Timber goes organic: how to invest in the latest timber trend
This year, furniture is celebrating imperfections, with lumps and bumps galore
After years of clean lines taking centre-stage, designers are embracing the beauty of the natural. Leading the pack is the queen of knobbly timber, Norwegian designer Anna Maria Ofstedal Eng, who has become synonymous with this furniture trend. She’s carved out a niche that others have followed with hand-carved, tactile tables, lights and even knotted chairs. With larger retailers such as Zara now offering their own take on the look, it’s time to get involved.
‘Throne’ chair, Casey McCafferty
For a commanding, almost totemic take on the humble chair, consider Casey McCafferty’s ‘Throne’. The Brooklyn-based sculptor turned to his natural surroundings to inform the shape of the piece, allowing his hand to follow the natural contours embedded in the wood. Approx £13,715, galleryfumi.com
Wall shelves, Studio Heju
These minimalist shelves are perfect for showcasing your favourite books as well as your objet d’art. Inspired by the natural undulations and clean lines of Japanese design, they are made with organic rubberwood and light-coloured ash. Approx £345, nobodinoz.com
‘Amma’ sideboard, Sophie Sellu
Artist Sophie Sellu has applied her signature fluid, organic forms to her new furniture collection created in collaboration with Made. This sideboard, an characterful piece of living room storage, comes alive with her wooden squiggles, circles and lines. £679, made.com
‘Oni’ desk, Don Heston Studio
For a more subtle take on the trend, try the ‘Oni’ desk by independent maker Don Heston. Its simple foundation is elevated by an eye-catching drawer with a knobbly front and bespoke knob. £5,500, donheston.com
‘Kontur’ cabinet, Anna Maria Ofstedal Eng
Norwegian designer Anna Maria Ofstedal Eng embraced wood’s imperfections for ‘Kontur’, a furniture series made from timber supplied by the American Hardwood Export Council. Like this yellow birch sideboard, she makes each piece using power tools before being finished by hand. From £32,000, @ofstedaleng
‘Rope’ table, Eny Lee Parker
Though New York-based designer Eny Lee Parker may be best known for her clay work, her way with wood is equally deserving of note. This rope table features chunky legs that spiral downwards and an organic top with soft edges. Approx £3,650, enyleeparker.com
‘Cut Out’ lamp, Josh Page Studio
Cast playful shadows and see light travel across the room in unexpected ways with the ‘Cut Out’ lamp. Crafted by hand from Redwood pine, each one is made to order from a choice of finishes. £645, joshpagestudio.co.uk
‘Stem’ ceiling light, Studio Indigene
Wood is the primary material employed by Mumbai-based brand Studio Indigene, and this hanging pendant demonstrates why. Teak has been expertly sculpted into soft, bulbous globes along the rod, while amber-tinted blown glass has been used to create the bulbs. Approx £645, studioindigene.com
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