Chico Paper Company artist Kurtis Kruger was asked to create a piece of furniture to fit with our client’s newly remodeled home.
The request was simple, they wanted a unique counter top to pair with their kitchen cabinets. Kruger delivered a stunning design.
He envisioned a live-edge wooden bar top counter where the clients’ kids will eat breakfast, and a pounded copper table top for the other side of the bar. Stools with a similar, organic shape complete the little breakfast nook.
It’s a functional, one-of-a-kind piece of furniture our client and his family will cherish for years to come.
Kruger walked Chico Paper Company through his process of tackling such a statement piece of home furnishing.
How did you approach this project?
I'm very humbled when people consider my taste and skill set worth incorporating a piece in their house. I'm always honored to be chosen to work creating ideas and furniture for other people.
This project was no different. The client enjoys the beauty of live edge wood and the story that the wood itself can tell. Telling that story is my passion in woodworking.
The organic nature of the wood before Kurtis Kruger transforms it into a counter top.
What was it like collaborating with the client?
The clients were wonderful. Of course every design starts with a basic idea. But after that idea, I like to let the wood decide how it will best be displayed. The clients gave me artistic freedom to design the pieces and work with the space in order to accomplish the detail they wanted. This is where I do my best work, having the design freedom to let the space and natural materials allow for the artistry that makes my pieces different than furniture plans that can be purchased at any given hardware store.
Kurtis Kruger sanding down the wood in his workshop.
Close up of the wood grains. "I like to let the wood decide how it will best be displayed," Kruger said.
How was seeing your work completed in the client's space?
It is always gratifying. It's great to see hard work come to fruition. What is more gratifying, however, is knowing that that piece will have a long-life of use and enjoyment.
Kruger hand-pounding the sheet of copper that will wrap around the client's kitchen counter.
A side view of the installed table top with stools.
A closeup of the pounded copper installed. The client said messages and doodles inscribed with lemon or anything acidic can be left on the copper counter and easily wiped away without permanent damage. A fun little perk to the family's original piece of furniture.
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