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A Local Craftsman Refreshes a Tired Fireplace With a Wall of Ebonized Oak

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The Black Arts Fireplace by Nicholas Hamilton Holmes: Know Your Millworker

Before you hire a woodworker, do your research. A background check would be smart, not for anything nefarious, of course, but to carefully consider their artistic past. See, many times, woodworkers supplement their earnings with, well, run-of-the-mill millwork jobs, building traditional cabinets and standard shelving units when they’d much rather be crafting contemporary furnishings. If you ask the right questions, your experience with a woodworker – and the resultant project – can exceed expectations.

Nicholas Hamilton Holmes - Custom Fireplace

Take this commission that the Hamilton-based artisan recently completed, for example. Nicholas Hamilton Holmes was hired to reimagine a focal wall in a home office where a tired fireplace with a heavily moulded taupe surround stood. The easiest solution: replace this with a simplified version. But, with it being one of the first things guests encounter upon entry, there was an opportunity to go grander. Holmes shared his previous design work with the clients, particularly his “tubular” Black Arts collection of chair, tables and “useless objects” made from painstakingly turned ebonized oak. Out went the transitional-style sketch, and Holmes was free to craft a curvy piece that would amplify the proportions of the room.

Nicholas Hamilton Holmes - Custom Black Fireplace

The new blackened ash fireplace spans the wall. Its flush-faced cabinetry on either side of the granite hearth and surround stores copious office supplies. Thick legs at the hearth taper as they rise, culminating in sculptural balls at the mantel shelf. The functional piece does its job – as did Holmes, by creating a timeless work of art from an everyday commission. HAMILTONHOLMESMILLWORK.COM

Originally published in our 2020 Reno Issue as “One Thing”.

Nicholas Hamilton Holmes - Custom Black Fireplace

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The designer walks us through the creative process behind Joue

Growing up, Canadian designer Mary Ratcliffe spent a lot of time in her dad’s workshop, which ultimately drove her interest in making things by hand. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted to bring the creations in my mind to reality,” says Ratcliffe. “I think it’s something that I always inherently wanted to do. As soon as I had the opportunity, I took it.

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