Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. — Joseph Addison
And that’s exactly what Wanda Furman and Tim Jones have achieved in creating their new line of “Essentials” furniture. They certainly have something to do; they both love what they do; and, they are hoping that this collaboration will result in bringing you beautiful, hand-made furniture that’s affordable and will stand the test of time. On their own, Tim and Wanda are each incredibly talented — together they are brilliant.
They met many years ago when Wanda (a former Fashion Director at Sak’s Fifth Avenue and a stylist for many national magazines like Architectural Digest, Country Home and Victoria Magazine as well as HGTV) was looking for someone to make metal railings for her home studio in upstate New York. She found Tim referenced in Traditional Home magazine and she contacted him. He made her railings. They immediately clicked and stayed in contact off and on over the years. It wasn’t until they reconnected through Joan at Hammertown that they worked together again.
Since their initial meeting, Tim had been doing a lot more than creating railings. Inspired by the French Industrial design movement, he began creating furniture pieces from found factory and farm equipment and zinc. The pieces were substantial yet beautifully intricate. Soon designers across the country were coming to him for one-of-kind pieces. Then it was he who was setting the trends for industrial and zinc furniture design in America — to the point that now all of the major home furnishing catalogs are full of “Tim-inspired” industrial designs and they’re being “knocked off” from High Point to India.
Initially, I got to know both Tim and Wanda separately, and then as we started doing more projects together, we started collaborating. It just seemed natural that with Wanda’s design and styling skills and Tim’s own design and artisinal skills, together they were destined to create some inspired things for Hammertown. They both understand the aesthetic I love and they respect my knowledge of what our customers are looking for. Each piece is carefully thought out for design, purpose and use. This Essentials line, by Wanda Furman and Tim Jones, is a testament to Wanda’s mantra…”current but classic”. — Joan Osofksy
Q: What inspired you in designing Essentials?
Tim: When Wanda started thinking about the Design Room upstairs at the Barn, she wanted “more important” pieces…like beds and dressers.
Wanda: My thought was to turn the backroom upstairs at the Barn into an apartment. Something that would provide the best opportunity and environment to showcase our collaboration. Furniture can get lost in the large canvas of Hammertown Barn. Our furniture needed to have a more definitive context and I thought the apartment idea would serve us well.
Q: What part of your collaboration do you enjoy most?
Tim: Getting together for lunch. [he laughs] We really enjoy each others company. Wanda has a simplistic style while I was used to working with more complicated industrial forms. She’s got the ability to “soften” it. She has a more discerning eye…a more refined eye.
Wanda: We listen to each other. We’re each better at some things. Tim has a real grasp of proportion and function. It’s an easy collaboration. There’s no pressure…unless like right now….Tim, you’ve got to get that woodbox done this weekend! [she laughs]
Tim: No, seriously, it can get crazy but we have fun doing what we do.
Wanda: I’m probably more crazy than you!
Q: This is our version of the “Proust Questionnaire” that we ask designers we interview on our blog. Here’s the first question: What’s in your “tool box” for your work? What tools can’t you live without?
Wanda: Magazines…design magazines. And coffee!
Tim: Chalk and Sharpies to layout designs on the floor of my studio so Wanda can see them.
Q: This is a fill in the blank. When I’m in my studio I feel _______
Wanda: Inspired!
Tim: Peaceful
Q: What is on the top shelf of your “inspiration library” right now?
Wanda: Design books by Axel Vervoordt, Daryl Carter & Bobby McAlpine.
Tim: Mine’s not in a library. It’s outside. The lichen patterns on the rocks.
Q: If you were stranded on an island, what 5 things would you want to have with you?
Wanda: 1. Coffee (again) 2. My cats 3. My husband 4. A comfortable bed 5. Matteo linens
Tim: 1. Bow 2. Arrows 3. Lance (my cat) 4. Tiger Lilly (my other cat) 5. Zeus (my dog)
Q: What was the best advice you have ever received and one piece of advice you would give?
Wanda: Received - Trust your own worth and value. Given – Be enthusiastic and love what you do. Have fun otherwise it’s not worth doing it.
Tim: Received - Everybody in the world knows something you don’t so you can learn from everyone you meet. Given - Keep an open mind and remember that you can do anything you want no matter what your roots or education. You can do anything.
Q: If you could make a master mix tape of music that inspires you, what would be on it?
Wanda: Lots of classical music and Jay Z.
Tim: It’s true…she loves Jay Z! I love all kinds of music. Everything from classical to Moody Blues to Hank Williams.
Q: What is your favorite room in your house?
Wanda & Tim (together said): The kitchen!
Q: If you were an object in your house, what would it be?
Wanda: A vintage pillow.
Tim: A mirror.
Thanks Tim and Wanda for your gorgeous work and for inspiring us. And readers, make sure you stop by to see the new Essentials line, exclusively at Hammertown!
Can’t wait to see these pieces in person. Congratulations! Love the look and the design!