The Book Club | Made of Wood, In the Home

Exploring ways to use wood in the home is an ongoing education for me. As a natural material, I love the way it creates harmony, balance and mood. This book was an exciting find and sits well with my ethos of ‘plain, simple and useful’.

Along with the wisdom, ‘Made of Wood’ offers a generous glimpse into 12 homes where timber has been lavishly applied. All things recycled, modern, handmade and globally inspired have been showcased, making every page a joy.

Authors, Mark & Sally Bailey are founders of concept store Baileys Home in Herefordshire countryside. From this unique address of old farm buildings they have been finessing their style and talent for 35 years. But think bigger than tinkering in a workshop, this clever pair have a background in design and furniture-making and have collaborated with makers and retailers worldwide.

30-years of working with wood sparked the inspiration for this book. Divided into two sections, part one investigates wooden elements - sculptural, natural, textural, painted and recycled, while part two highlights those truly creative homes.

Sally & Mark are designers, makers and shopkeepers in the truest sense. In their words,

“We’ve always believed that surrounding yourself with natural materials is a way to achieve a balanced and peaceful atmosphere in the home, and wood is the principle ingredient in that recipe for harmony.”

I wish everyone could read this book for its gentle encouragement to ‘repair and reuse’ our pieces. Am I lofty in thinking this simple vision of recycling could change the world?