Brendon Catley Furniture

10/08/2020

Having a single slab or a few planks of wood not quite wide or long enough for a piece of furniture is an obstacle Brendon crosses with clients from time to time.

Here is an example where we have two fabulous planks of Napier elm that alone were not wide enough for a dining table.

With an oriental inspiration, Brendon designed an oak ladder to run down the centre of the two planks. Making the table a sufficient width for dining.

Continuing the oriental inspiration, Brendon has utilised a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation called Yakisugi on the table legs. By slightly charring the legs of this table, the timber becomes water-proof and protects against insects.

Finished in a modern lacquer for increased durability.

This table is currently available for viewing in our showroom at 514 Cambridge Road, Tauriko.

24/06/2020

Tree nail detailing... an antique fixing that is now one for aesthetics only. A beautiful reminder of how manufacturing has evolved.

This coffee table is a representation of our clients' aspiration to create an original country aesthetic in their living room.

Five magnificent planks of French Oak with cleated ends make the top of this coffee table. Beaded detailing follows around the draw front and base rail with tree nails on the legs. Then combined with an antique iron handle.

All finished with an antique lacquer to complete the piece.

Handcrafted in New Zealand by Brendon Catley.

23/06/2020

Having your own timber incorporated into a piece of bespoke furniture adds a personal touch that can not be replicated.

Our client was envisioning a contemporary table with bench seats that could seat eight people. They had also completed a renovation to their family home and had some lengths of Rimu that they wished to recycle.

Brendon designed this fabulous dining table and bench seat to make best use of our clients recycled timber while keeping the contemporary aesthetic. The contrasting colours and simple A-frame base was loved by our client.

The tabletop, tabletop stretcher and bench seat top is Elm from Napier while the black timber is our clients recycled Rimu that has been ebonized.

Handcrafted by Brendon Catley in New Zealand.

19/06/2020

The custom design journey allows you to be intimately involved in the creation of your bespoke furniture.

Beginning with the basic concept of your vision, its appearance as a basic sketch or image of something similar from Pinterest, for example, and approximate dimensions.

Brendon collaborates with you to help determine whether your furniture requires storage, for example, and how will it need to be constructed to meet the requirements of you and your home.

Completing the concept is an exciting first step that leads us to the selection of timbers for your bespoke furniture...

17/06/2020

Working with interior designers is a delight.

Two creative minds coming together to craft exquisite bespoke furniture.

Taking the basic idea of a storage unit with shelves, putting it through a contemporary filter and then adding a Japanese influence to make this fantastic piece.

Rather than removing the rough bandsaw finish, it was utilised on the front of the cupboard and shelves to give the piece a very unique rustic aesthetic.

The chestnut selected to construct this piece comes from a tree that Brendon milled himself. The tree, unfortunately, died at Greenpark School in Greerton and needed to be removed.

Finally, all finished with black lacquer to match the clients' decor.

Handcrafted by Brendon Catley in New Zealand.

15/06/2020

Furniture that fits your home to a T.

Desiring shelving, a bar and storage that matched their mahogany pool table was the brief from our client.

Having the shelves built into the wall not only provides a unique aesthetic but keeps the memorabilia that will be placed there at a safer distance.

The bar/storage piece required 3 draws, including one that would be large enough to house their vinyls. Keeping the design modern and contemporary to match the rest of their home.

Brendon recommended African Rosewood as a hardwood that will withstand glasses and other items being placed on it regularly. Then staining the timber to match the pool table.

All handcrafted by Brendon Catley in New Zealand.

10/06/2020

The mix of mediums adds to this very simple yet functional African Rosewood sideboard.

Our client was wanting a contemporary designed sideboard that matches their dining table. It also needed to store their cutlery, placemats and other dining accessories.

Brendon collaborated with our client to make decisions around the size and number of draws. Recommending African Rosewood for the top and draws as a hard timber that will handle heavy use and a simple steel base to suit their desired contemporary design.

You will see from the images one of the draws has been explicitly constructed for cutlery. Using full extension draw runners to allow easy access to the draws contents.

The steel base is powder-coated matt black to not draw your eyes away from the beautiful detail of this timber. With the top being stained with a satin lacquer finish to match their dining table.

Made in by Brendon Catley.

09/06/2020

Constructed from New Zealand Pohutukawa, this contemporary eight-seater dining table is magnificent.

The client desired a mix of mediums, wanting glass incorporated into the table. Brendon recommended a smoked glass panel to go in the centre of the top to compliment the natural tones of the wood.

With a three post pedestal base and stretcher this piece is simply stunning.

Made in by .

07/06/2020

Are you attempting to complete your unique interior design vision but do not want something you will find in your neighbour’s home?
Maybe you have a unique place in your home that standard furniture won’t fit?
Or perhaps you desire an heirloom piece that can be passed on through the generations?

Then investing in a handcrafted piece that not only suits you but tells a story is worth the time.

Let us take you on this journey with Brendon:

Bespoke furniture process

05/06/2020

It may not be the most pleasant process. However, there is something very satisfying about stripping wood.

This Rimu cleat table is from a long-standing client. Unfortunately, her table got damaged while in storage to the point we are required to completely refinish the top.

In the coming week, we will post the finished product.

03/06/2020

The luxury of a solid wood bed base is one that brings a natural aesthetic to your bedroom that's hard to match.

Our client was desiring this very luxury. Requesting a super king bed base constructed from a high-quality New Zealand grown hardwood that would suit their mattress.

Elm (light) from Napier show grounds and Chesnut (dark) from a tree that fell in Omokoroa was chosen to flatter our clients' expectations. Both of these timbers are world-famous hardwoods.

The Chestnut was stained to provide a contrast in wood colour, and all finished with a semi-gloss lacquer.

29/05/2020

Gateleg tables are an incredibly versatile design that can be utilised in various situations.

And this was precisely what Somerset Cottage required. Needing to seat up to twelve people on occasion with the ability to breakdown into smaller components. Brendon knew two tables would be perfect.

Rick and Anne wanted a very detailed top of timber and a base that will match the of their Airbnb.

For the top, Brendon had a few slabs of Matai that come from a tree that fell in during cyclone Bola. The timber has Puriri moth hole detail which Anne loves!

Rick and Anne selected metal for the base to match the design of the home and finished the timber top with a two-pot lacquer for easy care.

A gateleg table may make sense for your home too? As they can be converted to a , , or by simply folding down one or both of the two leaves when a dining table isn't required.