Thoughts on the ever present how can I do better?... Summer 2024

It’s here, the summer of 2024 on Oregon’s South Coast. Where did the time go? Our last blog entry was in November of last year and I haven’t gotten around to adding to it since then. Well here goes nothing.

Let’s talk a bit about furniture and what I’m trying to do with Dredge Design. In my head I’ve wanted to create a line of furniture that maybe some day is recognizable (at least in the niche furniture world) and distinguishable as it’s own small batch or (bespoke) furniture brand. This has been the overarching goal that I constantly keep re-visiting seemingly each year. Again as I write this know I am revisiting the thought and again trying to cement the idea of how this may work into my brain.

This concept of a production line (albeit a small batch production line) makes sense in a practical number crunching way, and very interesting as a design challenge; in which the pieces that are in the collection should relate to each other while, making sure that there are enough differences to not get backed into a corner. However, as I design more pieces and the collection gets a bit more filled in, I find myself wondering why don’t these collection pieces sell? At shows, people swing by and talk about how interesting, fresh, and modern the pieces that I am showing are, and that they are excited to see the take on modern furniture that I’ve chosen. In short the feed back is positive, and numerous. However, the amount of times that someone that has had the (I love this and what you’re doing, but…) conversation with me is an overwhelming majority.

The “but” conversations aren’t inherently bad conversations they tend to lead down the road of a custom piece of furniture, and that is helpful and mutually beneficial. But while sitting here pondering again the idea of how do I create a small production line, I have to think that in year 7 I’m not drowning in people wanting my version of “x” and I am thinking a couple of things.

A) I am not showing my product in the right environment.
B) I don’t have unique enough pieces.
C) I’m failing at connecting the different pieces in a cohesive way.
D) I’m missing the big picture of what people want to buy when it comes to furniture.

This leads me to a question that I’ve been pondering. Do I need to niche down? Is that the real problem? have I been trying to build a production company on the same mentality and quick pivoting action of a custom furniture shop. It wouldn’t surprise me as custom is where I’ve come from.

I’ll leave you with the same question to ponder, and perhaps in the next blog, I may have a better answer as how to direct my energy. If you the reader have any suggestions, please leave a comment, or send me an email.
info@dredge.design

Our Journey Together: The Custom Design Process at Dredge Design

At Dredge Design, we excel at going beyond the ordinary to craft furniture pieces that tell your unique story. The journey from an initial idea to a tangible piece of artistry is a thrilling adventure filled with creativity and collaboration. Our custom design process is carefully tailored to ensure your vision transforms into a reality that surpasses your expectations.

Your creative journey begins the moment you reach out to us. We promptly arrange an initial meeting or phone call to dive into your vision. During this brainstorming phase, which is completely free of charge, we discuss the desired wood type, color choice, dimensions, location, and functionality of the piece you envision. This step is crucial as it lays the solid foundation for the rest of the design process.

Armed with the insights from our brainstorming session, we transition into the design phase, where your ideas start taking a visual form. Creating computer-generated concept drawings is the initial step towards visualizing the final product. For first-time clients, a non-refundable deposit of $150 is required, which will be credited towards the final total. Our designs are a harmonious blend of your preferences and our expertise, each accompanied by a clear breakdown of pros and cons to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of each concept.

Your feedback is the cornerstone of our design evolution. We share the concept drawings with you and wholeheartedly welcome your insights. Whether it's tweaking certain elements or merging different design facets, the designs are refined to align seamlessly with your vision. This step may go through several iterations, ensuring that the final design is something that resonates with you.

Upon crafting a design that encapsulates your vision, we share a final concept drawing along with a detailed estimate. This concept drawing is more than just a visualization; it's a reflection of what's to come. The accompanying estimate is transparent, outlining the cost of the piece and the estimated shipping cost, providing a clear financial picture before moving forward. Notably, on the concept drawing, we also indicate the required deposit of 50% of the total cost. This deposit is crucial for setting the creation process in motion, marking the onset of the exciting phase of bringing your vision to reality.

The crafting process unfolds over a typical span of six weeks, during which your piece is meticulously crafted to perfection while keeping you updated at every significant milestone. As we approach the conclusion of the crafting process, we will reach out to you to process the final payment. Before shipping your item, we require the outstanding balance of the project cost along with the shipping payment to be settled, ensuring a smooth transition and delivery of your meticulously crafted piece. For our local clients, we are delighted to offer complimentary pickup and delivery.

The journey concludes when the finished piece, crafted to perfection, is ready to grace your space. The joy of seeing your vision transformed into a tangible piece of artistry is unparalleled, and we relish in your delight as you witness your idea come to life.

Our process is an open dialogue, a shared endeavor from the outset. Every project is a cherished journey filled with discoveries, creativity, and the sheer joy of bringing visions to life. The fusion of your ideas and our craftsmanship is where the magic truly happens, and we're always eager to embark on this creative journey with you.

We invite you to reach out, share your vision, and let’s create something exceptional together.

Contact Herbie at furniture@dredge.design or Brodey at info@dredge.design, drop by our studio in Carpenterville, OR, or visit our website at dredge.design to kickstart your custom design journey with Dredge Design.

The 4 Types Of Wood We Use For Our Signature Line

At Dredge Design, we're committed to crafting exceptional indoor furniture. Our signature line is built on the foundation of four distinct types of wood: White Oak, Myrtle Wood, Black Walnut, and Big Leaf Maple. Each wood type brings its own unique aesthetic and functional attributes, contributing to the durability, longevity, and beauty of our furniture. To enhance these qualities, we finish each piece with Rubio Monocoat.

White Oak: The Epitome of Strength

White Oak is the hardest wood we use, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty furniture like dining tables, cabinets, and bookshelves. Its consistent color tone and unique texture offer versatility, fitting seamlessly into various interior styles. When quarter-sawn, White Oak reveals medullary rays that add a unique, linear texture, enhancing its visual appeal. This wood is also highly resistant to moisture, reducing the risk of warping over time. Its tight grain pattern allows for a smooth finish.

Myrtle Wood: A Local Treasure

Myrtle Wood is a true gem from the southern Oregon coast. As the second hardest wood in our lineup, it's perfect for intricate furniture pieces like coffee tables, bookshelves, and custom cabinetry. The wood's dramatic color variations, from deep blacks and vibrant oranges to soothing honey and greens, make each piece a unique work of art. The wood's grain pattern is generally straight but can also be wavy, adding complexity to its appearance.

Black Walnut: The Classic Choice

Black Walnut is a timeless classic, ranking third in hardness but first in sophistication. Its rich, dark chocolate brown color lightens towards the sapwood, creating a natural contrast that adds depth and elegance to any room. The wood's grain is generally straight but can be irregular, adding character to the furniture.

Big Leaf Maple: A Symphony of Colors

Big Leaf Maple is the softest wood we use, but it's a visual powerhouse. Known for its spalting—a natural process that creates unique patterns and color variations—this wood can display a stunning array of colors, from blacks and whites to pinks. The wood's grain pattern is typically straight but can also be wavy or curly, making it ideal for decorative pieces where visual appeal is paramount.

The Finish We Use: Rubio Monocoat

Like our choice in wood, the finish we use is equally important. We opt for Rubio Monocoat, a 2-part hardwax oil that brings out the richness and beauty of each wood type, much like a traditional oil finish, while adding a layer of protective durability. This hardwax oil blend truly shines in the long-term use of the piece. We all know that it's inevitable for furniture to undergo wear and tear. Unlike traditional film finishes like polyurethane or varnish, which chip and flake, our hardwax oil finish wears with the product. As dings and dents happen, the finish stays with the wood. In instances where a deep scratch or other unsightly blemish occurs, the hardwax oil finish allows for spot finishing. Simply sand the affected area and re-apply the hardwax oil to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the pre-existing finish.

Value Beyond Price: Why Custom Furniture is Worth Every Penny

When you walk into your home, every piece of furniture tells a story. It's more than just wood and fabric. It's a reflection of your taste, your values, and your community. Investing in custom, small-batch furniture might come with a higher price tag, but the value it offers is unparalleled.

Consider a chair made from Myrtle Wood, sourced from the lush forests of Southern Oregon. This isn't merely a piece of furniture but a slice of your local environment brought into your daily life. The wood serves as a tribute to our community, helping to keep our roots grounded.

This sense of community doesn't stop at the materials. When you opt for custom furniture, you're also making an investment in your local community. You support local artisans and businesses, contributing to a cycle of sustainability that enriches everyone. It becomes not just a purchase but a statement of your values and a tangible way to enact them.

Now picture finding a nearly perfect dresser. Maybe it's a bit too wide for your bedroom, or perhaps you wish it had an extra drawer. These aren't deal-breakers but opportunities for customization. You're not limited to what's on the showroom floor. You can adjust each piece to fit your space and meet your specific needs.

The freedom to customize is closely tied to craftsmanship. Craftsmanship goes into every detail, from the joinery at stress points to the overall design, ensuring both durability and quality. This is furniture that not only looks good but also feels good.

Functionality is another hallmark of quality. Ever had a drawer that sticks or a cabinet door that won't stay closed? We pay attention to hardware as much as we do to wood and craftsmanship. This ensures your furniture is as practical as it is beautiful, with smoothly gliding drawers and durable hinges.

That feeling of quality isn't fleeting. It's built to last. We're not about chasing trends but creating timeless pieces that you'll be proud to pass down through generations. This isn't just furniture but a future family heirloom.

So, the next time you're contemplating a furniture purchase, remember that the true value isn't just in the price tag. It's in the craftsmanship, the customization, the community support, and the lasting quality. Custom, small-batch furniture might have a higher upfront cost, but it's an investment in a better, more personalized living space—and it's well worth it. If you're interested in exploring what custom, small-batch furniture can do for your home, visit us at dredge.design to discover the possibilities.