Armoire or Wardrobe? Either way, they are here!
Wardrobes and Armoires are in right now and you should have one!
The Wardrobe is something that I have doodled for years now. I always thought it would be one of the best showcases for the wood. I have to admit, the storage and use was an afterthought. That was quickly resolved once I jotted down my design from my head to paper. The idea of having everything I use in one cabinet gave me a feeling of joy. Don’t just take my word for it, in Em Henderson’s most recent Blog post “Why You Should Be Using Armoires In Every Room” she says:
It’s one of those pieces that are often overlooked, but let’s all agree to stop that right now and consider the armoire.
Even though we didn’t make the list, It shows that there is a great use for these pieces in your home. And I think ours is the best!
After designing our wardrobe I knew I wanted it to be one of a kind. Even though this would inherently raise the cost, I felt it was important to let the wood tell a story. In our launch of the “SEBA” Wardrobe line we introduced a reclaimed wood option. The previous summer we had taken down a large barn that was built in 1780 and was falling apart. It was an endeavor and an adventure. At the time I had no idea what I would use the wood for but knew I wanted it to be special. Reclaimed wood is extremely difficult to work with. It is dirty (dulls the knives), contains big cracks and voids/rot, weathered differently (N,S,E,W Building Sides). But there is absolutely no denying the beauty and character that comes from this lumber. I will say this, I have enough reclaimed material to make more wardrobes but Im not going into barn demo! Call it a limited series if you will. Even though we built the outside of the wardrobe in reclaimed wood, everything on the inside is new. The drawer boxes are new dovetailed white oak solid 5/8”bottoms to resist sagging. The runners are all top of the line Blum soft-close (sorry purists).
The thought of buying a custom piece like this can seem expensive. I like to think of it as an investment. It is something that you will use for the foreseeable future. It will help you stay looking good and organized. Provides something beautiful to look at on a daily basis. And when you move, you can take it with you. I also love the idea of handing this piece down from generation to generation.
Pricing for our wardrobes starts at $6500 and up. We can use any material that you see in our other furniture in addition to the reclaimed. We also offer other sizes and configurations. If you are interested in having us make a Wardrobe or would like more information please feel free to contact us.
Cheers!
Marc
Boston Showroom by Hopes Woodshop + Studio Endo
Furniture and Lighting Showroom
Studio Endo
Studio Endo is a designer and maker of contemporary American lighting designs. Our collection creates a bold statement while letting beautiful architecture be seen in its best light. We manufacture all of our components in the USA, and hand-assemble these one-of-a-kind fixtures in our Providence, RI studio. Each fixture is made to order and can be customized to fit any space. We deliver designs that provide both functional and sculptural lighting.
Hopes Woodshop
We are New-England's premier vertically integrated woodshop. Everything we build was milled and dried by us. We are saving historical trees and creating heirloom quality pieces to last many generations after. All of our trees are coming down because of age, disease, or storm damage. All of our furniture was once a tree, and we knew that tree. That is what makes our pieces unique and that is why they should mean so much to you.
Showroom Featuring:
Lighting by Studio Endo
Tables and Live edge slabs by Hopes Woodshop
Rugs by Thayer Design Studio
Cast Iron by Ares Iron
Windsor chairs by O&G Studios
We hope you enjoy the collection we have put together for Designers and their clients in the Boston area. It has been great fun, and we cant wait to work with you on your next project!
Live Edge Black Walnut Slab Table
Live Edge Single Slab Black Walnut Dining Table
Cast Iron Wishbone Base
This handcrafted custom dining table was made for our clients in Jamestown, RI. Features a beautiful single slab of eastern black walnut and black cast iron wishbones legs.
We built this live edge table in our Massachusetts woodshop. It was a pleasure to work with such an amazing tree and equally amazing clients. When a tree takes this long to grow, it is important to take our time and make sure we are building the right way.
Custom dining tables made in Massachusetts
If you are looking for a live edge dining table to be built, we would love to speak with you. To learn more about our slab tables and cast iron bases please contact us:
Materials: Walnut from Berkshire Products
Size: 9' x 4'
Base: Black Wishbones from Ares Iron
Photography: Melissa Stimpson Photography
Finish: Rubio Monocoat Pure 2C
Ultimate Guide To Buying And Maintaining A Table
Everything you need to know about purchasing a custom live edge table.
Measure the space
There is nothing worse than buying a piece of furniture only to find it won't fit in your beautiful new space. As the woodworking proverb goes, "measure twice, cut once". However, we are in the "board shortening department". It is a good rule of thumb to leave at least 3 feet all the way around the table. This gives plenty of room for chairs to slide in and out without hitting the walls. For example, If I have a dining room that is 15' long x 10' wide I would be looking at a maximum of 9' long x 4' wide for my table (assuming there is not major walkways/other furniture). While it is nice to always see your table, you don't want to be bumping into or walking around it constantly.
When it comes to shapes, you have options
Depending on the size of your room, a certain shape table may be more suitable to your space. Here are the options:
Family size = (+/-) Table size
In general you want to allow 24"/person at the table. Chairs are typically 18-20" wide (its always good to check your chair size). Think about the way you entertain. If you serve family style think about adding some width to your overall table (remember to use trivets/potholders under hot pans).
Table Base Options
You can really change the look and feel of any table by choosing the right base. It is also important to remember that the base of your table is functional and not just for looks.
- Pedestal base - Recommended for round tables. Turnings are Made from 100% solid wood of your choice
- Trestle Base - A classic design that is visually appealing while providing the necessary strength. This style also allows you to place chairs/benches around the table without hitting your knees.
- Four Legs and Aprons - A traditional farmtable base. Legs and aprons are mortise and tenoned together for strength and longevity.
- Cast Iron - Hands down one of the best solutions for slab tables. I don't think there is a better look in the industry right now (but im biased). This is our most popular base.
Design and Style
We suggest working with an interior designer if you are unsure about which direction to go. It is important to remember you are investing into your home, family and life. A designer can lead you in a direction you never thought could be achieved in your space. Crafting a balanced and truly one of a kind space that fits you and your family's lifestyle. If you would like to work with our list of designers please contact us.
Material options
This is where Hopes Woodshop stands on its own. Because we own and operate our own sawmill we control the flow of materials in our shop. We like to stay true to the natural characteristics of our material. Celebrating the colors, knots, cracks, voids, inclusions, live (natural) edges, etc... The majority of our inventory is slabs that are sawn in sequential order. This gives you the ability to match pieces together for perfect symmetry and grain patterns. We stock dimensional lumber in the same fashion. We specialize in the following Live edge slabs and boards:
Single slab, Book-match, Glue-up etc...
We specialize in live edge slabs. Not every table needs to be live edge though. For example if you wanted a single slab (tree slice) but wanted it to have a square edge that is possible. Here are some of the options we offer:
Details (Butterflies, Voids, Knots)
Some things are going to be a given when dealing with big live edge slabs. They are more susceptible to cracking during drying and they are not graded. Therefore they are going to have some cracks, knots, voids, etc... This is where we sharpen our tools and get busy. It is in these details we are able to make truly one of a kind pieces of furniture. Nothing fake about it, we roll with whatever the tree throws at us. If you want us to simulate a live edge, you might need to go somewhere else. We stay as natural to the process as possible. Hand flattening each board so we can study the life of the tree. Here are a few details we love to showcase in our furniture:
The Finish
Every table we make we finish. Lately we have been using Rubio Monocoat on all of our pieces and we have been very pleased. This is an extremely safe product for us and your family. It is durable and will stand up to the daily wear and tear. If you would like a different finish we can also do a urethane upon request.
Closing Remarks
We hope this post has pointed you in the right direction. If you have any further questions in regards to your custom project please feel free to contact us here:
Also watch this quick video on the story of Hopes Woodshop
Massachusetts Farm Tables now ready for delivery
Custom farm tables made in Western MA
Since opening our massive woodshop in Western Massachusetts we have been making additional pieces that are ready to ship. We offer tradition farm tables that are affordable, solid wood, and made to last generations. We have one of a kind slab tables that have characteristics unique to each piece. If you would like a custom table made we can pick through our inventory of slabs and lumber to see if anything works with your dimensions and vision. Here are some pieces that we have in the warehouse for purchase right now:
5' Walnut Boston Farm Table
A classic design for any home
Butternut Slab Rounds
Unique and rare to find butternut slabs this large
6' Berkshires Sugar Maple Table
Bookmatched and nicely figured with black accents
9' Slab Table with cast iron base
Origin: John Adams Museum in Quincy MA
5' Black Walnut Slab with Butterfly Joints
This could be a table, coffee table, or a headboard
7' Greenwhich Ash Farm Table
Photos coming soon!
Shop is open by appointment unless your in the area and want to roll the dice:) If you are interested in learning more about any of these item or something else please schedule an appointment or send us your info below. We would also love to hear you! Please comment below and feel free to share with friends and family. Without you guys, we are just making expensive firewood:)
Live edge furniture showroom now open in Massachusetts
Located exactly 1 Lumineers album, 1 cold brew, and 4 "where is this place"(or 1 hr) outside Boston MA.
How far away?
NYC- Two and a half // Providence - Hour and fifteen // Hartford - Hour //Boston - Hour and ten
Why you should come out
Have you ever experienced furniture being made? Creating beautiful heirloom tables and furniture from one solid tree is something everyone should see for themselves. It will change the way you see furniture forever.
What to expect on arrival?
At the time of me writing this post, we still have no sign on the building. That said, if you use Google Maps it will bring you directly to us and I put a photo of main entrance on Google. Now lets get down to the nitty gritty details:)
A large selection of lumber is always our first priority. After we mill the trees at our sawmill and dry them to 5-10% moisture, they come to "chill" in our showroom. You can pick out the slab/boards that you like with me right there saying "This tree came from a guy named mike, he was a good guy and we took the tree because he wanted to plant a garden". The stories are free. If you want to peruse by yourself thats cool, Ill stay busy until you're ready to talk. Saturdays can be crazy, so if you want my undivided attention I recommend making an appointment. Music is a must for the woodshop (I like Mumford and sons and Bon Iver) so thats whats normally playing.
What kind of furniture do we make/sell?
The good kind. Heres a quick list of tables we make and have for sale on a regular basis:
- Traditional Farm Tables with 4 legs, aprons and breadboard ends
- Slab Table with/without live edge (Single Board, No glueup, Tree Slice)
- Live edge Book matched table tops and cast iron bases
- Wood Slab Queen and King sized beds
- Modern Windsor Chairs by O&G
- Benches and stools
Delivery?
We do have some things that are grab and go but for the most part its small batch production WIP (works in progress). Lead time is 4-6 weeks which is down from 8-10 Weeks, woot woot!!! We off white glove service that can be purchased. Shop pickup is free.
Things to do when you visit?
Let me know if you find anything?!?! If you're like me, the only thing on your mind is "where can I eat"? Here are my recommendations:
Breakfast: Pan'e Dolcetti - Really bomb tomato Mozzarella sandwich on homemade focaccia bread and coffee to boot.
Lunch/Dinner: Pinnochios Three Rivers - Literally right over the bridge from the warehouse. Great Italian food. A little carboload for the ride home (Someones falling asleep for sure).
We are 15 minutes away from Brimfield Antique Flea Market, so definitely plan on swinging by before or after you head out to that flea market jazz.