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The best new marquetry for modern interiors
Often referred to as ‘painting in wood’, marquetry has inspired a new generation of furniture and homeware makers
Marquetry is an age-old woodworking practice made popular by French king Louis XIV, it involves laying veneers like a puzzle to create an ornamental pattern. Today, multicoloured examples have appeared at international design fairs and in collections by numerous influential artisans, as well as in many homes that have graced our pages – evidence that the historic craft is back in business. Peruse a collection of the best below.
‘Waves’ wood-inlay tray, Biagio Barile
For over 100 years, the family-run Italian brand Biagio Barile has been creating products using wood inlay with French carving techniques. This graphic, colourful tray is just one such piece, and is assembled by hand in its Sorrento workshop. £176, abask.com
‘Bell’ coffee table, Sebastian Herkner
German product designer Sebastian Herkner has updated his popular ‘Bell’ coffee table by adding a sophisticated straw marquetry top. The process includes dyeing straws, splicing them open and rolling them out before glueing them by hand strip by strip onto the base. Finally, the straws are protected by a glass case. £2,458, classicon.com
‘Dhara’ screen, Intent Made
This sculptural, curved screen is an example of Indian wood marquetry craftsmanship. The technique is used to emulate the graceful folds of a draped saree fabric, which is a proud symbol of Indian cultural identity. Approx £9,960, intentmade.in
‘Orange Mushroom’ marquetry box by Silvia Furmanovich x Broken English
São Paulo-based jeweller Silvia Furmanovich has turned her hand to homewares for Broken English, producing a range of eye-catching boxes using marquetry techniques. The hero is no doubt this ‘Orange Mushroom’ – a mesmerising place to store your most precious possession. Approx £3,040, brokenenglishjewelry.com
‘Round Curve’ mirror, Chelsea Vivash
From ash to maple, oak, beech, cherry, ebony Macassar and walnut, a variety of different coloured woods have gone into making the ‘Round Curve’ mirror. These are backed onto a curvy birch plywood foundation. £400, chelseavivash.co.uk
‘Dijon’ king bed, Hommés Studio
For a bold and adventurous way to incorporate this trend into the home, we suggest Hommés Studio’s sprawling ‘Dijon’ king bed. It’s framed by a hefty headboard with geometric marquetry. From £6,991, hommes.studio
‘Primo’ stool, Léa Zeroil
Léa Zeroil exhibited this stool for the first time at this year’s Paris Design Week at Maestria Gallery. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, in collaboration with French craftsmen, it features a straw marquetry bottom and on-trend oxblood cushioned seat. Approx £1,515, maestriacollection.com
‘Sonja II’ wall panel, Alexander Lamont
Alexander Lamont brings the vibrant colours of his hometown in Brazil to this marquetry wall panel, which would enliven any room in an instant. From £1,445, alexanderlamont.com
‘Granchio’ drinks cabinet by Laura Gonzalez
Laura Gonzalez drew inspiration from a drawing of a crab made by her young son to create this lavish drinks cabinet. Called ‘Granchio’, which means crab in Italian, it is dressed in precious wood marquetry in tamo, madrone and poplar. Approx £61,085, studiotwentyseven.com
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