Designed as a contemporary interpretation of mid-century furniture, The Raffia Sideboard combines clean architectural proportions with warm, tactile materials and carefully considered craftsmanship.
The intention was to create a substantial piece of furniture that would provide generous storage without feeling visually heavy. Its long, low form is raised 200 mm from the floor on a slender solid-oak base, giving the sideboard a lighter presence and allowing its proportions to sit comfortably within the room.
The exterior carcase is finished in carefully selected American white oak veneer. The veneer is book-matched across the top, with the grain continuing over the edges and waterfalling down both sides of the cabinet.
This uninterrupted flow of timber gives the carcase a sense of continuity and allows the natural character of the oak to become an important part of the design.
The oak was stained to a rich medium tone, bringing greater depth and definition to the grain, before being protected with a durable PU acrylic lacquer. The finish was developed to withstand everyday use while retaining the warmth and texture of the timber beneath it.
The four sliding doors are framed in oak and faced with a woven banana-leaf raffia wallcovering. Its natural variation introduces softness, texture and a subtle irregularity that contrasts with the precise geometry of the cabinet.
Dark leather pulls provide a further layer of material contrast. Their understated form allows them to sit quietly against the oak and raffia while giving the doors a tactile and distinctive point of contact.
Behind the sliding doors, adjustable shelving allows the interior to be configured for different uses. The sideboard can accommodate tableware, glassware and serving pieces, or function as an elegant drinks cabinet within a living or dining space.
Nothing has been added without purpose. The proportions, materials and detailing work together to create a piece that is practical, refined and intended to become more characterful with use.
The result is a sideboard that draws attention through balance and material quality rather than ornamentation: a quiet piece of furniture designed to live comfortably within its surroundings.
