A sunroom with a view just isn’t the same if you can’t see the view. Previously used for storage, the time had come for Ms. Brown’s sunroom to become a place to dine, entertain and dream. In this room the usual paint and flooring upgrades went a long way toward comfort. The height of the original 1930’s windows, however, meant a standard table and chairs wouldn’t have views of the yard on its way to becoming a stunning English garden. Ms. Brown spent hours shopping online for bar-height tables never finding that just right, Goldy Locks fit. There just wasn’t one out there that fit her style, needs and desires; bar-height to see the blooms, full size (seats 6+) to host her family and dinner party guests, and in the style of her home what we might call Modern Cottage.
Having previously worked in decorative metalwork, I called on a friend, colleague and talented metal fabricator, Cody Miller. Together we hatched the concept for a custom table built specifically for the space. The result was a collaboration with this incredible, local Yuba City fabricator to build just the right piece of furniture.
In addition to the aforementioned desires for the table, we engaged our usual values approach. Local whenever possible in labor and materials and environmentally mindful.
The inspiration came from nature. A live-edge Redwood slab felled locally in Northern California with a beautiful striped grain topped the piece. Big Ts had filed it as an remnant for its unusual dimensions. Shorter and wider than standard it was perfect fit for the shape of the room it was to occupy. A clear sealant brought out its natural, beautiful color and protects the wood for everyday use. A nod to the tree continued through the base as Cody and I bent steel rods into a twisted form reminiscent of an old trunk.
In the end it is a table from which to dream with extended meaning for Ms. Brown as her father owned a mill when she was growing up and she has fond memories of logs waiting to be shuffled off to their second life.
To complete the space, we paired stools suitable for long dinner parties or itinerary planning her next adventure. We curated décor around furniture from her collection of heirlooms and modern accessories. Ultimately a perfect fit for this Marysville, California home.
There are pieces and spaces that feel almost destined. The people and materials for this piece were all available at the same time and place. Its such an honor to be a conduit for a piece of a home that was literally born to be there to host endless hours of dreaming and loving community gatherings. How special for everyone involved.