Introducing its latest offering, Los Angeles-based furniture company West Haddon Hall is poised to launch Collection II, a suite of thoughtfully designed pieces this spring. Spearheaded by founder and interior designer Kate Driver, the collection aims to create future heirlooms through craftsmanship and design that stand the test of time. Driver succinctly encapsulates this ethos, stating, “Good design just ages better,” as the new collection features standout pieces like the Brooks armchair, among others.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Furniture Designer: Kate Driver
Location: Los Angeles, California
Collection: Collection II
Featured Home: Francis Pierpont Davis Family Residence
Craft Techniques: Marquetry and Caning
Comprising seven distinct pieces, Collection II is a homage to classicism, infused with organic sensibilities and crafted with traditional artisanal techniques such as marquetry and caning. The pieces are rich in detail and aim to capture the functional essence needed in contemporary living spaces. Kate Driver’s design philosophy is clear: designing furniture with the intent of becoming treasures over time, much like her cherished old Welsh dresser, which influences her modern crafting approach. Good design, she argues, becomes more valuable and appreciated as it ages gracefully, much like quality heirlooms.
In the selection process for locations to showcase the collection, Driver chose to present the pieces in a home steeped in history: a 1921 family residence designed by Francis Pierpont Davis. This choice offered a stunning, historically-rich backdrop to contextualize the new range. Existing elements from Collection I, like the Elliston daybed and Ivy side table, were also revisited and complemented the launch beautifully. By placing new designs alongside vintage and antique elements, Driver created inviting vignettes that provoke the imagination and advocate for creating personal spaces that hold both new and old beloved pieces.
West Haddon Hall’s latest collection is much more than just furniture; it is an intersection of art and utility, emphasizing true craftsmanship. For instance, the new Sweetbriar Credenza embodies this ethos by floating elegantly on the wall, showcasing the brand’s commitment to sophisticated design paired with natural materials such as caning and honeyed oak. The brand is not just interested in selling furniture but also delving into the artisanal processes behind each piece. Driver emphasizes the need to preserve rare craft techniques, championing collaboration with artisans to sustain these disappearing arts.
Another distinctive feature of West Haddon Hall’s vision is its embrace of customization. The company is committed to working directly with clients to tailor pieces as per their individual desires, ensuring flexibility in size and material choice without compromising on quality. This bespoke approach allows for an intimate design experience, celebrating not just the piece itself but also the journey of its creation and the personal connection it fosters with its owner. This interplay of original design, bespoke offerings, and artisanal craftsmanship truly sets West Haddon Hall apart.
In a sea of mass-produced “fast furniture,” West Haddon Hall stands out with its dedication to through-and-through craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are meant to last lifetimes and be cherished by generations. Driver’s own affinity for treasured finds informs her design aesthetic, ensuring that each piece from Collection II tells a story and holds potential as a future antique. As they are embraced within homes, they invite users to envision worlds where past and present coexist harmoniously, surrounded by beauty and meaningful design.
