I just received a copy of DIY Furniture: A step-by-step guide by Christopher Stuart from Raincoast Books. I remain in awe of people who see potential and beauty in the oddest things, like black plastic water pipe (newspaper table), rubber doormats (poltrona armchair) and styrofoam (sedia e sgabello chair).
While all the projects are worth a mention for their creativity, three really stand out: the oddstock floored wardrobe is quite lovely with its zigzagged-pattern doors made from clearance flooring; the split box shelves (see image below), which marries art and functionality by assembling logs and strips of plywood into an array of boxes; and the simply perfect writing desk, inspired by furniture of the 1950s and 1960s but suitable for any corner in need of a table, especially in a child’s room.
The 30 projects are divided into 7 sections, namely tables and desks, storage, lighting, seating, bedroom, outdoor and miscellaneous. Along with the step-by-step instructions, each is also accompanied by hand-drawn plans and a list of materials and tools that you can pick up at your local hardware store.
Follow along or be inspired…a one-of-a-kind, made-by-you piece is easier than you think.
DIY Furniture: a step-by-step guide, by Christopher Stuart. Published by Laurence King Publishing, 2011.
Heather Camlot 