I’ve talked about several furniture exhibits in New England that celebrate the Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture, and I highly recommend that my clients familiarize themselves with these events for inspiration for their own pieces. As a fine furniture craftsman, I am able to recreate some of these historical pieces that intrigue my clients, as well as tweak the design to best meet their preferred tastes.

Source: Stonefinder via Pinterest

One piece of furniture that caught my eye recently was a “Joined Chest” at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. This chest likely dates back to the late 1600s in Ipswich, Massachusetts and is made of oak and white pine. The chest is associated with William Searle, who migrated to America in 1663 and was later tied to Thomas Dennis, who married Searle’s widow.

The chest is covered in a shallow carvings, which was very representative of the style in Devonshire, England at the time. The decorative carvings on the chest were painted, which was also typical of that style. As you can see, over time, the painting has faded. However, the elegance and craftsmanship that went into this piece never will – and that’s the beauty of custom-crafted furniture.

Another piece that may inspire my clients is the 18th Century “Hadley Chest”. The chests include ornate designs and structures that will definitely leave a lasting impression on you. Featuring a long drawer at the bottom and hinged top, it’s unlikely for you to find anything like it in this day and age, though contemporary versions do exist.

If you’re still in need of more ideas and inspirations, I’d love to recommend more items and shows to view. Once you have what you want in mind, the next step is to contact me, Richard Oedel, to learn more about how my commissioning process works.