Residential Commission: Bespoke Furniture Design
Entirely Bespoke. Hand-crafted. Designed for Modern Living
This commission began from a simple brief — to create a set of functional furniture that was both beautiful and deeply personal to the client’s space. The resulting pieces — a bespoke desk and two side tables — exemplify the harmony of fine artisanal craft, thoughtful design and everyday practicality.
Conceived by artist and designer Bert Fowler, these furniture pieces draw inspiration from the rhythms and forms of coastal life, interpreted through a Scandi - inspired lens that values clean lines, elegant proportions and calm simplicity. Every curve, angle and detail in the design was hand-drawn by Bert to ensure a cohesive visual language across the suite — restrained yet expressive, refined yet warm.
Signature Craftmanship
Handcrafted entirely from solid British oak, each piece celebrates the inherent beauty of the wood — its grain, texture and soft, light oak colour that bathes interiors in warmth. Sustainably sourced and chosen for both visual quality and longevity, the oak ensures these pieces will endure the hustle and bustle of family life for generations — built not just to serve, but to last.
Unlike mass-produced furniture, every joint, surface and edge is meticulously shaped by hand in the workshop in Devon. The construction reflects a deep commitment to execution excellence — tight joinery, smooth tactile finishes and balanced form that feels as good to the touch as it does to the eye.
What sets these pieces apart is the signature fish motif — recessed, etched and hand-painted into the oak faces — a visual signature that references the coastal context of the home and Bert’s own artistic voice. The fish serve not as decoration alone, but as a visual narrative woven into the fabric of the furniture, grounding these pieces in both place and personal story. This motif, subtle yet distinctive, elevates the furniture from functional objects to works of art with soul, giving each piece a presence that resonates with quiet confidence.
Form and Function
The desk’s base features mid-century inspired angles — elegant yet sturdy — marrying timeless design with practical needs. The proportions and ergonomics were calibrated around the client’s working habits, ensuring the piece is not only striking but genuinely pleasurable to use day after day.
The side tables, conceived as companions to the desk, echo its design language while serving flexible roles throughout the home — from display surfaces to practical storage support.
Seen together, this furniture set embodies a philosophy of design that celebrates simplicity, quality and connection — to place, to material, and to the people who will live with it. It is a feast for both the eyes and the touch, thanks to the tactile softness of the hand-finished oak, the understated colour palette, and the extraordinary quality feel that only handcrafted work can achieve.
In this project, beauty and utility coexist seamlessly — every element thoughtfully considered, every line executed with care. The result is furniture that not only performs but inspires — a true original for a truly unique home.