Whenever we are asked to engineer unusual functions or integrate unique objects or materials into a piece the result is referred to as a "specialty item". In the case of this shell table our client had been given an extensive collection of shells from a friend and neighbor."The shell collection itself is not that valuable but the neighbor and the memories are." Therefore, we set out to design a table that would showcase the shells while still providing a functional coffee table. Each individual shell rests upon a black lacquer faceted pedestal arranged in a balanced geometric pattern. The radiused book and butt walnut burl aprons wrap around each side and join the carved and gold leafed legs. An inset glass top lies flush with the aprons and is removed via a concealed "lifting block".
Contemporary Screen
This whimsical five panel plastic laminate screen was designed to convey movement. The small red discs move as the window drops and rotates across the panels. The concave shape at the bottom catches the disc and repeats the cycle.
Cascading Cabinets
This cascading progression of white lacquer cabinets affords a variety of storage depths while creating movement with its pulls and rolling corner cabinet tops. The round knobs are black and the knob mounting areas are gold leafed.
Lectern and Table
High gloss black lacquer surfaces are accented with gold leafed capital and base elements. The lectern's facade and body is lightly ebonized cherry.
Steiner Ball and Claw Table
This table was designed by Michael Steiner. Like the Steiner Urn table it was built and then donated by Woodleaf Studios to Interact for a fundraiser. The table has a cherry top banded with olive as a burl. Brass claws clench black lacquer spheres. There are also gold leaf accents.
Steiner Urn Table
Michael Steiner, ASID, designed this glass top table for a Woodleaf Studios sponsored design competition. Woodleaf Studios then built and donated this winning design to a fundraiser for Interact(a shelter for battered women and children).
The main urn body is birdseye maple with hand carved spiraling trunks finished with silver leaf and lacquer. The dangling black tassles add to the whimsical feel and create an unusual texture for this piece.
Alice's Curio
Alice's Curio is an exploration that Matthew took into the whimsical world of Alice In Wonderland. The padauk door opens to reveal a landscape painted on a concave wall depicting a myriad of wildlife. The Pamele Sapele veneered body is accented with maple escutheons and rosewood banding. The upper and lower deck is made with teak parquet flooring. Ebonized columns help create an architectural feel while the maple balcony "pops" in contrast. This piece is one of many that Woodleaf Studios has donated to various fundraisers over the years. Alice's Curio was built for the Visual Art Exchange where it was auctioned at their annual fundraiser. The money raised was used to help support up and coming artists.
Egyptian Desk
This desk was designed to work within an existing study that had an Art Deco/Egyptian interior. Each hand carved leg is copper leafed and depicts a different egyptian god and surrounding frieze. The hieroglyphics spell out the customers name and designers and artisans involved in this sophisticated project. The desk is made of curly maple, soft maple and basswood.