Press
Furniture Maker FINDING JOY IN THE WOODS
Details, details make Bob Clement's fine furniture stand out
Designer makes custom furniture...
Designer makes custom furniture
for a specific space
Tables, library units, islands created from `primary' wood
By VICKI STOUT
FRANKLIN — Custom-made furniture pieces can add personality to a room unavailable most any other way, according to Bob Clement, a Franklin craftsman who for a decade has been building heirloom pieces.
"With a handcrafted piece of furniture, you become part of the creative process in designing that speciat piece, whether it's a library unit, a dining room table, a farm table or a custom-made island for the kitchen," he said.
Not a cabinetry crafter, but rather a furniture crafter, Clement's skills are put to use for a custom designed and built walnut island in WayHaven, one of the homes in the current Countrywide Parade of Homes in Franklin's Legends Ridge neighborhood.
'The designer, Kathy Andrews of Point To Point Resources, had a particular look in mind for the island. She wanted it to be a piece of furniture rather than just cabinetry. The end result is beautiful;' Clement says.
Originally in the film-lighting business, Clement transferred his creative skills to handmade furniture.
"I do all custom work, mostly for individuals and designers, but also do some work for new construction, such as this home in the parade;" he says.
Clement says a custom-made piece may cost a bit more than a piece purchased from a furniture retailer, but it offers so much more. It is created specifically for a particular space or room and it is crafted completely by one individual.
This handcrafted island was created by Bob Clement of Franklin and is featured in the WayHaven in the Parade of Homes at Legends Ridge.
"I use only primary wood. By that I mean if the piece is walnut, everything is walnut; there's no plywood involved. Every joint is hand done, every surface hand finished," he said.
Clement goes to a customer's home to literally size up the space and the look of the room and home before beginning a project, whether it's a library unit, corner cabinet or a farm table.
During his handcrafting process, the customer is encouraged to stop by his shop to see the work in progess.
"That way there are no surprises, plus the customer becomes part of the creative process. A change in finish or even size may be needed when that dream on paper becomes a three-dimensional piece," he said.
From time of order to completed piece is generally a month or less, according to Clement.
For additional information, he maybe reached at 591-3928; or visit www.clementfurniture.com.
The Countrywide Parade of Homes opens tomorrow, runs through Oct. 30 and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate for $12 per per-son; children under 12 are admitted without cost. Call 377-1055, ext. 94, or visit www.hbamtnet.
Reach Vicki Stout by email at vickistout®aol.com.
