Workshop Wisdom: Folkhaus - Daniel & Nicole Dennett
Tell us about your work.
We design and build bespoke furniture. Every piece we make is handcrafted in our Frome workshop by us. We work with homeowners, business owners, designers and architects to create beautiful and timeless furniture.
-How would you describe your workshop?
Our workshop is a small, humble space that allows us to work closely with our furniture, our staff and our clients.
-What is the usual day in the workshop like for you?
Dan really focuses on our bespoke projects, which can be anything from freestanding furniture to large built in projects (ie, kitchens etc). Nicole works on our brand visuals, the website and photography. And together, we design our pieces.
-How do you best like to work? Music, podcast, silence?
We both like to listen to music whilst working; though we definitely enjoy the podcast or two. We are listening to artists like Petey USA, Ken Pomeroy, and Royel Otis. If we are on a nostalgia kick, we go for American Midwest Emo.
-If you could recommend one podcast or YouTube what would it be?
As we are parents to our six year old, our love for Pokemon has been revitalised; every weekend we watch PokeRev unboxing packs of cards on Youtube!
-Who inspired you when you were starting your creative career?
I am not sure if it’s a ‘who’ but more of a ‘what’. We always enjoyed vintage flea markets and all of the tactile furniture that stood the test of time. Interior magazines, cabins, cottages we have stayed in over the years where we have made memories really spoke to us. As we are makers, we were always building things for ourselves and other people really enjoyed it; it really took off from there.
-What themes, inspirations or concepts drift into your work?
We really lean into pieces that tell a story or have lived a previous life. We draw inspiration simple shapes and how they would fit into a piece of furniture. Our designs are based on timeless living and pieces that will work in any home.
-What is your favourite tool to use?
As Dan is our head maker, he says he loves a good bandsaw, Nicole mainly focuses on our visuals and design, she loves her camera.
-Do you have a quote or motto that you say to yourself?
Do you have any rules or rituals when working?Keep on truckin’
-What advice do you have for another maker?
Try not to just focus on making alone, have fun with the design and get out there and find your inspiration for your own style. Stay true to what speaks to you and you’ll be fine. Authenticity wins.
