Posts by Richard Oedel
Bending Beauty: Secrets to Bending Wood for Furniture Design
When it comes to wood furniture design, there are so many styles to take into consideration before you make the decision to commission a custom piece. This is why I always recommend that my clients first check out some of the great furniture exhibitions happening around the region for inspiration. I often share these upcoming…
Read MoreFind an Appreciation for the Craft at the Woodworking Forum at Old Sturbridge Village
While Massachusetts is a state that is rich in history, few people realize the significant influence that the state had on furniture making. For the past 400 years, some of the country’s finest furniture was made in Massachusetts, and to raise the awareness of this, Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture was established. Through this effort, a…
Read MoreLooking for an Art Deco Piece? Here Are Some Ideas to Get You Started
Due to its ability to exude luxury and glamour while still maintaining a sense of simplicity, the art deco style gained a renewed popularity in the 1960’s and is very much making a comeback today with its sleek lines, geometric patterns, industrial finishes, and modular design. While this style first rolled out at the World’s…
Read MorePages of Inspiration: Combing Through Design Magazines to Help Create Your Piece
I recently shared that now is the perfect time to start the commissioning process to have a truly special piece of furniture made by the 2014 holiday season. Commissioning a custom piece of furniture can take some time, most specifically because I want my clients to take the time to find design elements that really inspire them…
Read MoreChoosing Your Wood Type: A Lesson in Cherrywood
I often use my design blog as an opportunity to talk about the various types of wood that are used in furniture making, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight cherrywood. Due to its natural beauty, versatility, and ability to be easily sanded, cut, and stained, we frequently see cherrywood used to make…
Read MoreThings to Consider: How Will Your Wood Choice Match-Up to Your Home?
There are so many factors to consider when selecting the perfect piece of furniture for your home, and for those wanting to introduce a wooden piece, color and tone are two critical components to take note of as they can actually help to enhance the appearance of your wood furniture’s finish and allow it to make the best…
Read MoreTips for Salvaging and Refinishing a Piece of Furniture
If you’re looking to give your home a fresh new look but don’t want to necessarily spend a lot of money, restoring furniture that has been tucked away in your attic or basement can be a great way to accomplish this, especially when it comes to your old wooden furniture. This not only provides you with an…
Read MoreSee the Tradition and Innovation in Western Mass at the Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture Exhibition
Anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, local history or good design will enjoy the Four Centuries of Massachusetts Furniture exhibition. Classic furniture holds great inspiration for me as I design, then craft pieces for today’s households. One of the most unique furniture exhibits in New England is housed at the Wright House, in Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts.…
Read MoreMore Than Just an Exhibit: Find Out More About the Process and Local Woods at Old Sturbridge Village
If you’ve never been, Old Sturbridge Village, is an experience worth checking out. Old Sturbridge Village is a New England living history museum that pays tribute to the 1830s, celebrating early American artifacts and folk art during that time period. In addition to exposing you to what life during the 19th century looked like in New…
Read MoreRolling Back the Years: Simple Solutions to Minimize the Damage to Your Wood Furniture
Whether you’ve commissioned a custom piece of furniture or have inherited a family heirloom, you will want to be sure to take extra care in maintaining your wood furniture. Unfortunately, wood furniture is susceptible to attracting some gouges, nicks and dings along the way, and if you find yourself in this predicament, I wanted to share…
Read More