Materials
We specialize in the use of rare and unusual materials including straw, parchment, raw hide, shagreen, palmwood, horn, recycled brass and mother of pearl.
We specialize in the use of rare and unusual materials including straw, parchment, raw hide, shagreen, palmwood, horn, recycled brass and mother of pearl.
The use of straw in decorative arts shows up in many cultures throughout history. Some of the most famous works with straw are seen during the time of Louis XV and more recently during the 1930’s when art deco designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and André Groult became well know for their works with straw. Today, straw marquetry is being used by top design professionals for a variety of applications including wall coverings, ceiling tiles, furniture, and decorative objects. It is naturally golden, but is easily dyed to any color and can be applied in any number of different motifs. The silica found naturally in straw provides for a high sheen, which plays with the light. This lends to the texture and movement that make this material so unique. Learn more about this finish here.
There are many words used to describe stretched animal skins and people have been using them for thousands of years to create manuscripts scrolls and maps. They can also be used to create amazing furniture, luggage and wall coverings. Carlo Buggati and Jean-Michel Frank are two furniture designers very famous for their works with parchment. It is a very sensuous and tactile material, which adds character and warmth to a room. Skins come in a number of colors and varying degrees of contrast and texture, which can go from rough and rustic to very refined and luxurious. In either case, the beauty of this natural material is unmistakable. See more of what is possible with this finish here.
This is a finish that is unique to Normandie Woodworks. We start with recycled bullet casings that we cut open and flatten. This results in different sizes of brass tiles that can then be arranged in an infinite number of patterns. A natural, irreplicable patina occurs when the bullet is fired which makes each tile unique. This rich patina lends character and warmth to the brass and allows it to reflect light in a distinct way. You can see samples of available patterns and sizes here.