In furniture design, the most enduring pieces are often the quietest. Rather than relying on excess or ornament, they draw you in through proportion, materiality, and thoughtful restraint. The Still Console was designed with this philosophy at its core. Blending the minimalism of Japanese interiors with the warmth of Scandinavian design, this console set out to explore the relationship between architectural form and the tactile quality of timber.
Design:
From the outset, The Still Console was intended to feel calm and grounded. Its elongated form creates a strong visual line, while the drawer section adds depth and gives the piece a floating appearance. The tension between solidity and lightness became a defining feature of the design.
Rather than relying on decorative detail, I focused on proportion, subtle transitions, and the natural beauty of the materials. Softened edges, exposed joinery, and carefully balanced timber tones give the console refinement without making it feel overworked. The darker walnut contrasts with the lighter timber frame, adding warmth and depth while remaining understated. This interplay of tone is a hallmark of Japandi-inspired interiors.
Material Selection & Timber Character
As with all pieces created at Upcycled Wood Designs, material selection played a central role.
Walnut and Australian white mahogany were chosen not only for their tonal contrast, but also for how each timber responds to light, texture, and grain direction. Walnut brings richness and depth, while the lighter Australian white mahogany adds openness and softness. Special care was taken to maintain grain continuity across the drawer fronts. While subtle, this detail plays an important role in giving the piece its cohesive character.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Piece
Creating a piece with restrained simplicity is often more technically demanding than it appears. Every line, junction, and proportion is visible, leaving little room for inconsistency.
The construction of The Still Console combined machines with traditional hand-tool techniques. I milled, matched, and refined each component before assembly. The drawers feature hand-cut oversized dovetail joinery. The draw fronts required careful alignment to maintain consistent shadow lines and spacing. These details were intentionally understated, allowing the craftsmanship to support the design rather than dominate it.
Once assembled, the piece was given a final sanding and finished with Fiddes Hard Wax Oil Silk. This protects the timber while preserving its natural warmth and tactile quality.
A Piece Designed to Age Gracefully
One of the defining qualities of solid timber furniture is its ability to evolve over time. Unlike mass-produced pieces, natural timber develops character, often deepening in colour and responding to its environment.
Its restrained form allows it to sit effortlessly within a range of interior styles, while its handcrafted construction ensures it is built to last for generations, not seasons. In many ways, the piece reflects the broader philosophy behind Upcycled Wood Designs: furniture that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and timeless design over short-lived trends.
More Than Furniture
The Still Console is a study in balance, form, function, craftsmanship, and restraint. In designing it, I set out to create a piece that not only serves a purpose but also shape the feel of a space.
Handcrafted in Australia, each piece I create carries the subtle story of its making. A reminder that enduring craftsmanship is shaped not only by precision, but also care, intention and lasting presence. I specialise in crafting reclaimed hardwood dining tables, bespoke cabinets, custom coffee tables, and one-off statement pieces like the Horizon Console.
Ready to explore your custom furniture piece? Start your design here. Payment is available via EFT, credit card, Afterpay, PayPal, and PayPal Pay in 4. I deliver throughout Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, regional NSW, and Victoria.