I’ve been designing specific custom upholstered pieces for my clients for years now, which is incredibly fun and usually results in JUST what the space needed… down to the millimeter. And over the years I have found that dining tables tend to be the items that most need to be customized to fit a space and are most deserving of the attention, time and money. But I have had many a client shy away from taking the custom route due to intimidation. It can seem like a scary process to those who have never done it! But when it comes down to it I always find that those who go the custom route are the happiest. But it’s all about who you work with. I got to meet the fabulous people from Huston & Company while on a trip to Maine at the English Meadows Inn. One of the innkeepers suggested I swing by their studio and see the way these guys work (and by guys, I mean the father and son team who run the business!) What a serendipitous connection, let me tell you…
When it came time time to think about dining tables for my own kitchen/dining room I decided to pair up with Huston to design something special and to show you how the process works. Until this point in my life I have not had a dining table of my own- all previous tables have been hand me downs from my parents or Andrew’s grandparents. That’s the thing about dining tables- they tend to be passed down generations. If they are made well, that is. I loved that for years we ate a table Andrew had his beloved “egg mush” at when visiting his Grandma and Grandpa. It wouldn’t fit in our new home, and so now that table is my conference table in my office, so don’t worry, it’s still in the family. :)
In our new space, our first real “home” together as a family, Andrew and I wanted and needed something different- and something that was our own. The new space is rather square and I just knew I wanted a round table from the get-go. I kept the style in mind as I picked finishes and pieces for the kitchen and when it came time to get down to the table I knew what I wanted….almost. I was going for a rustic meets modern look- kind of hard to pull off and not exactly what Huston’s signature collection of designs represents. That is the first thing to know about designing custom- it’s all about the craftsmanship- if the furniture builders are good, they can help you design anything your brain can imagine. You don’t need to be a designer, they can do the designing while you do the tweaking too! The Huston fellas were up for the challenge of building something different and working with a perfectionist designer! So I sent them some inspiration pics to work from- some more rustic than I wanted, some more modern and some too “finished” and formal. I told them I wanted all these tables to get together and produce and offspring table blending them all!
And they did just that- they took what I was describing and sent me some drawings! I loved the table off the bat! Now, not everyone lucks out with a shot effort like that- sometimes it take a few rounds of drawings to get it right! This doesn’t mean it’s not going well, it just means the conversation has to continue between the client and builder. That’s the beauty of custom- everything is up to you. The only change I made was making it bigger- these drawings were at 54″ inches round and I went up to 60″- since it was a fixed top I wanted to make it as big as I could so maybe I could squeezer in 8 people in a pinch. Super easy.
So next was picking the finish- the real tricky part! This is where the “rustic” came in- but not TOO rustic because unfinished raw, reclaimed wood STAINS and is super hard to clean. I wanted the look, but not the hassle! I described it as a white/grey washed distressed oak and waited to see what they came up with, as it’s not a typical finish they do. The first two samples were a bit too uniform:
So I asked for a couple more after sending a sample of something similar I picked up to them to see. The next two they sent had a winner (the one on the right)! And we were off!
They sent me images of the table in process and I loved that not only was it being made locally in Maine, but by HAND. I mean, in a day in age when everything seems to be mechanized and mass produced it’s so nice to go back to hand-crafted goods. Even the bottom is signed and dated by the woodworker who spent time and energy making a gorgeous piece of furniture just for me. I absolutely love that.
(The stamp and signature on the bottom of my table!)
TA-DA!!!! Here she is!
Here it is in my space- I need a rug, chandy (going up today!!!!) and chairs, obviously- the decorating continues!
Now I know what you are going to say- “but it’s totally mind-blowingly expensive to have a table made custom!” Not true. Yes, it’s pricier than picking one up at some retail stores, but it’s not as much as you might think. This table, a 60″ diameter solid oak piece retails for $3,275.00 (* full disclosure, I did not pay this amount). I’ve quoted mass produced tables for clients in that size for double that price! And when you consider this is a bespoke item that can and most likely will be passed down to your kids after many, many happy family meals around it, it’s really quite reasonable. As I’ve said before, I am a believer in saving and buying the best you can afford when it comes to staple long term items. Just as I did for my kitchen renovation. I waited to buy a house and do this until I could afford to do it exactly the way I wanted so it would last a lifetime and not leave me wanting to redo it in five years. Same goes for large long term items like a dining table. My advice: spend your money as well as you can once, instead of three times poorly.
Huston does more than just tables- they build so many things- bookshelves, desks, chests, chairs, wine storage and one of my favorite things- this rocking horse with leather ears, a wonderful heirloom piece for new parents. After such a wonderful experience working with them, I would highly recommend any project you might ask them to craft for you.
That table is a piece of art! What a great way to use the space!
Absolutely lovely! I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts about the work of Huston & Co. We find ourselves in awe of our custom dining room table from them every day!
What a perfect shade! I didn’t realize reclaimed wood stained so easily, although I suppose it makes sense. This one is just beautiful!
I’m a firm believe in using artisan craftsman when I can. Independent custom wood workers/furniture/cabinet makers are fairly easy to find, just ask around/yellow pages/Craigslist. Many are firefighters who do projects in their days off. I have had two tables made and I love them. great quality and at a fraction of the Chicago Merchandise mart prices.
Such a beautiful calm space! Love it!
Hi Erin! Gorgeous table!
I have a question/request that has nothing to do with this post :) –
I’m in my mid-twenties, new to the Boston area and furnishing and decorating my first apartment and I wanted to get your suggestions on quality fabric stores in Boston/greater Boston area. Thank you!!
Erin, your table and kitchen look amazing! Always love seeing your design work! hope you are doing wonderful. xo- Shannon
Gorgeous table! Love the round, and I totally agree on your philosophy for the table. When we bought and renovated 12 years ago, by the time it came to decorating, our budget was looking sad and we were definitely bargain-hunting and making do. But the one thing I never wavered on was getting a semi-custom (through a factory that gave you all kinds of choices on materials/shapes/finish/etc.) dining table that came with a huge price tag (I also splurged on really solid, upholstered dining chairs that people could sit in all evening and feel comfortable). Our dining set is the best investment we ever made. Every dinner, every game of cards, every party, I think about how we’ve built another memory for the table.
Your table is gorgeous. I’m glad you addressed the cost, because as I was reading this, that’s the first thing I thought – yes it’s amazing, but it must have cost a fortune! It is surprisingly reasonable, and I love your philosophy about spending the money once. Lately I am trying to apply that both to my home and my wardrobe.
Erin, your house is absolutely gorgeous (I love the gallery wall going up your stairs!). I searched the blog and found the formula for the color of your floors (lovely!), but wondered if you would be willing to share the name of the person/company that stained and refinished them. Thank you, and please keep the before/after shots of your house coming!
Erin, Dying to see what chairs you pair up with the table. I vote for Louis Ghost chairs to add a super modern twist.
Please tell me more about the table finish. I spent months trying to find that perfect shade for an antique oak dining table and sideboard I inherited. Everything was too yellow. I settled on a mix of Minwax oil based stain in a grayish (that turned out a little blue) color with white-wash. I love it for now and it works in our space, but someday I’d love to re-do it. Do you know what they used?
Or as my great-grandmother used to say, “buy crap, pay twice!”
Spectacular! I can’t wait to see how you complete the look with chairs, chand and rug.
Erin — How many people will your beautiful table seat?
Lianne- six spaciously, 8 tightly.
I’m dying to know what you’re going to do for the chairs!
Wow – that is one beautiful table and one that I imagine will indeed be passed down! It’s been so wonderful going through this renovating/decorating process with you – it’s really opened my eyes up to many possibilities for the future!
“spend your money as well as you can once, instead of three times poorly.”- Preach it girl!!! I cant believe how often we tell clients this same thing. Your table looks great, those guys did a wonderful job!
Beautiful! It makes your gorgeous home that much better.
Bravo – this looks spectacular! Can’t wait to see your chair choice.
LOVE it!!! Can’t wait to see the chairs!
“My advice: spend your money as well as you can once, instead of three times poorly.” Yes! Totally agree.
Erin, it’s a beautiful design. Great choice. Also can’t wait to see how to coordinate with chairs and decor.
Love it! Its perfect for your space and can’t wait to see the chairs that you pick out.
BTW – Have you seen this article? I just read it recently and your post made me immediately recall this woman’s sentiments about her family’s custom dining table: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/garden/goodbye-mr-nakashima.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
What a beauty!! Can’t wait to see it with the chandelier and chairs!
Susan
simplymodernhome.com
I seriously love it!!! I’m also very into custom furniture… there’s nothing quite as satisfying as getting it exactly the way you envisioned. Enjoy it Erin!!!
Erin,
Love the way everything is turning out! Two questions – did you use some sort of a stencil for your gallery up the stairs or was that just spur of the moment?
so gorgeous erin!!
For Abby who asked about the finish…
Abby, As Erin said, the finish on her table is not our standard finish. When a customer asks for a stain, or a custom finish, we don’t use anything “off the shelf.” Our finisher experiments with different stains and different applications until he gets it right. In the case of Erin’s table, he created a brown stain which he applied first. Then he applied a “grain filler” which gave the table that whitewashed look. After that, he distressed the table (banged it up a bit, if you will). He then went back with the brown stain and dabbed it in bits here and there, to make the table less uniform in color. On top of all that he applied the clearcoat that protects the table from moisture, and damage. Each custom finish is a process of experimentation, often with several different layers. I know that doesn’t give you an “off the shelf” that you can use, but I hope it’s helpful. Best wishes.
Awesome. That’s a table you can have forever.
Erin! Your renovations and design/decor are SOOO beautiful! I love every single thing you’ve chosen and imagine that you are one happy home-owner/chef/coat-hanger-upper now to be able to do so in such gorgeous and efficient spaces. I absolutely agree with your motto of doing something right one time vs. doing it poorly three (or, as a friend told me, “pay more and only cry once”!). Enjoy your amazing talent! :)
Erin this table is spectacular and so well crafted. I am amazed at the process and the finished product. Enjoy your first meal around that amazing table!
Just stunning Erin!
Love your counter stools! I have my eye on them but am nervous about my wood floors. Do they scratch up your floors? They look too skinny on the bottoms for felt pads.
It’s just right.
pve
I love the mix of wood and natural tones going on. Subtly layered and so elegant!
Jen…I just super glued small felt pads to the bottom (three on each leg)…that seems to be working.
The grain of the table matches the wallpaper perfectly! It looks perfect!
Gorgeous!! I love it, and the new kitchen!!
What a gorgeous table! I am so curious as to what type of wood it’s made out of. Would you mind sharing? Also, your kitchen is absolutely stunning!! xx
Spectacular!! What does Huston and Co recommend to clean table with?
Worried about that. Put a coaster under your flower vase!! :) Water resistant?
Lovely work you have done.
Alexa, Erin’s table is made of solid white oak. We have an informational page on our website about Erin’s table. You can find a link to it in the bar just above the footer.
http://www.hustonandcompany.com/your-home/gates-table
Kate
L – I’m so glad you asked about the finish. Our finish is very easy to clean – wipe with a damp cloth. I use a little dish detergent for sticky stuff. It’s also very liquid resistant. Spills are not an issue. Even wine and acidic juices are fine. Water that stands a LONG time will create a white/gray spot, but that can be very easily repaired by the owner in a matter of minutes with no sanding or tools. We can tell you how. Same with heat spots, if they occur. Our finish is also ‘green’. There is more info on our finish and its care on our website in the FAQ’s (see top right corner of any page) and in the “About” section, click on “A commitment to ecological responsibility”. I hope this is helpful. Kate
So perfect – I love that you are this specific! (“A bit too…”)
That table is perfection…everything about it!! franki
You are so right to have a custom table created if you can’t find what you want. Years ago, I commissioned a walnut dining table with 3 large leaves for our small home. It was the first thing I bought when I had a real job. My husband thought that I was crazy, but I knew the artisan and he created beautiful furniture. Forty years later, I still have the same table and I love it. I have changed houses and husbands a few times, but the table is perfection.
All those clamps … oh my! What fun to work with an artisan to get exactly what you want. And good advice about spending money wisely on items that will last. I was just saying to someone else that so often we are wooed by cheap prices or a quick fix. But when you absolutely love a piece, it will stay with you for so much longer and will more than pay for itself over time. We did that with our sofa.
Sometimes I get antsy and want to pull the trigger on something known instead of living with something just-okay while I search for a perfect piece. But one of my goals, both in home decor and with my wardrobe, is to buy things that I’m passionate about, because I know I’ll be happier both in the short term and the long term.
The bedroom is not complete without bedside table. bedside tables in bedroom have become more than just expediency. A bedside table is a nice addition to any bedroom and it’s very convenient to have a little bit of storage space right next to your bed.
Wow they did an amazing job! I know what you mean though about needing to work with the right company to get it just how you want it. I am lucky to have such a company here Utah that I recommend to everyone which is http://4-chairs.com/.
Hi! I’m wondering if you can tell me what the turnaround time is for a custom piece from design to shipment? Is there a separate additional shipping fee, or did you have to pick it up? Thanks!