Organic Design

A naturally shaped branch can become a functional design object without losing the characteristics that make it distinctive. In furniture and interior accessories, the grain, knots and curves of real wood can determine both the appearance and construction of a piece.

Branches have practical applications throughout the home. Their natural forks can serve as hooks, while longer sections can be used for clothing rails, towel holders and wall-mounted supports.

Unlike standardised wooden fittings, these objects are shaped around the material itself. Selecting the right branch is therefore an important part of the design process.

Working with Natural Wood

A branch intended for interior use needs to be sufficiently dry, structurally sound and carefully prepared. Bark may be removed to expose the grain, while sanding eliminates rough surfaces without necessarily changing the original shape.

Chestnut is particularly suitable for this type of work because of its durability and resistance to decay. Its pale colour and distinctive grain also make it an interesting material for furniture and smaller household objects.

The way a branch is mounted matters just as much as its appearance. Wall hooks require secure fixings, while freestanding pieces need a stable base capable of supporting their intended weight.

Working with the Shape of Wood

Prairie Studio produces handmade furniture and interior accessories using locally sourced solid wood in Brittany.

The atelier's collection includes wall hooks made from real chestnut branches, wooden clothing racks and lighting designs that incorporate naturally shaped timber.

One of its wall-mounted designs uses dried, sanded branches attached to an oiled chestnut base. The natural forks become hooks for clothing, accessories or hanging plants.

Other pieces incorporate peeled chestnut branches as clothing rails, supported by solid wooden structures. The studio deliberately retains irregularities in the wood, meaning that the dimensions and appearance of individual pieces vary.

Rather than reproducing the same form in every object, Prairie Studio adapts its designs to the characteristics of each branch.

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