This article sheds light on the intriguing journey involved in the process of commissioning custom-made furniture to suit your home interiors and style.

What is the significance of commissioning custom-made and bespoke furniture?

If you desire unique items for your home, you’re probably considering commissioning custom-made furniture. The true advantage is that we can design and make it to your exact requirements. If you would like built-in lighting and power sockets or would love to have soft close drawers in your cabinet, we can offer precisely that!

Whatever piece you have in mind, we offer a full bespoke design and manufacturing service. From dining tables to media cabinets, we create a diverse range of furniture, all designed by Edward Johnson and made by our talented team in our workshop in Bosham.

A way forward for your commission

There are three options you could consider; commission a completely new piece of furniture from scratch or, explore our collection of limited-edition furniture that can be made to order with many customisable options. Alternatively, you can draw inspiration from our portfolio as a starting point, allowing Edward Johnson to tailor and adapt the concepts to suit your project and needs.

The Commissioning Process

Crafting bespoke furniture is a true labour of love, but the results are always rewarding. We take immense pride in our work, both from the craftsman’s viewpoint and that of our clients’. We understand that each piece we create will be cherished and will endure the test of time.

A case study

The below video was created to showcase the entire commissioning process, focusing largely on the design and production of our unique Ripples blanket chest. This eye-catching piece is now part of our limited-edition Ripples Collection and can be customised in various materials and sizes. The original Ripples chest, crafted from exquisite bog oak, received a Bespoke Guild Mark (No. 460) from the Furniture Makers’ Company. Learn more about these prestigious awards below!

In the video, Edward Johnson eloquently explains the journey from defining the brief, through to designing, selecting the all-important timber, the crafting, and presenting the finished piece of furniture.

A film about Edward Johnson and his custom-made furniture, touching on his design and commissioning process
whilst giving an insight into his workshop.

Selecting the materials and timber for your project

Another advantage of commissioning your own furniture lies in the ability to select the materials and timber that match your preference, and even your existing decor. We always work with sustainably sourced FSC materials, and alongside this, with our expertise we can give you the best advice for the desired outcome.

Using our ‘know how’

Our profound knowledge of various materials, whether solid, veneered, or laminated, allows us to understand their characteristics and full potential. This ability enables us to be highly innovative when needed, exploring the full capabilities of wood.

As a team, we excel in manipulating and engineering timber to create our furniture and accessories. By pushing the boundaries of its possibilities, we craft both sculptural masterpieces and elegant clean designs. Whatever the style you choose all our free-standing furniture bears Edward Johnson’s silver maker’s mark, except for items valued under £1000 that carry Edward Johnson’s branded mark instead.

Our Bespoke Furniture Awards

Throughout the years, Edward Johnson’s custom-made furniture has garnered numerous accolades. He currently holds four Bespoke Guild Marks (BGM) and was honoured with the prestigious Wood Awards bespoke product category prize for his Ripples chest of drawers.

The following video was produced by the Furniture Makers’ Company to highlight the Bespoke Guild Mark awards and coincide with the ‘Evolution of Tradition’ exhibition at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London. All the participating designer-makers in this exhibition were all holders of at least one Bespoke Guild Mark.

The art of crafting beautiful furniture

The video also captures Edward Johnson crafting another of his distinctive pieces, the Murano Cento extending dining table, which is now available to order as a limited edition.

Edward Johnson’s BGM awards serve as a testament to his exceptional design, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail.

A film featuring Edward Johnson commissioned by the Furniture Makers’ Company, highlighting their Bespoke Guild Mark awards.

“The blanket chest is just what we had hoped for. The combination of the bog oak and the ripples reminds me of many happy times in the Outer Hebrides…. peat and the Atlantic! Every time I look at it, it makes me smile, thank you so much!”

MR, Guildford, Surrey

In addition, Edward became a Freeman of The Furniture Makers’ Company in 2023. He originally became more involved in 2018 after being invited to join the Bespoke Guild Mark committee as a guest member. He continues this role to date which involves attending regular meetings, assisting with new applications, and the judging process.

Would you like to know more?

If you have any further questions about the process of commissioning furniture or would like to discuss your project with us, please contact us or give us a call on 01243 696606. We are always happy to have a chat.

Similar Posts