Why handcrafted is hot again

Furniture and homewares handmade traditionally by young artists are enjoying a rapid rise in popularity again. “Timelessness encompasses the idea of getting rid of disposable furniture which reduces waste and landfill,” says designer and creator Spencer Parks of Maeker Studio. “Not only that, old-school technique is interactive and fun to learn. From someone who spoon carves in Finland, to a furniture maker in Perth, we all share one common goal – to make something we are proud of with our own two hands, not only for you, but for generations to come. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Dressing Table from Ghify

Spencer Parks started his business in a backyard shed in Perth.  “When I received my first real commission, I enjoyed some great recognition internationally, which allowed me to move to a workshop in Fremantle. Now, with my wife and family, I create bespoke, handmade furniture and beautiful useful objects that you would never throw away, but pass on. It’s the ultimate way to recycle.” 

Dukebox from A Good Looking Man

Like many of his contemporaries today, Spencer is passionate about sustainability. “We utilise as much of our waste materials as possible,” he says. “I scour demolition sites, salvage yards and gumtree sellers for recycled, reclaimed, found and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified timber. Why wouldn’t we?” he asks. “We have the technology and the understanding; it’s the only way forward.”

Panhandle slim coffee table from A Good Looking Man

In a world of excessive consumerism, it is easy to surround oneself with beautiful, but useless clutter. “We all love beautiful things but you need to match that with a healthy dose of functionality,” he explains. “You can’t give a child a bath toy made of paper, so you need to ask your maker is this design really what suits us best as people, do we want to live around this piece, or live with it.”  

Walken table by Maeker Studio

While through great design and high quality craftsmanship, artisans hope to change the ‘disposable furniture’ mentality, Spencer says there is still room for mass-produced homewares. “The reality is, if you are a student, you don’t need a four-poster bed made of European Oak, you need a mattress on the floor and beer money.  But our needs grow and should our understanding of mass production. Do you want to just keep on creating your own personal mountain out of dead furniture at the local tip, or do you want to grow to love your home and all that is in it?” 

Stool by Maeker Studio

The objects you ultimately choose to surround yourself with come down to personal taste, your everyday needs and an appreciation of its timelessness. “Love what you have, be thankful for the beauty in your environment,” says Spencer. “Appreciate that something’s have a life span that may match your own and something’s don’t, won’t and never will. The important thing is to challenge yourself on what that something is!”

Table detail from Maeker Studio

Local shopping guide for chic, sustainable, custom-made furniture.

Victoria
Hudson Furniture
Bombora Custom Furniture
Christopher Scott
Flitch and Rasp

New South Wales
Nomi
Bare Nature
Christopher Nicholson

Western Australia
Maeker Studio
A Good Looking Man

South Australia
Agostino and Brown

Queensland
Simply Recycled Furniture
Brian Berger