. You might be surprised!

Is Custom Furniture expensive?

  • October 9, 2023

Custom furniture is a popular choice for Australian homeowners who want unique and high-quality pieces that perfectly fit their style and needs. However, custom furniture can also be more expensive than mass-produced furniture. So, is custom furniture worth the investment?

There are a few things to consider when making this decision. First, think about your budget. Custom furniture can be more expensive upfront, but it is made with higher-quality materials and construction methods. It also has the potential to be dramatically more beautiful than factory-made furniture. This means that it is going to last longer – several lifetimes, in fact – which can make it a good investment in the long run.

Second, consider your needs. If you have a specific space in mind or need a piece of furniture with unique features, then custom furniture may be the best option. Custom furniture makers can work with you to create a piece that perfectly meets your requirements.

Finally, think about your style. If you have a unique style and want furniture that reflects that, then custom furniture is a one of the only ways to achieve it. Custom furniture makers can help you design a piece that is both stylish and functional, and can even be truly unique, meaning you’re the only person in the world who has one like it.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy custom furniture is a personal, and sometimes emotional, one. There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. If you are looking for a unique, high-quality piece of furniture that perfectly fits your style and needs, then custom furniture may be worth the investment. However, if you are on a tight budget or need furniture quickly, then mass-produced furniture may be a better option.

Previous Page1 Page2 Next
Say Hi
  • Studio Visits: Appointment Only
  • Phone: 0468 446 337
  • Email: jake@lunnissfurniture.com.au
Customer Service
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Returns & Exchanges
  • FAQ
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Returns & Exchanges
  • FAQ
Legal & Privacy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
Join Our Newsletter

©2025 Lunniss Furniture. All rights Reserved - ABN 74 230 424 329