THE DESIGN PROCESS IS A JOURNEY
Custom designs are a huge part of Sherwood’s expertise. For the past 30 years we have sculpted countless pieces for our clients, all timeless pieces that are admired as works of art. From regal dining tables, to elegant upholstered arm chairs, to luxurious built in cabinetry; you dream it, we craft it. Our design process is a journey we embark on with you, your voice and style play a very important role in creating a piece for your sanctuary.
We recently completed a project for one of our dear clients and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share each step of our process, that ends with a beautiful treasured piece in your home.
PHASE 1 - CLIENT CONSULTATION
At this stage we define the broader details of the project; the brief, the timeline, the feasibility and the price. We sit down for a conversation to discuss exactly what you’re looking for and what you want to achieve. We like to visit the site to get an understanding of all aspects of your space; the size, the style and the mood, before going away and doing our own internal research so that we can ensure our designs are impactful and truly enhance your home. Any idea is possible. We specialise in solid timber designs and work with a range of high quality fabrics and finishes to create our beautiful timeless pieces.
For this particular project, our client was looking to refresh their entertaining space, with a vision to create a moodier adults retreat. The existing wall was broken up into two alcoves separated by a pillar, each with two low cabinets and wallpapering. Our client was after custom entertainment cabinetry, to serve as a bar cabinet and to hold a TV unit and conceal all cords.
PHASE 2 - INITIAL DESIGN CONCEPT
Based on the information and details collected from our consultation, we begin our preliminary drawings - a basic sketch allowing us to put our ideas onto paper and show what’s possible to enhance the space. We expand on this with a more detailed drawing developing the finer details; materials, measurements, elevation, and allowances for cords and power points. For this project, we had the pleasure of visiting our client’s home for their initial consultation. We observed that the pillar in this space was structural and therefore could not be moved. We took note of this as a limitation to incorporate into our design, as well as the TV unit and all electrical cabling to go along with this.
In this stage, we meet with our client again to talk them through our design, explaining the reasons behind certain elements, as well as collecting feedback, refining and making iterations. We then send our final design to our local Perth workshop to finalise structural details and establish an accurate quote.
PHASE 3 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
In this stage, we complete the design drawing with exact measurements and revise them several times to ensure all proportions are perfect. If needed, we visit the site again to finalise our measurements and any specifications. For this project we went back to review the TV and sound system specifications to ensure they would be smoothly embedded into the design. In this stage, we also work with our clients to finalise the selections of the finer details, from wood finishes, to hardware, to extra decorative touches. To embody the moody feel in this room, we were inspired by classic Hollywood Regency textures and materials. Darker wood finishes and brass hardware and mesh were selected to create beautiful bold contrast.
PHASE 4 - CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
This stage takes place in our local WA workshop. We order all the materials, before measuring, cutting, sanding, and handcrafting. We put all the pieces together and invite the clients into the workshop to view the overall profile and scale of the piece. After being carefully taken apart, each section is taken to the polishers to get finished, before being fitted with hardware and any detailing. All moulding details are fine-tuned and pieces are put back together. We like to keep our clients informed, and provide regular updates on the progress of their treasured piece at all steps of the process.
PHASE 5 - DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
The final stage, where you get to see it all come to life! For built in pieces, we deliver in components and bring along our team and our tools. We cut down any excess and scribe into the walls to embed your piece into your home. The final elements are installed, and any electrical additions are left to the electrician to connect.
OVERALL WE ESTIMATE THE ENTIRE CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS TO BE AROUND 8-10 WEEKS. WE TRY TO KEEP OUR LEAD TIMES TO A MINIMUM SO THAT YOUR UNIQUE PIECE IS IN YOUR SPACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS WE ARE A SMALL WORKSHOP CAREFULLY HANDCRAFTING EACH PIECE AS IT IS ORDERED, THIS TIME MAY VARY DEPENDING ON THE PIECE AND WHAT IS INVOLVED AND AVAILABLE. GET IN TOUCH TO SEE WHAT WE CAN MAKE POSSIBLE FOR YOUR HOME!