Boston Showroom by Hopes Woodshop + Studio Endo
Furniture and Lighting Showroom
Studio Endo
Studio Endo is a designer and maker of contemporary American lighting designs. Our collection creates a bold statement while letting beautiful architecture be seen in its best light. We manufacture all of our components in the USA, and hand-assemble these one-of-a-kind fixtures in our Providence, RI studio. Each fixture is made to order and can be customized to fit any space. We deliver designs that provide both functional and sculptural lighting.
Hopes Woodshop
We are New-England's premier vertically integrated woodshop. Everything we build was milled and dried by us. We are saving historical trees and creating heirloom quality pieces to last many generations after. All of our trees are coming down because of age, disease, or storm damage. All of our furniture was once a tree, and we knew that tree. That is what makes our pieces unique and that is why they should mean so much to you.
Showroom Featuring:
Lighting by Studio Endo
Tables and Live edge slabs by Hopes Woodshop
Rugs by Thayer Design Studio
Cast Iron by Ares Iron
Windsor chairs by O&G Studios
We hope you enjoy the collection we have put together for Designers and their clients in the Boston area. It has been great fun, and we cant wait to work with you on your next project!
Live Edge Walnut Conference Table
Bring a little nature into your work for more balance. This particular piece was made from 1 single tree. It consists of (4) 10’ sequentially sawn live edge walnut slabs. The idea behind this end for end bookmatch was to allow the ends to grain match so they looked seamless when put together. The build on this table was complicated and challenging. But, thats what a conference room is for right? Overcoming obstacles and finding a way to make something incredible!
Custom barn in Westport, MA
We built some unique furniture and custom kitchen for this one of a kind Barn
Location : Westport, MA
Date: Winter of 2018
Last year we had the opportunity to work on conceptualizing this project with our client. They wanted a summer retreat that felt like it was built with the original barn. We kept that in mind while designing the furniture for this custom barn.
The scope of work:
Two live edge queen sized cherry beds with full trundles stored underneath
Custom cherry kitchen with beaded doors and drawers
36” High cherry kitchen table with reclaimed base made from a beam of the barn
4 round cherry counter height round stools with 3 legs
Built in cherry refrigerator cabinet
Custom cherry shuffleboard table with cast iron base
The Wood:
While we were designing this barn on site with the client we were taking in the surroundings. Studying the beams, floor board, paneling etc… We wanted to take a mental image of all other materials in play. We then paired this space with the correct lot of trees that we could or have milled to match our ideal finished look. We decided to use this cherry that we milled from Russell MA. It has some insect damage which we could fill with epoxy. We think this tied into the reclaimed feeling of the barn while still feeling luxe but not out of place. This is why our sawmill and kiln are so important to our design when it comes to customizing your space. It takes the blinders off, and allows us to truly design with your space in mind.
The Design-Build Process:
Once we identify the wood we are going to use, we begin the real work. This involves designing, cutting, shaping, sanding, more sanding, and finally finish/install. Each piece is really up to the artists eye, and we have very long conversations about what board should go where when it comes to a build. By doing this we are ensuring each board belongs where its placed. These trees take a very long time to grow and its important to take our time with them. Our end goal is a cohesive look that captures the clients vision.
Living with our furniture in your space:
The idea that everything has been carefully sourced and worked into your space is as special as it sounds. We like to believe that our furniture is more of a feeling than it is something pretty to look at. Something that inspires you to be creative or think about things in a different way. Every day you wake up and are in the presence of beautiful furniture and woodwork is a good day!
Live Edge Black Walnut Slab Table
Live Edge Single Slab Black Walnut Dining Table
Cast Iron Wishbone Base
This handcrafted custom dining table was made for our clients in Jamestown, RI. Features a beautiful single slab of eastern black walnut and black cast iron wishbones legs.
We built this live edge table in our Massachusetts woodshop. It was a pleasure to work with such an amazing tree and equally amazing clients. When a tree takes this long to grow, it is important to take our time and make sure we are building the right way.
Custom dining tables made in Massachusetts
If you are looking for a live edge dining table to be built, we would love to speak with you. To learn more about our slab tables and cast iron bases please contact us:
Materials: Walnut from Berkshire Products
Size: 9' x 4'
Base: Black Wishbones from Ares Iron
Photography: Melissa Stimpson Photography
Finish: Rubio Monocoat Pure 2C
A Relaxing Oasis in Boston, MA
Imagine waking up and feeling refreshed. Working and feeling inspired. When I look at these images I am reminded, nature is the true designer. Something so peaceful about the mix of materials, light and nature.
When I began working on this walnut slab, I envisioned it as a communal table in a restaurant. Piecing it back together with its other half when a large party wanted to sit together. How wrong I was... This piece wasn't meant for that. It was meant to bring a sense of purpose to this room. To say "I once was broken, but now I am whole. This is where I belong".
My Pith series has been my most unexpected success story in the shop. By taking these often discarded boards, and putting them back together we have found a new purpose. The "Pith", refers to the center of the tree and represent the 1st year of growth. It is a soft, spongy material and generally this board will split right down the middle because of this. But there is another meaning to this word, "The essence of something".
Crafting these pieces takes time, thought, and planning. It all starts at the mill. We take careful measurements when beginning our cuts because your 1st cut dictates how your last cut ends. These cuts are often planned to remove the pith from all other boards. Making them more stable and less likely to crack during the drying and building process. As I mentioned earlier, once these boards have dried they are likely to crack along the pith. We reinforce the cracked boards together again using a variety of techniques (Mortise and Tenon, Bowties, Epoxy, etc...). Here you can see our process and inlaying bowties (other names include butterflies, Dutchmans keys, etc...):
It is our hope that we can continue to salvage these boards to create truly one of a kind heirloom pieces for years to come. Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment or share below!
Reclaiming Pieces of History
Reclaimed chestnut beams for flooring and tables
Old Barns in New England (Hampden, MA)
This particular barn looks to be about 200 years old and has reached the end of its life. It will come down, and it will be repurposed. It is important to identify what is worth saving an what is not worth saving. This barn is constructed with chestnut, southern yellow pine and hemlock timbers. There is no doubt that these timbers can be repurposed into something beautiful for residential or commercial applications. We repurpose reclaimed beams into the following:
- Flooring
- Tables
- Benches
- Faux Beams
If you are interested in having a piece of furniture made from reclaimed material, please contact us. Or if you have material that you think we would be interested in please contact us.
Ultimate Guide To Buying And Maintaining A Table
Everything you need to know about purchasing a custom live edge table.
Measure the space
There is nothing worse than buying a piece of furniture only to find it won't fit in your beautiful new space. As the woodworking proverb goes, "measure twice, cut once". However, we are in the "board shortening department". It is a good rule of thumb to leave at least 3 feet all the way around the table. This gives plenty of room for chairs to slide in and out without hitting the walls. For example, If I have a dining room that is 15' long x 10' wide I would be looking at a maximum of 9' long x 4' wide for my table (assuming there is not major walkways/other furniture). While it is nice to always see your table, you don't want to be bumping into or walking around it constantly.
When it comes to shapes, you have options
Depending on the size of your room, a certain shape table may be more suitable to your space. Here are the options:
Family size = (+/-) Table size
In general you want to allow 24"/person at the table. Chairs are typically 18-20" wide (its always good to check your chair size). Think about the way you entertain. If you serve family style think about adding some width to your overall table (remember to use trivets/potholders under hot pans).
Table Base Options
You can really change the look and feel of any table by choosing the right base. It is also important to remember that the base of your table is functional and not just for looks.
Pedestal base - Recommended for round tables. Turnings are Made from 100% solid wood of your choice
Trestle Base - A classic design that is visually appealing while providing the necessary strength. This style also allows you to place chairs/benches around the table without hitting your knees.
Four Legs and Aprons - A traditional farmtable base. Legs and aprons are mortise and tenoned together for strength and longevity.
Cast Iron - Hands down one of the best solutions for slab tables. I don't think there is a better look in the industry right now (but im biased). This is our most popular base.
Design and Style
We suggest working with an interior designer if you are unsure about which direction to go. It is important to remember you are investing into your home, family and life. A designer can lead you in a direction you never thought could be achieved in your space. Crafting a balanced and truly one of a kind space that fits you and your family's lifestyle. If you would like to work with our list of designers please contact us.
Material options
This is where Hopes Woodshop stands on its own. Because we own and operate our own sawmill we control the flow of materials in our shop. We like to stay true to the natural characteristics of our material. Celebrating the colors, knots, cracks, voids, inclusions, live (natural) edges, etc... The majority of our inventory is slabs that are sawn in sequential order. This gives you the ability to match pieces together for perfect symmetry and grain patterns. We stock dimensional lumber in the same fashion. We specialize in the following Live edge slabs and boards:
Single slab, Book-match, Glue-up etc...
We specialize in live edge slabs. Not every table needs to be live edge though. For example if you wanted a single slab (tree slice) but wanted it to have a square edge that is possible. Here are some of the options we offer:
Details (Butterflies, Voids, Knots)
Some things are going to be a given when dealing with big live edge slabs. They are more susceptible to cracking during drying and they are not graded. Therefore they are going to have some cracks, knots, voids, etc... This is where we sharpen our tools and get busy. It is in these details we are able to make truly one of a kind pieces of furniture. Nothing fake about it, we roll with whatever the tree throws at us. If you want us to simulate a live edge, you might need to go somewhere else. We stay as natural to the process as possible. Hand flattening each board so we can study the life of the tree. Here are a few details we love to showcase in our furniture:
The Finish
Every table we make we finish. Lately we have been using Rubio Monocoat on all of our pieces and we have been very pleased. This is an extremely safe product for us and your family. It is durable and will stand up to the daily wear and tear. If you would like a different finish we can also do a urethane upon request.
Closing Remarks
We hope this post has pointed you in the right direction. If you have any further questions in regards to your custom project please feel free to contact us here:
Also watch this quick video on the story of Hopes Woodshop
Massachusetts Farm Tables now ready for delivery
Custom farm tables made in Western MA
Since opening our massive woodshop in Western Massachusetts we have been making additional pieces that are ready to ship. We offer tradition farm tables that are affordable, solid wood, and made to last generations. We have one of a kind slab tables that have characteristics unique to each piece. If you would like a custom table made we can pick through our inventory of slabs and lumber to see if anything works with your dimensions and vision. Here are some pieces that we have in the warehouse for purchase right now:
5' Walnut Boston Farm Table
A classic design for any home
Butternut Slab Rounds
Unique and rare to find butternut slabs this large
6' Berkshires Sugar Maple Table
Bookmatched and nicely figured with black accents
9' Slab Table with cast iron base
Origin: John Adams Museum in Quincy MA
5' Black Walnut Slab with Butterfly Joints
This could be a table, coffee table, or a headboard
7' Greenwhich Ash Farm Table
Photos coming soon!
Shop is open by appointment unless your in the area and want to roll the dice:) If you are interested in learning more about any of these item or something else please schedule an appointment or send us your info below. We would also love to hear you! Please comment below and feel free to share with friends and family. Without you guys, we are just making expensive firewood:)
Refresh with a Modern Desk
A modern desk for any home or office
The Mel Desk
I created this design for my wife who is a Photographer. She really just needs a jumping station for her notebook, phone, and laptop. The idea was to create a desk that took up minimal space, could be placed in the center of a room, and could be used as a table if needed while still being special.
The Top
Each desk is crafted with a 1-1/2" thick top and measures 48" long x 24" wide or 60” long x 30” wide. The idea is to keep this space as clean as possible and only see what you need or want. Working on melamine, laminate, or other wood veneers are ok but nothing is better than the look and feel of natural hardwood. I don't use softwood or pine, because these are not durable enough to keep up with you. The top is set down on the base to keep papers, pens +pencils, computers, etc... from falling off the edges. Corners are smooth and rounded over to avoid a harsh edge on your arms and wrists.
The Base
Im not sure I could complete this design without the mitered legs. It has a very modern look but the feel and strength of traditional mortise and tenon joinery that will last. The legs measure 1-3/4" thick and 3" wide to provide strength without looking over built.
FAQ
Do I have to use a coaster on wooden surfaces?
No, we use RubioMonocoat finish that provides the protection while still giving you the look and feel of the wood.
Can this item ship?
Yes. This desk can be knocked down into 3 pieces and boxed for curbside shipping. Assembly is a breeze. Also, if and when you move you can take it apart again for easy transportation.
Can I add a drawer or cabinet?
Sure, just contact us to learn more about customizing your desk to fit your needs.
Purchase
Mel’s Desk is a simple desk with style for days. Available in white oak and walnut in two different sizes (48” long x 24” wide and 60” long x 30” wide). Please give us 4 weeks to complete your order.
If you would like a custom wood or stain, please contact us for more information.
Woodworking classes for Winter 2018
Attention woodworkers, non woodworkers and everyone in between!
We are excited to launch the opening of our custom furniture shop here in Western Massachusetts. To celebrate we will be offering our very own brand of furniture making classes at our Woodshop in Three Rivers, MA. For the first class we are going to open the shop for 6 people to make your very own slab coffee table. The best part is, the course is going to be free. You just have to pay for your materials (have to buy from us). If things go well we will add more throughout the year. See details below:
Course Offering
- Slab coffee table - We will give you a $50 credit to purchase the slab that you like best. I will work with you to create something that fits your space and design aesthetic. In the course we will flatten and sand the slabs smooth. We will fill and patch voids as needed and to your liking. Bases will be (4) round tapered legs (Don't have a photo because I sold the model:/....) . Limit is 6 people. Cost is just material. Course will be Saturdays from 9-2 for 4 weeks starting Jan 13th.
To sign up for this course contact us here! I look forward to seeing some new faces in the shop and traveling down this woodworking journey together.
Cheers!
Marc