With the introduction of new materials for furniture design, wood holds its own.
For a timeless material, wood is experiencing a contemporary revival. With global interest in craft, collaborations between traditional craftsmen and designers are on the rise, making wood the material to watch. From the traditional woodworking enclaves of Asia, to the industrial workshops of Brooklyn, a new generation of designers is celebrating wood in all its natural glory.
Even in the world of modern designer furniture, wood has held its own against contemporary counterparts like plastic and steel. Michael Thonet’s iconic bentwood chair, one of history’s most successful mass-produced products, paved the way for an era of democratic design.
TEAK (Far left and right): A tropical hardwood mostly grown in South-east Asia and usually brown to dark gold in colour. Extremely resilient to winds, teak also contains natural oils that makes it a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
OAK (middle): Unlike other types of wood, this has a grain that’s evenly spaced out. It’s commonly used for flooring, thanks to its sturdiness and distinctive look.
via@THE PEAK NEWSLETTER