I’ve been waiting to write this all week, but wanted to hold off until the week’s end so it could be the top post for a few days in a row. Why? Because I love it that much. Designer and woodworker Ariele Alasko works from her studio in Brooklyn creating stunning furniture and lighting designs from salvaged materials. While the concept of working with salvaged wood and metal isn’t entirely new, I love how Ariele integrates subtle (and sometimes more pronounced) patterns into her work using just the raw materials. Kate first introduced us to her work last week (after seeing her on The Makers), and when I finally brought up her site, I think I literally yelled, “Oh WOW!” at the top of my lungs after seeing not only her work but also her incredible studio. Let’s just cut to the chase: there’s an entire wall of eucalyptus leaves arranged like an undulating wave (third photo below). I mean, come on. I kept staring at the photo online and saying, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” Needless to say, Amy and I have already politely begged her for a home tour ;)
But back to the work: Ariele creates a wide range of headboards, tables, cheeseboards and lighting that let the beauty of the salvaged materials shine. I love the way she creates subtle chevron patterns in her work by varying the types of wood she uses. Her most recent headboard design is a great example: salvaged lathe wood in two tones makes for a bold pattern while still retaining that natural, raw feel. I actually visited her studio this morning to talk about a headboard for my bedroom, so when I say that I’m a big fan of her work, I mean it. I rarely cross the line between writing and buying when it comes to the things I post here, but the second I saw this, I knew it would be perfect. If you want to check out more of Ariele’s work, you can view her blog here and her shop here. You can also check out an excellent slideshow of her work over at The Makers online. Thanks again to Kate for the tip and to Ariele for the inspiration.
I’m heading out for the weekend, so I’ll see you on Monday! I hope you all have a great weekend. xo, grace
Below is a summary of this week’s highlights:
- Must-Read: Made by Hand, We’re All About: Rope + Transferred Images
- Biz Ladies: Adjusting to Your Target Market
- City Guide: Memphis {UPDATE}
- Living In: Chocolat
- Sneak Peeks: (mini) Sneak Peek: Oh Joy’s Nursery, Paula Mills & Family, Camille Styles & Adam Moore
- DIY Projects: Giant Paper Flowers from Ruche, Friendship Bracelet Chevron Chair Cushion
- Before & After: Hallway Ceiling Makeover, Rustic Boy’s Room Redo, Elegant Bathroom Renovation
- In the Kitchen With: Patricia Scarpin’s Brazilian Carrot Cake
- Behind the Bar: Jen Altman’s Morocco
- Flowers Under $50: Blooming Branches Tea Party
- Artwork: Works of Nature by Rachel Denny, 5 Great Sites for Artwork and Posters, Phillip Low, Brigitte Schuster
- Misc.: Icy Lampshades, Bernhard Willhelm Nail Polish, Summer Favorites, Petrified Wood, Apparatus Lighting, Copper Shades, Lulu & Luca, Deco Bulbs, Halona Glass, Harvest Hare
More photos of Ariele’s work continue after the jump . . .
43 Comments
WOW is right.
Stunning
Stunning pieces – and that wall of eucalyptus is incredible. Thanks for the intro, going into my wish-list folder! Beautiful work Ariele!
so, so glad you featured ariele! i also first saw her work over on the makers and it was a beautiful pictorial and story. the boyfriend is also trying to do a complete career change into woodworking, so super inspirational to him, too.
I am in awe! Seriously inspired just glancing at these headboards.
Wow, love these furniture pieces! The fun patterns add so much to the salvaged wood. Very cool.
I had the same audible gasp when I saw her studio and beautiful work! Amazing! I want that headboard, too!!!!
love the cat pictures most of all !!
Come on home tour! I’ve followed Brooklyn To West since the get and it always leaves me wanting more. Can’t wait!
fremont
the home tour is coming ;)
grace
Very excited for the home tour! These are totally beautiful!
Wow. That headboard is so cool looking. Such a great feature today
First headboard and the detail in the chopping boards is great!
I adore that bedhead (and that cat!)
Wow looks like some amazing, creative work! I am intrigued :)
i’m slightly obsessed with cutting boards but this bedhead blew me away!
Goodness. I am worried. The eucalyptus leaf wall is stunning, but those guys are really flammable. Hope they were soaked in fire retardant first. But that much probably wouldn’t be good for your health in your house either. Beautiful wood work and pics. Thanks.
the art is amazing and love how these rooms have it mixed with more traditional pieces in some rooms.Your inspiration room for your new place is one of my favourites, too.
Beautiful work. Points for matching cat. I am definitely going to be filing this in the to-buy folder for when my husband and I have a larger space and need to buy new pieces of furniture.
i know, huh! thank you j. causey and that makers profile, this girl is good! i’ve been completely inspired all week and i knew i wouldn’t be the only one.
The leaf wall is incredible! I wonder what she used to preserve it? Amazing!
That opening photo just gets me! There’s so much soul in her work! Amazing!
Beautiful… these photos show just how versatile and impactful wood can be. The variety of colours, finishes and textures… love it.
Stunning and absolutly beatiful images. Love her works!
Ahh! Gorgeous! We are all so lucky to live in a world surrounded by such talented artists and makers. And, thank you to Design Sponge for bringing that talent into our homes and minds through the blog. Gorgeous work.
Please put a brown or black cord on the lamp, otherwise I love it.
give a woman some wood, a saw, a hammer and watch her go. amazing! love love love love love love love!
I have literally never been so enamoured with a bread board! Thanks for this beautiful find.
i kind of can’t deal with all of the amazingness.
::picks jaw up from desk::
just stunning and gorgeous!
What a great look! The chopping boards and eucalyptus leaves on the wall – awesome.
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this. I totally get it. I’m just looking through Arielle’s blog saying ooooh, ahhh….this is inspiration right here. You know you love something when you get excited and need to see more.
Thank you all for such lovely and supportive comments! I’m totally honored and surprised and pretty much laughing in utter happiness. You all are fantastic, so thank you again. With all my heart.
These are wonderful! Love to see a woman work so beautifully in a medium which is not typically one women work in!
Holy flipping heck – these are amazing! Thanks for sharing. Fingers crossed she opens up international shipping soon!!
I love the rug in the second last photo!
There’s a beautiful feature of her working in her studio on Sous Style, highly recommend! Hard to believe she’s so nonchalant in a little black dress around a wheel saw. I’d be in like 3 layer leather gloves.
http://sousstyle.com/2011/10/27/ariele-in-new-york/
xs
I’ll rally for a home tour! Her site gave me a taste of how fantastic her space was but my eyes are still thirsty! I’m begging you D*S, let’s do this thing!
Very nice work with this headboard on the first picture! Really inspiring for anyone who is looking for ideas to make a statement in the bedroom. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful! and the kitty is irresistible too!
What!!??? that table…let alone the headboard. Your creative use of what is trendy right now is just impressive and refreshing.
L-O-V-E! Such a wonderful vision and talent within the more manly world of woodworking and carpentry coming from such an inconspicuous person. Love it!!! :)
Fantastic work…I love her use of reclaimed wood and integration of function with beauty.
Oof, I love Ariele’s work, and the photography too! xxx
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