Bespoke & Commission
Something in mind? Let's build it
Every bespoke commission starts with a conversation. Some clients arrive with detailed drawings and a clear vision; others come with nothing more than a feeling, a space, and a problem to solve. Either way, we work with you to design and build something made entirely for you, in the Wadeys way.
The Ottoman
Upholstered Storage Ottoman with Reversible Oak Tray | Client Commission
A piece that refuses to choose between form and function. This bespoke storage ottoman was designed and built to a client brief; a living room centrepiece that could work as a footrest, occasional table, and hidden storage all at once.
The body is upholstered in Dulcie fabric by Ian Sanderson; chosen by the client to bring warmth, pattern and a quietly luxurious feel to the piece. A fabric selection that set the tone for everything that followed, and one that Wadeys built around with the same care and consideration the client brought to choosing it.
The reversible oak tray sits on top; lift it one way and it becomes a flat surface for drinks, books or a candle. Flip it and the padded upholstered top returns, soft and inviting. And if you look closely at the tray's corner joints, you'll find it; the walnut inlay. Some signatures are hard to leave behind.
Lift the top entirely and the full storage compartment opens beneath; generous, clean and beautifully lined finished inside.
A commission designed around a conversation. Built to live at the heart of a room.
“James helped to design and build a custom ottoman for us, and we couldn’t be happier with it. He was so helpful with ideas, with great communication, and it’s exactly what we were after. The quality of it is impeccable, as is the shelf we have from him too, and we’ve had so many compliments on it.”
The Bike Shed
Cedar & Treated Timber | Courtyard Garden, Essex
The brief was simple: a bike shed for a courtyard garden. The solution was anything but. Working from scratch, I designed and proposed a structure built from red cedar cladding on a treated timber frame; a material chosen for its natural weather resistance, warm tone and clean contemporary grain.
The shed was built bespoke to fit the exact dimensions of the courtyard space, with three doors providing generous access. At the client's request, a side storage cupboard was integrated alongside drainage provision for a water butt; practical features engineered seamlessly into the design without compromising the aesthetic.
The result is a garden structure that feels considered and architectural rather than utilitarian; something worth looking at, not just looking past.
“I wasn’t sure what would work in the space available, but James came to look and measure and came up with a perfect, practical design. He gave advice, discussed materials, agreed a quote and created and fitted a perfect store; making neat use of an awkward space with shelves and a pipe from the roof for a water butt.
Skilled craftsmanship, no disruption, and all done with imagination and care. Knowledgeable, skilled and reasonable. I have been very impressed.”
TV Console
Birch Plywood & Hairpin Legs | Client Commission
The client came with a feeling rather than a blueprint; a collection of images, a love of mid-century design, and an interest in hairpin legs. From there, I designed and built a piece entirely around their vision.
Constructed from birch plywood with a rich stain finish, the console features two flanking storage doors, an open central shelf for AV equipment, and a painted eggshell drawer as a deliberate contrast element; a nod to the two-tone aesthetic of classic mid-century furniture. Dark steel hairpin legs complete the look, lifting the piece visually and grounding it in the style the client had in mind.
A piece designed around a conversation, and built to sit at the heart of a living room.
The Bookshelf
Birch Plywood, Poplar Face Frame & Solid Oak Ladder | Personal Commission
Some of the best projects begin at home. This floor-to-ceiling bookshelf was designed and built for my own house; which meant no compromises, no budget constraints on ambition, and the freedom to build exactly what I had in mind.
At over five metres tall and split across three sections, the structure is built from birch plywood with a poplar face frame, painted in Farrow & Ball for a deep, considered finish that works with the room rather than against it. Integrated LED strip lighting runs throughout, illuminating each shelf and giving the piece a warmth and drama that changes with the light.
The rolling ladder is solid oak; and if you look closely, you'll spot the walnut inlay running through it. Some signatures are hard to leave behind.
Have a project in mind?
Every commission starts with a conversation. Get in touch and let's talk about what you'd like to build.