Business Details
30 Years
experience
Custom Bespoke Furniture Makers in Hampshire
Established in 1996, Do-designs combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create custom-designed furniture tailored to clients' specifications. With over 18 years of experience in both making and restoring fine furniture, our workshop has collaborated with leading London interior designers and high-profile clientele. Every piece is crafted using premium materials like American walnut, oak, and ash, employing hand-cut dovetails and traditional joinery methods. Our team prioritises uncompromising quality, ensuring each creation balances aesthetic appeal with functional longevity. Located in Hartley Wintney, a region renowned for antique and furniture expertise, we welcome clients to visit our workshop and engage directly in the creation process.From initial design consultations to final finishing touches, we maintain transparent communication and meticulous attention to detail. Our portfolio includes large-scale commissions such as 3.6-metre dining tables, custom kitchens for National Trust properties, and intricate display furniture for collectors. We specialise in transforming challenging spatial requirements into elegant solutions, as demonstrated by our breakfront bookcases that optimise storage while complementing architectural features. All finishes, from natural shellac to hand-applied paint ageing, are executed in-house to exacting standards. As a small business with deep local roots, we pride ourselves on delivering heirloom-quality pieces that stand the test of time.
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
Custom Bookcases
Dining Tables
Kitchen Cabinetry
Display Furniture
Breakfront Bookcases
Wardrobe Units
Painted Furniture
Timber Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 18 years' experience in bespoke furniture making and restoration
- Combines traditional hand-crafted techniques with modern design solutions
- Supplies to leading London interior designers and private collectors
- Works with premium materials including American walnut and European oak
- Offers workshop visits for project progress transparency
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Crafting made-to-measure furniture from solid timber using traditional joinery techniques. Clients specify dimensions, wood types like American walnut or oak, and design preferences. Each piece combines functional requirements with aesthetic considerations, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal through natural finishes like shellac and wax.
Antique Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique and period furniture using traditional methods. Services include repairing broken components, water damage recovery, drawer mechanism restoration, and colour-matching repairs. Techniques preserve original character while ensuring structural integrity and continued usability of cherished pieces.
Custom Bookcases
Designing and constructing bookcases tailored to specific spatial requirements. Available in solid wood or painted MDF options, with features like breakfront designs, integrated storage solutions, and period-appropriate detailing. Solutions balance room proportions with maximum storage capacity.
Dining Tables
Creating substantial dining tables suitable for entertaining, including 3.6-metre designs. Combines traditional pedestal bases with modern clean lines, using thick European oak tops for stability. Tables designed for both visual impact and practical everyday use.
Kitchen Cabinetry
Producing custom kitchen furniture for both modern and heritage properties. Services include bay window units, freestanding larders, and appliance-integrated islands. Traditional mouldings and period details replicated by hand to match existing architectural features.
People
Darren O'Donnell
Owner & Master Craftsman
Bespoke furniture maker with 18 years' experience, running his own business since 1996. Specialises in combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design solutions. Has worked with London interior designers and high-profile clients on complex commissions.
Questions
What types of wood do you work with?
We primarily use American walnut, European oak, ash, and tulipwood, with material selection tailored to each project's requirements and client preferences.
Can you replicate period furniture details?
Yes, our team specialises in copying traditional mouldings and architectural details by hand to match existing features in heritage properties.
Do you deliver large furniture internationally?
Yes, we've successfully shipped large items like 3.6m dining tables to locations including the South of France using careful packaging solutions.
How long does a commission take?
Timelines vary by complexity but typically range from 8-12 weeks for standard pieces, with detailed schedules provided during initial consultations.
Can you work with existing design specifications?
We accommodate both client-provided plans and develop custom designs, collaborating closely with interior designers and architects when required.
Do you offer workshop visits during production?
Yes, we encourage clients to visit our Hartley Wintney workshop to monitor progress and discuss any adjustments during the making process.
