Are you craving furniture that breaks free from the ordinary? If so, the unique allure of live edge pieces might catch your eye. Once considered imperfections, these natural edges now serve as coveted features, adding character and charm to any space.
In the past, wood with irregular edges was often seen as flawed, with craftsmen meticulously smoothing out any imperfections to achieve pristine right angles. However, the tide has turned, and live edge pieces are now prized for their natural beauty and distinctiveness. From benches and tables to kitchen islands, these slabs are making their mark in interior design, offering a touch of rustic elegance to modern living spaces.
Live edge wood allows you to embrace the raw, unrefined beauty of natural materials, celebrating the inherent knots, voids, and cracks that add to its character. Whether you prefer a subtle nod to nature with gently undulating edges or a bold statement piece with deep, groovy contours, there's a live edge creation to suit every taste and style. And they also come in various shapes and sizes. Below on the left, for example, Alberto is sanding down a rather giant oak wood slab for a San Francisco restauranteur we worked with back in 2018. While solid wood slabs remain a popular choice for restauranteurs, Studio Geppetto Design is able to provide live edge wood slab imitations, such as the one on the right made with redwood, in a multitude of sizes by joining wood planks together that have been dried and tested for durability.
Architectural visionary Nakashima played a pivotal role in popularizing this aesthetic in the 1950s, viewing live edge furniture as a tribute to the beauty of the natural world. By preserving the unique features of each piece of wood, from its rings and burls to its wavy edges, live edge furniture offers a tangible connection to the trees from which it originated.
Using live edge wood in your home allows you to incorporate salvaged materials in a sustainable, practical, and stylish manner. Whether you're aiming for a Western cottagecore vibe, a rustic aesthetic, or a modern minimalist look, live edge pieces can help you achieve your desired interior style.
While live edge furniture may come with a higher price tag than its mass-produced counterparts, the investment is well worth it for those who value quality craftsmanship and unique design. Each live edge slab is a testament to the artistry and skill of its creator, requiring careful attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the wood. Below, check out some large redwood slab imitations we handcrafted for three different homeowners. Although usually made for restaurants, we've made our Redwood Slab Style Restaurant Table Top for homes before, and even offer our live edge imitation look in some of our coffee table creations such as our Tuscan Vita Coffee Table.
So, the next time you're in the market for a new piece of furniture, consider opting for a live edge creation. Whether it's a dining room table, a cutting board, or a countertop, a live edge piece will add a touch of natural elegance to your home, transforming your space into a sanctuary of style and sophistication.
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